Fundraiser- Tshepang, March 3 and 4 at La Chapelle

Maurice Podbrey and Mopo Productions present

TWO FUNDRAISING EVENINGS

Tshepang

Written and directed by Lara Foot Newton

Tuesday, March 3 and Wednesday, March 4

Proceeds from these two performances go towards the development of a new generation of South African theatrical talent – one that will help bring purpose and hope to that country.

Tshepang's producer, Maurice Podbrey, has been initiating cultural development work in South Africa for the past 9 years since returning there from Montreal. Over 25 major projects have been completed in that time covering the whole field of training, development and production.

This compelling evening will also offer a reception with some excellent South African wines from the Cape Town area. Lara Foot Newton, playwright and director, will be present for the fundraisers and the audience is invited to meet the cast, Lara and Maurice to discuss the play and related subjects.

In Tshepang, Ruth, the mother of baby Tshepang, has not uttered a word in three years. Simon comes forward to protect her, and from the ashes of tragedy a most unusual tale of hope and love emerges. A powerful story told with humour and heartbreak. This highly successful play has toured South Africa and internationally to six countries, to overwhelming response. It is probably South Africa's most significant theatre piece of the past decade.

A fundraising evening featuring the play, Tshepang

Tuesday, March 3 and Wednesday, March 4, 2009

8:00 PM

La Chapelle, 3700 Rue Saint-Dominique

Tickets are $150, with tax receipts for $100 issued

Please call Maurice at (514) 509-6909, mpodbrey@iafrica.com

All proceeds go towards Mopo Productions

-----------------------------------

Tshepang will be presented by La Chapelle from February 24th to March 7th.

Reservations: 514-843-7738 or www.lachapelle.org

PSO Opens Search for Next Designers' ShowHouse

PORTLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OPENS SEARCH FOR NEXT SHOWHOUSE PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is opening the search for the next PSO Designers' ShowHouse. For three weeks during fall 2009 or summer 2010, the PSO will conduct its 13th Designers' ShowHouse, a fabulous fundraiser where the region's finest interior designers and artisans transform a house of historic or architectural interest, room by room. Greater Portland homeowners now have the opportunity to offer their home to be the next transformed for ShowHouse. With tours open to the public and special events including an opening night Preview Gala, ShowHouse draws extensive community and media attention. The PSO's leading fundraising event, ShowHouse generates as much as $80,000 to support the artistic and education programs of Maine's largest and most prominent performing arts organization. Greater Portland homeowners are invited to join the rich tradition that is ShowHouse. Interested homeowners should write 100 words or less about why their home would make a great ShowHouse, and mail along with photos and contact information to: PSO, P.O. Box 3573, Portland, ME 04104, or events@portlandsymphony.com. Designers' ShowHouse must be located in the greater Portland area, have ample parking on street or property, handicap accessibility considerations, landscaping possibilities, and a garage or other outlying building for a boutique. If the home is multi-level, there must be two staircases for ease of access and evacuation. The house would need to be vacated for approximately three months. A formal contract will be negotiated with the homeowner. For more information about the Portland Symphony Orchestra, visit portlandsymphony.com.

Wine tasting fundraiser with the ESO and Canada's most in-demand wine region - Jan. 30

A Harmonious Blend of Food, Wine and Music with The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra!

Flavours of BC’s Naramata Bench Wine Fundraiser

January 30, 2009 - Tickets still available!

Edmonton, AB … The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is pleased to invite you to their inaugural wine-tasting fundraiser - Flavours of BC’s Naramata Bench. On January 30, 2009, the ESO is hosting a celebration of fine wines featuring the best of Canada’s most in-demand wine region, BC’s Naramata Bench.

Representatives from 10 different wineries will be on hand to showcase their award-winning wines. Guests will be treated to an evening of fine food, wine, music, and live and silent auctions. All proceeds from the event support our Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

Registration begins at 6:30pm on January 30^th. The Wine Tasting/Auction runs from 7:00-10:00pm.

Limited tickets still available! Events tickets can be purchased through the Winspear Centre Box Office for $130 (agency fees apply). A tax deductible receipt will be issued for a portion of the ticket cost.

This ESO special event is made possible by the sponsorships of Naramata Bench, California Closets, Magic 99, Winspear Centre, Vines-Riverbend, The Edmonton Journal, Parcom Marketing, Corporate Copy, Avenue Magazine and The Artworks.

For more information, please contact: Pamela Pecush, ESO Publicist:

Phone: (780) 401-2532 or Pamela.Pecush@winspearcentre.com

For ticket purchases, please contact the Winspear Centre Box Office:

Phone: (780) 428-1414 or 1-800-563-5081

#4 Winston Churchill Square.

www.edmontonsymphony.com

About Naramata Bench

One of the most scenic wine regions in all of North America, the Naramata Bench is made up of twenty-two boutique wineries. Situated on the east side of the Okanagan Valley, one of Canada’s premier grape growing regions, some wineries stake claim to picturesque hillsides and others are perched at the edge of cliffs overlooking Okanagan Lake.

As with beauty comes quality, this premiere boutique wine region continues its award winning tradition by taking over 40 awards at the 2008 All Canadian Wine Championship!

Featured wineries will include: D’Angelo Estate Winery, Elephant Island, Hillside Estate Winery, Kettle Valley Winery, La Frenz Winery, Lake Breeze Vineyards, Nichol Vineyard & Estate Winery, Poplar Gove Winery, Red Rooster Winery and Township 7.

The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is proud to partner with the Naramata Bench for our most important fundraiser of the season. All guests will also receive a complimentary Riedel wine glass as a keepsake of this special evening and select members of the ESO will entertain with live music.

For more information on Naramata Bench wine country, a must visit destination for wine connoisseurs, visit www.naramatabench.com.

L'Affair Chocolat February 7th

Celebrate the Month of Romance with l 'Affaire Chocolat:

The 6th Annual Fundraiser for Virtuosi Concerts

On February 7th, 2009, Virtuosi Concerts will be hosting its annual fundraiser l'Affaire Chocolat at The Manitoba Museum.

The evening will include marvelous wines, chocolate martinis, special savouries, delicious desserts and of course delectable chocolate from this year's chocolatier Constance Popp.

As a special added treat guests will be invited to swing and sway to the sounds of the Janice Finlay Quintet performing on The Nonsuch!

Now in its sixth year, l'Affaire Chocolat has gone in a new direction. Discover your "Coco-Sutra"as this year's event offers a unique venue, first class entertainment, hand-made chocolate, wines and hors d'oeuvres. The change in venue to the Manitoba Museum provides a feast for the eyes as you stroll through the twists and turns of the galleries. Let your senses be dazzled by various entertainers, high-end wines, gourmet tastes and chocolates that will pop up around every corner.

"We want people to indulge; treat themselves to something they normally wouldn't do. We want them to leave feeling pampered, with a sense of value and enjoyment while contributing to the arts. That's what it's all about," says Louise Friesen, Chair of l'Affaire Chocolat.

Tickets for this elegant, fun, entertaining and memorable affair are $75 each. To purchase tickets please visit McNally Robinson or contact the Virtuosi office at 786-9000.