U of T presents Grammy-winning composer Maria Schneider

University of Toronto Faculty of Music to present Grammy-winning composer Maria Schneider

"To call Schneider the most important woman in jazz is missing the point in two ways. She is a major composer - period." - TIME MAGAZINE

"...she puts together stories that speak with the clarity of Ernest Hemingway and the musical grace of Aaron Copland."
– PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

TORONTO – The Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto presents Grammy Award-winning composer Maria Schneider in a lecture and a concert with the U of T Jazz Orchestras. On Thursday, April 2, the Roger D. Moore Distinguished Visitor in Composition will present a lecture in Walter Hall as part of the Thursdays at Noon Series, and on Saturday, April 4, she will join the Faculty of Music’s 10 O’Clock and 11 O’Clock Jazz Orchestras in a concert in MacMillan Theatre. Details of the events are as follows:

Thursday, April 2, 2009
LECTURE: MARIA SCHNEIDER
Roger D. Moore Distinguished Visitor in Composition
12:10 pm. Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park. Free

Saturday, April 4, 2009
CONCERT with the U of T Jazz Orchestras
Maria Schneider conducts her own music with the U of T Jazz Orchestras
7:30 pm. MacMillan Theatre, 80 Queen’s Park. Tickets: $14 ($8 seniors/students).
Box Office: 416-978-3744
Box office hours: 1 – 7 pm, Monday to Friday, with extended hours on performance nights.
Address: Lobby level, Edward Johnson Building, 80 Queen’s Park, Toronto ON M5S 2C5

Maria Schneider's music has been described as evocative, majestic, magical, heart-stoppingly gorgeous, and beyond categorization. Born in Windom, Minnesota, Schneider arrived in New York City in 1985 after studies at the University of Minnesota, the University of Miami and the Eastman School of Music. She immediately sought out Bob Brookmeyer to study composition, and at the same time became an assistant to Gil Evans, working on various projects with him.

The Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra came into being in 1993, appearing at Visiones in Greenwich Village every Monday night for a stretch of five years. Subsequently, her orchestra has performed at festivals and concert halls across Europe as well as in Brazil and Macau. She's received numerous commissions and invites with American and Europeans orchestras, guest conducting in Brazil, Italy, Portugal, France, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Slovenia, Austria, Canada, Scotland, Australia, Greenland and Iceland, as well as across the U.S. Commissions include the Norrbotten Big Band's and Danish Radio Orchestra's commission to arrange and conduct concerts with Toots Thielemans. Other commissioning organizations include the Metropole Orchestra, Stuttgart Jazz Orchestra, Orchestre National de Jazz (Recapitulation), Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra (El Viento), Monterey Jazz Festival (Scenes from Childhood), University of Miami Concert Jazz Band (Three Romances), Hunter College (Concert in the Garden and Sky Blue), Jazz at Lincoln Center (Bulería, Soleá y Rumba), Los Angeles Philharmonic Association (Aires de Lando) and Peter Sellars' New Crowned Hope Festival (Cerulean Skies). Maria was also the recipient of a Doris Duke award to compose a dance work (Dissolution) in collaboration with the Pilobolus dance group. It was performed with her orchestra at the American Dance Festival and Kennedy Center. Her latest major work, commissioned by The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, debuted in October of 2008 Written to feature soprano, Dawn Upshaw, it is entitled Carlos Drummond de Andrade Stories.

Schneider has had a distinguished recording career as well. Her debut recording Evanescence, was nominated for two 1995 Grammy Awards. Her second and third recordings Coming About and Allégresse were also nominated for Grammys. Her third album, Allégresse was chosen by both TIME and BILLBOARD in their Top Ten Recordings of 2000, inclusive of all genres of music.

Concert in the Garden, released only through her website (an ArtistShare® site), was a watershed in her career when she won the 2005 Grammy Award for 「Best Large Ensemble Album」 and became the first Grammy-winning recording with Internet-only sales. It also received「Jazz Album of the Year」 by the Jazz Journalists Awards and the DOWNBEAT Critics Poll. Both also awarded her 「Composer of the Year」 and「Arranger of the Year」 and the Jazz Journalists also named her group 「Large Jazz Ensemble of the Year」.

Her newest fan-funded ArtistShare® recording, Sky Blue, was released in July 2007 and received unanimous praise. It was nominated for two Grammy Awards, winning one in the category of 「Best Instrumental Composition」 (Cerulean Skies). The album received the honor of 「Jazz Album of the Year」 from the VILLAGE VOICE Critics Poll as well as a Choc Award in France and was one of only two albums to receive a five-star review from DOWNBEAT in 2007.

Artist website: www.mariaschneider.com

Local Composer and Professor to Present Pre-Concert Lecture at Elijah, March 31

Composer and Bowdoin Music Professor Elliott Schwartz to Present Pre-Concert Lecture on Mendelssohn's Elijah, March 31

PORTLAND, Maine – In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Felix Mendelssohn's birth, Portland's Choral Art Society will perform Mendelssohn's oratorio Elijah in its full splendor on Tuesday, March 31, at Merrill Auditorium. Local composer and Bowdoin Professor of Music Elliott Schwartz will present a lecture in the auditorium before the concert, at 6:30 p.m.

