SweetWater Music Festival 2009

SWEETWATER MUSIC FESTIVAL 2009
Friday Saturday Sunday, September 18, 19, 20 2009

Artistic Director Mark Fewer is pleased to announce the sixth annual SweetWater Music Festival. The Festival presents a series of breathtaking chamber music concerts which features internationally-acclaimed musicians and inspired programming. Music students are encouraged to sign up for Free Masterclass Workshops by Festival artists (see contact details below). September 18 to 20, 2009 at Historic Leith Church in Georgian Highlands (20 min N.E. of Owen Sound) and Division Street United Church in Owen Sound.

The Festival takes a new spin this season! SweetWater welcomes two highly regarded Guest Directors: for Friday evening Barry Shiffman will present music by Gideon Klein, Osvaldo Golijov and Mozart; for Sunday afternoon's concert Adrian Butterfield will present music by Handel, Vivaldi, Couperin, Leclair and Muffat. The commissioned composer for this year is award-winning jazz legend Phil Dwyer. Also, Saturday evening's performance will include a showstopper version of Vivaldi's Four Seasons with four different violin soloists: Jonathan Crow, Adrian Butterfield, Barry Shiffman, and Mark Fewer. Saturday's performance will also feature soprano Melanie Conly singing Edith Piaf and a new arrangement by Mark Fewer of Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne".

Performers for the weekend will include: Virginia Barron; Adrian Butterfield; Melanie Conly; Jonathan Crow; Steven Dann; Denise Djokic; Mark Fewer; Peter Longworth; Myron Lutzke; Douglas McNabney; Joseph Phillips; Ken Slowik; Barry Shiffman.

This year's "Pre-Concert Chat", taking place at 6:45pm before the Saturday evening concert, will take the form of a panel discussion moderated by Mark Fewer, with guest directors Barry Shiffman and Adrian Butterfield as panelists. All Saturday evening patrons are welcome to attend, no extra ticket required.

Tickets:
Fri 8pm (Leith Church) $25, Sat 8pm (Division St. United Church, Owen Sound) $30 (incl. pre-concert chat), Sun 2pm (Leith Church) $25
Three-concert series ticket: $75
Roxy Theatre Box Office 519-371-2833 (1-888-446-ROXY)
or call 519-376-3517
or email info@swmw.ca
http://www.swmf.ca

The Devil's Fiddler at Chamberfest

The Devil���s Fiddler to perform at Chamberfest!

Roby Lakatos, accompanied by his talented five-piece 'Gypsy Band', slithered and scampered his way - at about 100 notes a second - through four show stoppers, each more preposterously exuberant than the last. - The London Times

The Ottawa Chamber Music Society is thrilled to announce the Ottawa debut of Roby Lakatos as a surprise addition at the 16^th Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival thanks in part to the support of the Marquee Tourism Events Program. Lakatos and his ensemble, a scorching Hungarian gypsy band will perform at Chamberfest on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 pm at Dominion-Chalmers United Church.

Roby Lakatos is not only an impressive virtuoso, but a musician of amazing versatility. With an unusual musical scope - as composer, classical violinist and gypsy violinist, Roby Lakatos is at home in the Hungarian folklore as well as in classical music and jazz. He was born into a legendary family of gypsy violinists who are descended from Janos Bihari, known as the "King of Gypsy Violinists". His musicianship evolved not only within his own family as he was initiated into secrets of gypsy music as a child, but also at the B��la Bart��k Conservatory of Budapest, where he won the first prize for classical violin in 1984.

The combination of his heritage and his nomadic free spirit and classical violin education has allowed Lakatos to become a classical virtuoso, a jazz improviser, a composer and arranger, a fiery violinist ��� all at the same time.

"Since Haydn���s time the influence of Gypsy music has been evident throughout classical music. There is no other performer or ensemble in this day and age that encapsulates the true essence of the Gypsy tradition, its virtuosity, its passion, and sheer ability to entertain, as does violinist Roby Lakatos and his remarkable ensemble," raves Roman Borys, cellist of the Gryphon Trio, the Artistic Directors of the Festival.

His musical prowess borders on genius. Lakatos follows in the footsteps of masters such as Liszt and Brahms in combining classical music with pulsating, vibrant Hungarian Gypsy overtones. Xpress (Abu Dhabi)

���My style has three elements,��� says Lakatos. ���The base is Gypsy music, of course, but also it includes classical music and jazz. The arrangements are very classical - but we have a lot of improvisation, too, because Gypsy music is like jazz,��� he explains. ���And, of course, we never make the same concert twice.���

In addition to sold-out performances at the 2009 festivals of Domaine Forget and Orford, Lakatos and his ensemble have performed to great acclaim in concert halls in North America and Europe, including New York���s Carnegie Hall, Santa Cecilia in Rome, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The other members of Roby Lakatos' ensemble are K��lm��n Cs��ki, L��szl�� B��ni, Oszk��r N��meth and Attila Ront��.

Reserved tickets for this performance can be purchased online at www.chamberfest.com, in person at the OCMS office, Dominion Chalmers United Church Box Office, or at any festival concert, or by calling 613-234-6306. General admission tickets are available only at the door. A Festival pass provides access to this, as well as 90 other Chamberfest concerts. Full ticket and pass details are available at www.chamberfest.com or at 613-234-6306.

Chamber Music America Announces $253,000 in Grants to Jazz Ensembles

CMA announces $253,000 in grantS to JAZZ ensembles

for the creation and development of new work

Twelve U.S. jazz ensembles to receive support

NEW YORK, NY (July 23, 2009)���Chamber Music America (CMA), celebrating its 32nd year of service to ensemble music professionals, today announced the recipients of 12 grants through CMA's New Jazz Works: Commissioning and Ensemble Development program. The grantees were selected in June by an independent, five-member panel of professional jazz musicians. CMA received 161 applications from jazz ensembles in 16 states.

Made possible through the generosity of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, New Jazz Works supports the creation and performance of new works by professional U. S. jazz ensembles, funds activities that extend the life of the work, and encourages the development of career-related business skills. Since its inception in 2000, the program has provided support to more than 132 jazz ensembles.

"We're delighted to be offering the New Jazz Works program," said Margaret M. Lioi, chief executive officer of Chamber Music America, "not only because of the new compositions it is supporting, but also because of the opportunities for professional development it will foster for composers over the three-year grant period. More than ever, creative artists need to be competent administrators and promoters of their own work. CMA is grateful to the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation for its generosity in making the program possible, and we look forward to working closely with these exceptional musicians over the next several years."

Grantees and their Projects

Rez Abbasi Group (New York, NY) In Motherland, Abassi will draw from indigenous Pakistani music and his experiences as a Pakistani-American to create a work for his quartet���guitar, piano, bass, and drum set���and a guest vocalist.

Amir ElSaffar and Two Rivers (Yonkers, NY) ElSaffar's piece for sextet will integrate a harmonic language based on the intervals of the Maqam, a system of melodic modes used in traditional Arabic music; alternative tunings; a melodic and rhythmic template, and improvisation. The piece will feature voice, trumpet, alto saxophone, santour, oud, buzuq, violin, bass, dumbek, frame drum, and drum set.

John Escreet Project (New York, NY) Escreet explores his interest in the relation between speech and music with a new work that looks into the compositional possibilities of multiple, simultaneous speech tracks. His ensemble includes alto saxophone, trumpet, electronics, piano, bass, and drum set.

Ellery Eskelin and Different But the Same (New York, NY) Eskelelin plans a work in which the instrumentalists will improvise as composers, rather than simply playing solos in a pre-composed piece. Instrumentation includes tenor saxophones, bass, and drum set.

Joel Harrison Group (Brooklyn, NY) Harrison draws from the formal concepts of Charles Ives, John Adams, Oliver Messiaen, Gy��rgy Ligeti, and Aarvo P��rt to construct densely textured suite for alto saxophone, violin, cello, guitar, bass, hajini, dejmbe, frame drum, and drum set.

John Hollenbeck and The Claudia Quintet (New York, NY) Suite Lorraine���based loosely on structures, melodies, and harmonies of select jazz standards���will feature polyrhythms, sonic "tapestries," and rhythmic counterpoint. The piece will be scored for clarinet, tenor saxophone, accordion, vibraphone, bass, piano, percussion, and drum set.

Jason Kao Hwang and Edge (Jersey City, NJ) Jason Kao Hwang will sequence written notation and improvisations, creating "a musical landscape through which each instrument, as a character, will journey." Instrumentation: cornet/flugelhorn, trombone, tuba, violin/viola, erhu, pipa, bass, and drum set.

Rudresh Mahanthappa Quartet (Brooklyn, NY) Gamak is planned as a multi-movement work for alto saxophone, guitar, bass, and drum set. Mahanthappa will explore melodic ornamentation, alternative tunings, and rhythm beat cycles derived from Indian, African, and Indonesian music in a jazz context.

Ole Mathisen and F.F.E.A.R. (New York, NY) Mathisen conceives Mirage as a multi-movement work built on unusual meter, tempo, and micro-tonal relationships. As the title suggests, the piece is meant to project the illusion that the quartet (saxophones, clarinet, trombone, bass, and drum set) is part of a much larger group of instruments.

Josh Moshier and Moshier/Lebrun Collective (Evanston, IL) For a work inspired by Studs Terkel's memoir Touch and Go, the composer will utilize both sequenced song and through-composition in five self-contained songs. The work will be scored for tenor saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, and drum set.

Mario Pavone and Orange Double Tenor Ensemble (Prospect, CT) In anticipation of his 70^th birthday, Pavone will compose a polyrhythmic work for sextet that alternates composed sections with structured and open improvised sections. The five-part suite will feature tenor and soprano saxophones, trumpet, piano, bass, and drum set.

Adam Rudolph's Moving Pictures (Maplewood, NJ) Yeyi: A Wordless Psalm of Protypical Vibrations is envisioned as a 12-part suite for six multi-instrumental improvisers. The work will investigate rhythm themes, thematic melodies based on intervallic materials and develop Rudolph's "Cyclic Verticalism" and prototypical signal rhythm patterns. Instrumentation includes winds (B-flat and bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, bansuri, hichiriki, shakuhachi, bass, C and alto flute, cornet, flugelhorn, and kuduhorn), strings (guitars, oud, banjo, dotar, and sintir), and percussion (djembe, dumbek, tarija, cajon, bata, conga, thumb piano, bender, qarqaba, gongs, slit drum, marimbula, udu drum, caxixi, achimevu, and drum set).

Chamber Music America was founded in 1977 to develop and strengthen an evolving chamber music community. With a membership of over 6,000, including musicians, ensembles, presenters, artists' managers, educators, music businesses, and advocates of ensemble music, CMA welcomes members representing a wide range of musical styles and traditions. In addition to its funding programs, CMA provides its members with consulting services, access to health and instrument insurance, conferences, seminars and several publications, including Chamber Music magazine, and a website www.chamber-music.org.