Born and raised in New York City, Elliott Schwartz studied composition at Columbia University. In 1964 he began teaching at Bowdoin College, where he chaired the Music department for twelve 12 years, and is now the Robert K. Beckwith Professor of Music. A prolific composer, lecturer and author, Schwartz's works have been performed by orchestras around the world.

A hallmark among 19th century oratorios, Elijah depicts the dramatic story of the Old Testament prophet Elijah, who, according to the Book of Kings, raised the dead, brought fire down from the sky, and ascended to Heaven in a whirlwind. Mendelssohn evokes the full power of this dramatic story in his setting for orchestra and chorus.

The Choral Art Society will perform Elijah under the baton of music director Robert Russell, with the 120 voice Masterworks Chorus, members of the Portland Symphony Orchestra, and guest soloists Lisa Saffer (soprano), Jennifer DeDominici (mezzo-soprano), John McVeigh (tenor) and Philip Cutlip (bass). Cutlip returns to Portland following his memorable performance in Brahms's Requiem in 2008. Portland resident Lisa Saffer is well known for her performances in the operas of Handel, many of which have been released on the Harmonia Mundi label.

Elijah will be performed at Portland's Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle Street, Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m., with the lecture starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $15-$47 and are sold through PortTix at (207) 842-0800 or http://www.porttix.com/. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office at 20 Myrtle Street, Monday through Saturday, from noon to 6 p.m.

About The Choral Art Society:
The Choral Art Society is comprised of more than 150 members who perform in three distinct ensembles: the symphonic Masterworks Chorus; the mid-sized Choral Art Singers; and the intimate a cappella Camerata. All singers are skilled amateurs, selected by audition. The Society offers an annual concert series and appears regularly as guests of the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Robert Russell, professor of music at the University of Southern Maine, is the conductor and artistic director of The Choral Art Society.

For more information about The Choral Art Society and the 2008-09 performances visit http://www.choralart.org/ or call (207) 828-0043.

Free lecture- Sunday-@-the-Segal, before Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Sunday-@-the-Segal

A series of intimate conversation and riveting lectures at

The Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre

Diana LeBlanc

Don't miss the always-interesting Sunday-@-the-Segal for the upcoming production, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, as we welcome acclaimed director, Diana LeBlanc. Ms LeBlanc will talk about Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and the various approaches to directing American classics.

Ms Leblanc is an actor as well as a theatre and opera director with numerous awards and nominations to her credit. For the Segal Theatre, directing credits include: The Odd Couple, Fallen Angels and Rose. At the Stratford Festival of Canada, credits include: A Delicate Balance, Ghosts, The Seagull, Macbeth, The Cherry Orchard, Death of a Salesman, Romeo and Juliet, Sweet Bird of Youth and the renowned Long Day's Journey into Night. A founding member of Soulpepper, directing credits include: The Real Thing, Zoo Story, The Maids and A Streetcar Named Desire. Recent projects include: Assorted Candies at Thousand Island Playhouse and On ne badine pas avec l'amour for Théâtre français de Toronto. Ms. Leblanc is a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada, a recipient of the Prix Alliance Français and a former artistic director of Théâtre français de Toronto.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

11 AM

Coffee and refreshments will be served in the lobby afterwards

(Tickets on sale now for the first preview of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at 1:30 pm)

At the Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre, 5170 Cote Ste. Catherine Rd.

FREE ADMISSION!! No reservations necessary, general admission

The Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre and Ernst & Young present

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, October 26-November 16, 2008

For tickets call (514) 739-7944 or log on to www.segalcentre.org

Shaw Festival Announces Fall Lecture Series

Shaw Festival Announces Fall Lecture Series

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, September 24, 2008 … The Shaw Festival is thrilled to announce its second fall celebrity lecture series: Four Lectures in the Provocative Spirit of Bernard Shaw. Funded by the Government of Ontario’s Celebrate Ontario Festival and Event Enhancement initiative, The Shaw will present lectures by Seymour Hersh, Stevie Cameron, Tomson Highway and Dr. Samantha Nutt.

Inspired by the brilliance, bravery, humanity and humour of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival is a crucible of progressive and provocative ideas which illuminate our understanding of today’s world. Relevant and engaging theatre on the festival’s three stages is enhanced each season with a robust education program. Like Shaw’s, the work of these four prominent and passionate speakers shines light on the dilemmas of our world, encouraging us all to take action.

On announcing this year’s lecture series, Shaw Festival Executive Director Colleen Blake said: “The speakers we will present in our lecture series this year illustrate how the provocative spirit of Bernard Shaw still lives in discussions about today’s critical world issues. We were thrilled with the audience reception to last year’s inaugural series, which included Ken Wiwa, Mary Walsh, Sir Salman Rushdie and Tim Flannery, and are delighted that, thanks to the Government of Ontario, we are able to continue the series this season.”