The mission of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation is to improve the quality of people's lives through grants supporting the performing arts, environmental conservation, medical research and the prevention of child maltreatment, and through preservation of the cultural and environmental legacy of Doris Duke's properties. Visit www.ddcf.org.

Ottawa Chamber Music Festival

Chamberfest ���09 ���

Exceptional entertainment, Exceptional value!

July 25-August 8

����Ķone of the genre���s most anticipated annual events.��� -- Where Ottawa 13/08/2008

From July 25 to August 8, more than 250 of the world���s finest musicians will gather for the 16^th Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival ��� Chamberfest 09 for two weeks of superb music-making. Over 90 indoor and outdoor concerts and events will be presented at venues including some of the city's most beautiful churches and heritage sites, including free concerts along the world-famous Rideau Canal (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Governor General���s residence, on the grounds of Rideau Hall. From Mozart to Miles Davis, savour a summer sampling of unforgettable sounds!

���Chamberfest 09 is a delicious mix of core favourites blended with the bold flavours of new collaborations. I encourage patrons to use their Festival pass as a passport taking them on an extraordinary journey of musical discovery, ���says Ottawa Chamber Music Society Executive Director Glenn Hodgins.

This year is the celebration of the 200^th anniversary of the year of Haydn���s death and Mendelssohn���s birth. Over a dozen string quartets from around the world and a handful of piano trios and other ensembles will perform masterpieces by these musical giants during the fourteen days of Chamberfest ���09. Another celebration will be a lively concert by James Campbell and Gene DiNovi to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of Benny Goodman���s birth.

���This is a celebration of that special bond between performer and audience, where the magical communication of music happens. We all know and love that exchange of energy that has kept us all coming back for more,��� says Roman Borys, on behalf of Artistic Directors, the Gryphon Trio.

Chamberfest begins with an outstanding opening benefit concert featuring Grammy and Juno award winner James Ehnes and Jon Kimura Parker partnering on an Ottawa stage for the very first time. Their powerful yet intimate performance will include selections from Prokofiev, Mozart and Ravel.

Early Music aficionados will be thrilled with performances by Les Voix Baroques, the Juno award wining Ensemble Caprice, and world-renowned soprano Ann Monoyios accompanied by the Ottawa Bach Choir and the Festival Baroque Consort.

New Music fans will be captivated by performances by the Molinari Quartet, Gary Hayes and members of the Ottawa New Music Creators, and Toca Loca, to name but a few. Ottawa���s own Doreen Taylor-Claxton and Fr��d��ric Lacroix will perform Elemental Voices, a concept created by Ms. Taylor-Claxton that incorporates voice and dance. Esteemed Canadian composer, performer and educator, Gary Kulesha will offer insights as he hosts New Music Dialogues, a series of concerts featuring many Ottawa performers.

The next generation of virtuosos will be well represented at Chamberfest 09 by the extraordinarily talented Calgary pianist 14 year old Jan Lisiecki and the Afiara Quartet, Canada���s hottest new entry on the international quartet scene. The ever-popular Rising Stars concert will feature incredibly accomplished young local artists.

Soaring Beyond Expectation ��� Women in Composition is a series of concerts, including the world premiere of a piece by pianist and composer Heather Schmidt, dedicated to 19^th century and contemporary women composers who have made their mark on the musical world. Fanny Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann, both women who were limited by prevailing attitudes of the time, are but two women composers celebrated during the festival.

"I once believed that I possessed creative talent, but I have given up this idea; a woman must not desire to compose ��� there has never yet been one able to do it. Should I expect to be the one?" - Clara Schumann at age 20

Renowned European musicologist Harry Halbreich returns this summer for eight days to offer his Musical Musings on the repertoire of the day. A new feature to this musical start to the festival day will be Highlights from Haydn, the addition of a live performance of a piece by Haydn in honour of the 200^th anniversary of his death. In addition to the Musical Musings will be two morning presentations by master bow maker Yung Chin, one of the most respected and sought-after bow makers in the world, to share with festival-goers the Mysteries of the Bow.

Young People���s Concerts make their popular return, as well as family friendly presentations offered in partnership with the Rideau Canal Festival on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2. The first of two concerts involves participation from the crowd making music while participating in the Rideau Canal Festival���s Bicycle Parade! The second concert will see Chamberfest musicians animating the Canal Festival���s Flotilla, which features dozens of elaborately decorated boats. Festival-goers will be captivated by brass musicians performing from flotilla boats, on the shore, on the bridges above, and throughout surrounding areas.

In another new partnership, the OCMS is happy to announce the return of the very popular Late Night Series. Chamberfest brings Late Night concerts to Ottawa���s coolest hot spot, Saint Brigid���s Emerald Club (Saint Brigid���s Centre for the Arts and Humanities, 314 St. Patrick Street at the corner of Cumberland and St. Patrick). Festival-goers can relax with their favourite brew as they enjoy 15 nights of classical, jazz and world music while mingling with musicians in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. Doors open at 9:30 pm, with a 10:30 soft start for performances. Admittance is free with a festival pass.

The festival closes with a dazzling benefit concert. CelebrEIGHT! will include Ottawa���s own Donna Brown and the Festival Cello Ensemble (eight cellos!) performing the glorious Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5 and the St. Lawrence String Quartet and the Ying Quartet performing Mendelssohn���s famous Octet.

We have created a range of fairly priced passes with an option to suit every budget. Festival passes and tickets for the Opening and Closing Benefit Concerts are available for purchase as of May 21. All ticket information and the full schedule is available online at www.chamberfest.com.

Passes and tickets are available at the Ottawa Chamber Music Society office at 201-4 Florence Street (at the corner of Bank Street), the OCMS Box Office situated at Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street, and online at www.chamberfest.com.

The Ottawa Chamber Music Society gratefully acknowledges the support of its sponsors, partners and donors.

City of Ottawa

Ottawa Arts Council

Canadian Heritage

Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund

The Ontario Trillium Foundation

Canada Council for the Arts

Kyiv Chamber Choir Makes Awaited Return

Roy Thomson Hall: Friday, April 24 at 7:30PM

For Immediate Release ��� Toronto, March 24, 2009: Platinum Concerts International (PCI) proudly presents the world-renowned Kyiv Chamber Choir and conductor Mykola Hobdych at Roy Thomson Hall on Friday April 24 at 7:30 p.m. This concert is part of a Canadian tour which includes 12 Canadian cities and marks the much-anticipated return of this award-winning ensemble, which last appeared in Canada in 2006 to public and critical acclaim. The Toronto performance is unique however, as the Kyiv Chamber Choir joins forces with renowned choral ensembles Elmer Iseler Singers, Vesnivka Choir, and St. Michael���s Choir School for an evening of classical Ukrainian choral works sung in the antiphonal style, with the sounds of these Choirs coming from around Roy Thomson Hall.

Kyiv Chamber Choir performances always bring audiences to their feet. Presenting programmes that combine choral works drawn from a rich Ukrainian musical history dating back over 1,000 years, the 21-voice ensemble has earned a world-wide reputation as the foremost proponent of Ukrainian choral music, and has won three Grand Prix awards in European choral competitions. Ukrainian folk music, arranged by the finest contemporary composers, is also a part of the Choir���s dynamic performance, featuring costumes, instruments and choreography. The Kyiv Chamber Choir���s outstanding performances are unlike anything else in the world of music. ���This is an ensemble of rare quality, a purveyor of music at its transcendent best���, wrote Bill Richardson in The Georgia Straight after the KCC���s last Canadian visit.

In addition to their touring and concerts, the celebrated Kyiv Chamber Choir has recorded over 30 CDs, featuring the best music of their homeland, delivered with outstanding skill and overwhelming passion. The Kyiv Chamber Choir���s 2009 spring tour (taking place April 22 to May 5) includes Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Kitchener-Waterloo and (for the first time) Victoria B.C. and St. Catharines, Ont.

Platinum Concerts International is a Toronto-based organization whose primary goal is to bring the ���hidden treasure��� of great Ukrainian choral music to mainstream arts and music audiences in North America. For more details, please visit PCI���s website - www.platinumconcerts.com

Kyiv Chamber Choir / Mykola Hobdych, conductor

With the Elmer Iseler Singers (Lydia Adams, conductor)

Vesnivka Choir (Halyna Kvitka Kondracki, conductor)

St. Michael���s Choir School (Jerzy Cichocki, conductor)

Roy Thomson Hall ��� Friday, April 24 at 7:30PM

For tickets: $65, $55, $45 (incl. all sales taxes), please visit www.roythomson.com

or call the box office at 416-872-4255

Tickets are also available through PCI toll-free at 1-877-266-2557

Woodwind concert rounds out Chamber Music Series

TORONTO ��� The Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto presents the final concert of the acclaimed Chamber Music Series. Titled Petite Offrande Musicale, the program features chamber music for 3 to 7 woodwind and brass players, including Petite Offrande Musicale (Nino Rota), Divertissement (Jean Francaix), Mladi ("Youth") (Leos Janacek) and Septet for Wind (Paul Hindemith). The performers are some of the top players in Toronto, including Harcus Hennigar, horn, Kathleen McLean, bassoon, Joseph Orlowski, bass clarinet, Stephen Pierre, clarinet, Clare Scholtz, oboe, Douglas Stewart, flute, and Barton Woomert, trumpet. The concert takes place on Monday, March 30 at 7:30 pm in Walter Hall, 80 Queen���s Park. Tickets ($25 adults and $15 seniors/students) can be purchased at the box office in person or by calling 416-978-3744.

Harcus Hennigar has been a member of the Toronto Symphony since 1986, and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto. A native of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Hennigar graduated from the University of Toronto, studying with Eugene Rittich, and further studied in Czechoslovakia with Frantisek Solc, Hungary with Ferenc Tarjani, and Russia with Vitali Bujanovsky.

Kathleen McLean received her musical training at the Curtis Institute of Music and has been associate principal bassoon of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since 1992 and was principal bassoon with the Canadian Opera Company. She was bassoon instructor at the University of Victoria until 1988 and since then has been on faculty at the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Joseph Orlowski has been a member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra since 1988. Joseph has acted as Principal clarinettist with the Canadian Opera Company and was the Associate Principal Clarinettist with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. He teaches at the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Music. Joseph is also a Certified Personal Trainer, focusing on injury prevention and strengthening for professional musicians.

Stephen Pierre has been principal clarinet with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra for the last twenty years, a position he has also held with the Victoria Symphony. Stephen attended the University of Toronto Faculty of Music and studied with Robert Marcellus of the Cleveland Orchestra and Stan McCartney and Avrahm Galper of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Stephen is currently on the faculties of both the University of Toronto and McMaster University.