Seymour Hersh October 12, 2008

Seymour Hersh is one of America’s most respected and groundbreaking investigative journalists. He has broken some of the biggest cover ups of the modern era -- from My Lai to Abu Ghraib -- and his work continues to uncover deceit and challenge corruption at the highest levels. In his analysis of U.S. foreign policy, he exposes the often shadowy world where official foreign policy stance meets political reality in other parts of the world. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Hersh is also the author of Chain of Command and The Dark Side of Camelot.

Stevie Cameron October 19, 2008

Award-winning journalist Stevie Cameron is also a successful author, commentator, humanitarian and founding editor of Elm Street Magazine. Cameron's passion for writing, uncovering and dissecting stories of the day have earned her acclaim as one of Canada's foremost investigative journalists. In her lectures, Cameron takes a critical look at Canadian politics, business, society and the future.

Tomson Highway October 26, 2008

Tomson Highway is a playwright, author, musician, multilingual speaker, member of the Order of Canada and recipient of five doctorates. Throughout his life, he has overcome incredible obstacles, including the residential school system, prejudice, and struggles to have his work recognized, to become one of Canada’s foremost aboriginal and creative voices.

Dr. Samantha Nutt November 2, 2008

Dr. Samantha Nutt is Founder and Executive Director of War Child Canada. A medical doctor with over 13 years experience working in war zones and committed to peace, human rights and social justice, her ambition has always been to help war-affected women and children. Called one of “12 Canadians making a difference” by Maclean’s Magazine, she has received numerous awards for her work, including Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award.

Each lecture will be held at 11 am in the Royal George Theatre, 85 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Tickets are $20 each or $65 for the series and $10 each for students. Tickets are available online at www.shawfest.com or by calling the Shaw Festival Box Office at 1-800-511-7429 or 905-468-2172.

The 2008 season is proudly presented by HSBC Bank Canada/HSBC Bank USA, N.A.

Musée du Château Ramezay Museum

Le monde mystérieux des profondeurs marines

Conférence

MONTRÉAL, le 4 juillet 2008 – Dans le cadre de l'exposition Peurs bleues, le Musée du Château Ramezay propose, le 12 juillet 2008 à 14h, une conférence intitulée Le monde mystérieux des profondeurs marines présentée par Monsieur Nelson Cazeils.

Depuis toujours les monstres marins fascinent, qu'ils s'agissent de créatures fantasmagoriques et redoutables, comme les sirènes et le Grand Serpent de Mer, ou d'animaux réels et effrayants, à l'exemple du calmar géant ou du cachalot solitaire, naufrageur de vaisseaux.

Monsieur Nelson Cazeils fera la démonstration que malgré l'avancée du savoir scientifique, les monstres marins apparaissent plus vivants que jamais. Les mythes, les légendes, les mystifications et la réalité ne cessent d'être entremêlés.

La conférence Le monde mystérieux des profondeurs marines est incluse dans les frais d'admission.

Le Musée du Château Ramezay est situé en plein cœur du Vieux-Montréal, à deux pas de la Place Jacques-Cartier et du métro Champ-de-Mars, face à l'Hôtel de Ville de Montréal.

The Mysterious World of the Deep Sea

Conference

Montréal, July 4, 2008 – The Château Ramezay Museum invites you to The Mysterious World of the Deep Sea conference on July 12, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. as part of the exhibit Here Be Monsters. This conference is presented by Mr. Nelson Cazeils.

Sea monsters have always captivated us, whether they be fantastical creatures, like mermaids and the Great Sea-Snake, or real sea monsters, like the giant squid or the sperm-whale, both of which are known ship sinkers.

Mr. Nelson Cazeils will host the conference and show that, despite what science says, sea monsters are more alive than ever. Myths, legends, and hoaxes are forever mixed with reality.

The Mysterious World of the Deep Sea conference is included in the admission price.

The Château Ramezay Museum is located right in the heart of Old-Montreal, next to the Champ-de-Mars metro station and the Place Jacques-Cartier, facing Montreal's City Hall.

Free lecture- Sunday-@-the-Segal

CBC Radio One 88.5 FM

Presents

Sunday-@-the-Segal

A series of intimate conversation and riveting lectures at

The Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre

Don't miss Sunday-@-the-Segal for the upcoming Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre musical production, The Wise Men of Chelm, as we welcome theatre reviewer Lynn Slotkin. Ms Slotkin will be sharing her insight in her talk titled, Critics: Who Cares What They Think?

One of Canada's most influential critics, Lynn publishes the Slotkin Letter, a critical review for artistic directors and other theatre industry insiders of plays appearing in London, New York, across Canada and beyond. Her reviews have been published in The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, American Theatre Magazine and The Canadian Jewish News. She is the theatre critic for CBC Radio One's Here and Now, the drive home show in Toronto. Lynn sees on average 250 productions each year.

Sunday, June 15, 200

11 AM

Coffee and refreshments will be served in the lobby

(Tickets on sale now for the first preview of The Wise Men of Chelm at 1:30 pm)

At the Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre, 5170 Cote Ste. Catherine Rd.

FREE ADMISSION!! No reservations necessary, general admission

The Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre and Reitman (Canada) Ltd.

The Wise Men of Chelm, June 11- July 3, 2008

For tickets call (514) 739-7944 or log on to www.segalcentre.org