Clare Scholtz was principal oboe of the Saskatoon Symphony for four years, and taught at the University of Saskatchewan. Clare has performed with the National Ballet Orchestra in Toronto, Europe and across Canada, the Toronto Symphony, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, the Esprit Orchestra, Opera Atelier, Soundstreams, Arraymusic, Continuum, the International Bach Festival with Helmuth Rilling and many other ensembles. She is on the faculties at the University of Toronto and York University.

Douglas Stewart is Principal Flute in the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra and the Esprit Orchestra. He has studied with Albert Horch, Nick Fiore, Robert Aitken, Marcel Moyse, James Galway, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Julius Baker and Samuel Baron. He teaches at the University of Toronto and has been Visiting Professor at the Freiburg Hochschule of Music in Germany.

Since 1982, Barton Woomert has been Associate Principal trumpet with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and trumpet instructor at Faculty of Music, University of Toronto. In addition to performing in the symphony and teaching at the University of Toronto, Barton maintains a busy private trumpet studio and performs as an associate member of the True North Brass. During the summer, he serves on the music faculties of the Interprovincial Music Camp and the Lancaster County Music Camp of Elizabethtown College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The Faculty of Music CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES brings to Walter Hall some of the world���s finest chamber music groups. Recent and upcoming performers include the Pacifica Quartet, Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet, St. Lawrence String Quartet, cellist Steven Isserlis, and the Gryphon Trio. For more information on this and other Faculty of Music concert series, please visit our website at http://www.music.utoronto.ca or contact the Box Office at 416-978-3744.

Concert-b��n��fice avec Michel Rivard

Michel Rivard et L���Orchestre de chambre I Musici de Montr��al Mercredi 22 avril 2009 20 h Th����tre Outremont 1248, avenue Bernard Ouest Concert-b��n��fice au profit de L���Orchestre de chambre I Musici de Montr��al Montr��al, le 16 mars 2009 ��� Michel Rivard, l���un des auteurs-compositeurs-interpr��tes les plus prolifiques de la sc��ne qu��b��coise, se joindra �� maestro Yuli Turovsky et ses Musici, pour c��l��brer �� sa fa��on le 25e anniversaire de L���Orchestre. Pour un soir seulement, Michel Rivard revisite ses plus belles chansons enjoliv��es par les riches sonorit��s de l���orchestre de chambre mondialement reconnu. Des classiques revus et inspir��s gr��ce aux orchestrations originales de Blair Thomson procureront un bonheur certain. Et pour notre plus grand plaisir, ce concert-b��n��fice d��voilera un Michel Rivard m��lomane et passionn�� de musique classique. Ses pi��ces favorites du r��pertoire de L���Orchestre seront interpr��t��es par I Musici de Montr��al. Michel Rivard Photographe: Jean-Fran��ois Gratton �� Les musiciennes et musiciens d' I MUSICI DE MONTR��AL sont des virtuoses capables de mettre leur talent au service d'un formidable son d'ensemble. Je les ai d'abord connus sur disque et le coup de foudre initial ne s'est jamais estomp��. En concert, leur ��clectisme est une force palpable. Chanter avec eux est non seulement un honneur, c'est aussi un plaisir que j'ai tr��s h��te de revivre.�� Michel Rivard Deux explorateurs qui s���aventurent vers de nouvelles avenues musicales Michel Rivard, auteur-compositeur-interpr��te, com��dien et ex-joueur de la Ligue nationale d���improvisation s���est produit avec divers orchestres qu��b��cois. Sur la sc��ne du Th����tre Outremont nous retrouverons des incontournables de ce po��te urbain tels que La lune d���automne, L���oubli, Je voudrais voir la mer, Un trou dans les nuages, Le Priv��, Rivi��re et Les chemins de gravelle. Endossant l���habit de ma��tre de c��r��monie, Michel Rivard introduira ses coups de c��ur du r��pertoire d��� I Musici de Montr��al : Pr��lude et Scherzo de Chostakovitch, l���Adagio pour cordes de Barber et la Petite musique de nuit de Mozart. Rencontre de deux univers, les chansons de Rivard nich��es dans de magnifiques orchestrations et de tr��s belles pages de la musique classique savoureusement interpr��t��es par I Musici de Montr��al. Depuis sa fondation, I Musici de Montr��al multiplie les collaborations avec des artistes issus de divers horizons. Des aventures musicales in��dites o�� maestro Turovsky et ses Musici ont partag�� la sc��ne avec, entre autres, Oliver Jones, Omara Portuondo, Michel Legrand, Nathalie Choquette, l���ensemble Kleztory ou encore avec les com��diens Albert Millaire et Kim Yaroshevskaya. R��cemment, L���Orchestre participait aux spectacles de Ma vie avec Mozart de et avec l���crivain et dramaturge fran��ais ��ric-Emmanuel Schmitt (Festival Montr��al en lumi��re). C��l��brez avec Michel Rivard les 25 ans de L���Orchestre de chambre I Musici de Montr��al Le 22 avril, soyez de la f��te, soufflez avec nous les 25 chandelles de L���Orchestre! Une soir��e festive qui sera m��morable �� souhait. Assistez au concert-b��n��fice et exprimez votre passion pour I Musici. Au Th����tre Outremont, 1248, avenue Bernard Ouest. Co��t des billets : 46.75 $ (r��gulier), 66,75 $ (donateur) et 101.75 $ (VIP). Renseignements et billetterie : 514 982-6038 ou �� info@imusici.com Pour en savoir davantage sur notre 25e saison : www.imusici.com I Musici de Montr��al tient �� remercier Radio-Classique Montr��al CJPX 99, 5 fm et Rock D��tente 107, 3 fm les partenaires m��dias pour cet ��v��nement-b��n��fice Michel Rivard & L'Orchestre de chambre I Musici de Montr��al Wednesday, April 22, 2009 8 PM The Outremont Theatre 1248 Bernard Avenue West Benefit Concert for the L'Orchestre de chambre I Musici de Montr��al Montreal, March 16, 2009 ��� Michel Rivard, one of Quebec's most prolific writer-composer-musician, joins Maestro Yuli Turovsky and his Musici to celebrate the orchestra's 25th anniversary. For one night only, Michel Rivard will revisit his most beautiful songs embellished by the rich sonority of the world-renowned chamber orchestra. His classics, revisited and inspired by the original orchestration of Blair Thomson, will deliver certain happiness. And for our great pleasure, this benefit concert will reveal Michel Rivard as a passionate lover of classical music. His favourite pieces of the orchestra's repertoire will be interpreted by I Musici de Montr��al. Michel Rivard Photographe: Jean-Fran��ois Gratton "The musicians of I Musici de Montreal are virtuosi capable of using their talent in service to a wonderful ensemble sound. I first knew of them on CD and the initial love at first sight has never dimmed. In concert, their eclecticism is a palpable force. Singing with them is not only an honour, but also a pleasure which I am very much looking forward to again." Michel Rivard Two explorers on an adventure towards a new musical destination! Michel Rivard, writer-composer-musician, actor and ex-player on the "Ligue nationale d'improvisation", has performed with various Quebec orchestras. On stage at the Outremont Theatre, we will find the wonderful songs of this urban poet such as La Lune d'automne, L'oubli, Je voudrais voir la mer, Un trou dans les nuages, Le Priv��, Rivi��re and Les chemins de gravelle. Playing the role of master of ceremonies, Michel Rivard will introduce his favourite pieces of I Musici's repertoire: Prelude and Scherzo by Shostakovich, Barber's Adagio, and A Little Night Music by Mozart. A meeting of two universes, Rivard's songs nested in magnificent orchestrations and very beautiful pieces of classical music interpreted deliciously by I Musici de Montr��al. Since its beginning, L'Orchestre de chambre I Musici de Montr��al has been multiplying its collaborations with artists from various horizons. Musical adventures where Yuli Turovsky and his Musici have shared the stage, amongst others,with Oliver Jones, Omara Portuondo, Michel Legrand, Nathalie Choquette, Kleztory as well as actors Albert Millaire and Kim Yaroshevskaya. Recently, the orchestra participated in the show Ma vie avec Mozart with writer/playwright Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt (Montreal Highlights Festival). Celebrate L'Orchestre de chambre I Musici de Montreal's 25th anniversary with Michel Rivard! On April 22nd, be part of the party! A surely memorable festive evening! Come express your passion for I Musici de Montr��al at this Benefit Concert. Ticket prices: $46.75 (regular), $66.75 (donor) and $101.75 (VIP) Information and tickets: 514-982-6038 or at info@imusici.com To know more about our 25th season: www.imusici.com I Musici would like to thank media partners Radio-Classique Montreal CJPX 99, 5 fm and Rock D��tente 107, 3 fm for supporting this benefit concert.

Richard Tognetti's Australian Chamber Orchestra On Tour April-May 2009

Australian Chamber Orchestra with Violinist Richard Tognetti On Tour April and May 2009

Nine dates Coast-to-Coast Showcase ACO's Trademark Vitality and High Energy Performances

New York, NY ��� March 6, 2009 ��� This spring, the Australian Chamber Orchestra under the direction of violinist Richard Tognetti embarks on a nine city tour of the United States. With stops in Los Angeles at The Walt Disney Concert Hall, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Kansas City, Berkeley, Denver, Iowa, Princeton and New York at Carnegie Hall, this is one of the most ambitious US tours ever undertaken by the group, known as Australia���s most dynamic and acclaimed musical ensemble.

For this tour, the ACO will perform works of Haydn, Vivaldi, Haas, Rameau and American premiere performances of Footwork by Roger Smalley. Concerts in Santa Barbara, Berkeley, Denver and New York will also feature a performance of Handel arias with countertenor Andreas Scholl. In San Diego, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Iowa and New Jersey, pianist Paul Lewis joins the ACO for Mozart���s Piano Concerto No. 12 (K. 414). Complete program details are listed below.

Founded in 1975, the Australian Chamber Orchestra is a product of the country���s vibrant, adventurous and inquiring spirit. Under the visionary leadership of violinist Richard Tognetti who celebrates his 20th year with the ensemble this season, these brilliant virtuosos are engaged with music at the highest level: seventeen minds ���thinking and breathing as one��� (The Times). In performances around Australia, around the world and on many recordings, the ACO performs repertoire spanning four centuries with ���unfailing virtuosity and unanimity of spirit��� (New York Times) unmatched by other ensembles. The ACO���s unique artistic style encompasses not only the masterworks of the classical repertoire, but innovative cross-artform projects and a vigorous commissioning program.

The outstanding Australian musician Richard Tognetti, ���one of the most characterful, incisive and impassioned violinists to be heard today��� (Telegraph) is considered a National Living Treasure in Australia. He was appointed Artistic Director and Lead Violin of the Australian Chamber Orchestra in 1989. Tognetti is a noted soloist, composer, arranger, educator and an accomplished surfer (his documentary about the connections between music and surfing Musica Surfica was recently awarded best feature at the New York Surf Film Festival and was honored at the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival). While maintaining the highest artistic standards, Richard Tognetti has broadened the audience for classical music through collaborations with many non-classical entertainers like Barry Humphries (Dame Edna Everage) and Neil Finn (from Crowded House). For the 2003 film Master and Commander, Tognetti co-composed the soundtrack, performed as a soloist on the best-selling recording, and also taught Russell Crowe to play the violin for the film. Richard Tognetti plays a Guarneri Violin worth more than $10 Million that was lent to him by an anonymous donor.

Under Richard Tognetti���s inspiring leadership, the ACO has performed as a flexible and versatile ���ensemble of soloists���, on modern and period instruments, as a small chamber group, a small symphony orchestra, and as an electro-acoustic collective. In a nod to past traditions, only the cellists are seated ��� the resulting sense of energy and individuality is one of the most commented-upon elements of an ACO concert experience.

For more information about the Australian Chamber Orchestra, visit the website at www.aco.com.au.

Ottawa Chamber Music Society present Festive Brass: Capital BrassWorks

Celebrate the holidays with Capital BrassWorks and the Ottawa Chamber Music Society!

Ottawa (December 8, 2008) - The Ottawa Chamber Music Society presents Capital BrassWorks on Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 pm at Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street, in Ottawa.

Capital BrassWorks has been delighting audiences in the National Capital Region and reaching out all over the country through broadcasts and recordings for nearly ten years, and is the only large brass ensemble in Canada that performs a regular series of concerts every year. The Ottawa Chamber Music Society is delighted to present this group of leading brass musicians in a festive concert to celebrate the holiday season.

"Brass music is especially appropriate around Christmas. Several years ago CBW presented a Christmas concert that was broadcast by Radio Canada. We eagerly look forward to presenting an exciting program of Baroque and Christmas favourites, including some new arrangements, as part of the Ottawa Chamber Music Society's concert series." ��� Nicholas Atkinson, Capital BrassWorks

Capital BrassWorks includes some of the most respected musicians in Canada drawn from the National Arts Centre Orchestra and the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. Their repertoire spans Renaissance to Contemporary pieces with works by some of the best brass arrangers from around the world. Many of the works performed by the ensemble are either written or arranged by CBW musicians, and the group has premiered several original works by Canadian composers. Their December 14^th program will feature works by Bach, Tchaikovsky, Warlock, and many Christmas favourites.

The group has just released a third CD, Gabriel's Sister, featuring a variety of solos performed by trumpet virtuoso Karen Donnelly.

Tickets have been specially priced for the holidays and range from $15 - $47. Tickets can be purchased through the OCMS box office in person, by calling 613-234-8008, or can be purchased at the door. Special holiday subscriptions are available through the OCMS box office with benefits including access to the best seats in the house and up to 60% savings. Families are encouraged to attend this wonderful holiday concert with the offer of a Family Pack (2 adults, 2 children) starting as low as $70. In the spirit of the season, families can consider introducing additional children to the wonders of classical music for only $5 each. Ticket and subscription information is available by calling the OCMS box office at 613-234-8008.

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C��l��brez les f��tes avec Capital BrassWorks et la Soci��t�� de musique de chambre d'Ottawa!

Ottawa (8 d��cembre 2008) ��� La Soci��t�� de musique de chambre d'Ottawa pr��sente Capital BrassWorks le dimanche 14 d��cembre, �� 15h 00, �� l'��glise unie Dominion-Chalmers, 355, rue Cooper, �� Ottawa.

Depuis bient��t dix ans, Capital BrassWorks a enchant�� les auditoires de la r��gion de la Capitale nationale et a rayonn�� partout au pays gr��ce �� ses ��missions et enregistrements. Il est le plus gros ensemble de cuivres du Canada, qui se produit r��guli��rement dans une s��rie de concerts �� chaque ann��e. La Soci��t�� de musique de chambre d'Ottawa est heureuse de pr��senter ce groupe de musiciens des cuivres lors d'un jovial concert pour c��l��brer la p��riode des f��tes.

"La musique avec cuivres est sp��cialement indiqu��e au temps de No��l. Il y a quelques ann��es, CBW a pr��sent�� un concert de No��l, qui fut diffus�� par Radio Canada. Nous avons vivement h��te de pr��senter ce captivant programme d'airs baroques et de No��l dont on raffole, y compris quelques nouveaux arrangements, le tout faisant partie de la s��rie de concerts de la Soci��t�� de musique de chambre d'Ottawa." ��� Nicholas Atkinson, Capital BrassWorks

Capital BrassWorks comprend quelques-uns des musiciens les plus respect��s au Canada, provenant de l'Orchestre du Centre national des arts et de l'Orchestre symphonique d'Ottawa. Leur r��pertoire s'��tend de la Renaissance aux pi��ces contemporaines, avec des ��uvres des meilleurs arrangeurs pour cuivres au monde. Plusieurs des ��uvres interpr��t��es par l'ensemble ont ��t�� soit ��crites, soit arrang��es, par les musiciens de CBW; et le groupe a jou�� en premi��re plusieurs ��uvres originales de compositeurs canadiens. Leur programme du 14 d��cembre mettra �� l'affiche des ��uvres de Bach, Tchaikovsky, Warlock, et plusieurs airs favoris de No��l.

Le groupe vient juste de publier un troisi��me CD, Gabriel's Sister, comprenant des solos interpr��t��s par la trompettiste virtuose Karen Donnelly.

Les billets sont �� des prix sp��ciaux pour les f��tes et vont de 15 $ �� 47 $. On peut les acheter en personne �� la billetterie de la SMCO, en composant le 613-234-8008 ou �� l'entr��e. Des souscriptions sp��ciales pour le temps des f��tes sont disponibles �� la billetterie et donnent acc��s aux meilleurs si��ges de la salle, en permettant des ��conomies allant jusqu'�� 60 %. On encourage les familles �� assister �� ce merveilleux concert du temps des f��tes en leur offrant un format familial (2 adultes, 2 enfants), �� partir d'aussi peu que 70 $. Dans l'esprit des f��tes, les familles peuvent ��galement initier un enfant suppl��mentaire aux merveilles de la musique classique pour seulement 5 $. On peut obtenir billets et renseignements en appelant la billetterie de la SMCO au 613-234-8008.

Ottawa Chamber Music Society - Constantinople cancelled

Ottawa (December 1, 2008) ��� The Ottawa Chamber Music Society, the National Arts Centre and the Gryphon Trio announced today that they are canceling their co-presentation of Constantinople originally scheduled for two performances, on Wednesday February 4 and Thursday February 5 at 7:30 PM in the National Arts Centre Theatre.

"We deeply regret having to make this decision but it is the prudent thing to do in these uncertain economic times. Constantinople is the result of a remarkable artistic journey that the Gryphon Trio was looking forward to sharing with Ottawa audiences, but it is a complex and expensive production to mount. By withdrawing Constantinople at this time, we make it easier for the Society to concentrate its resources on its primary activity, the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival," stated co-Artistic Director and Gryphon Trio member Roman Borys.

In place of Constantinople, the Gryphon Trio and special guest mezzo-soprano Julie Nesrallah will present a benefit concert for the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival featuring a spectacular all-Beethoven program. The concert will take place at Dominion-Chalmers United Church and will include a selection of Beethoven's charming Op. 108 Scottish Songs, the Trio in G major Op. 1, No. 2, and will conclude with the Trio in B flat Op. 97 Archduke, one of the greatest chamber works of all time.

"The National Arts Centre supports this difficult decision. It's a challenging time for the arts in our community. The Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival has become a pillar of the classical music scene and we want to do what we can to see the Festival flourish for years to come," said Christopher Deacon, Managing Director NACO.

All Constantinople ticket holders have been personally contacted and offered a refund.

Single tickets for the benefit concert can be purchased for the special sale price of $30- $47 and are available at the Ottawa Chamber Music Society box office only or by calling 613-234-8008. Special holiday subscriptions are available through the OCMS box office with benefits including access to the best seats in the house and up to 60% savings.

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Ottawa (1^er d��cembre 2008) ��� La Soci��t�� de musique de chambre d'Ottawa, le Centre national des arts et le Gryphon Trio annoncent aujourd'hui qu'ils annulent leur coproduction de Constantinople qui devait ��tre pr��sent��e les mercredi 4 et jeudi 5 f��vrier 2009 �� 19h30 au Th����tre du Centre national des arts.

�� Nous regrettons profond��ment de devoir prendre cette d��cision, que la prudence nous dicte en ces temps incertains. Constantinople, aboutissement d'un cheminement artistique remarquable que le Gryphon Trio souhaitait partager avec l'auditoire Outaouais, est complexe et co��teux �� produire. En retirant Constantinople �� ce moment, il sera plus facile �� la Soci��t�� de d��dier ses ��nergies �� son activit�� de premier plan, le Festival international de musique de chambre d'Ottawa �� a d��clar�� le co-directeur artistique et membre du Gryphon Trio, Roman Borys.

En lieu et place de Constantinople, le Gryphon Trio et leur invit��e sp��ciale, la mezzo-soprano Julie Nesrallah, pr��senteront en concert b��n��fice pour le Festival international de musique de chambre d'Ottawa un programme tout- Beethoven. Le concert aura lieu le jeudi 5 f��vrier �� 19h30, �� l'��glise-Unie Dominion-Chalmers. On y entendra entre autres des extraits des charmants Chants d'��cosse (Op. 108), le Trio in sol majeur Op. 1, No. 2 et le Trio en si b��mol Op. 97 (Archiduc), l'une des plus grandes ��uvres de chambre de tous les temps.

�� Le Centre national des arts soutient cette difficile d��cision. Les temps sont durs pour notre communaut�� artistique. Le Festival international de musique de chambre d'Ottawa est devenu un pilier de la sc��ne musical classique et nous tenons �� faire tout ce que nous pouvons afin qu'il florisse dans les ann��es �� venir ��, a d��clar�� le directeur administratif de l'OCNA, Christopher Deacon.

Tous les d��tenteurs de billet pour Constantinople ont ��t�� personnellement contact��s et ont re��u une offre de remboursement.

Les billets pour le concert b��n��fice sont en vente au co��t de 30 $ �� 47 $ et sont disponibles uniquement aupr��s de la billetterie de la Soci��t�� de musique de chambre d'Ottawa ou en appelant le 613-234-8008. Des abonnements sp��ciaux du temps des F��tes sont disponibles aupr��s de la billetterie de la SMCO. Les b��n��fices incluent l'acc��s aux meilleures places et des rabais allant jusqu'�� 60.