December at the Canadian Opera Company Includes a Free Concert Series, a Tour of Four Seasons Centre and More

FREE CONCERT SERIES IN THE RICHARD BRADSHAW AMPHITHEATRE

December 2 - 18, 2014

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

145 Queen St. W. (at University Avenue)

The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre is a unique opportunity to experience diverse artistic programming in what has become one of Toronto's most exciting cultural hubs. Six inspiring series offer concerts, dance performances and engaging presentations that feature both up-and-coming young artists and established international stars. All performances are FREE to the public, with admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early as late seating is not available.

Date

Series

Artist

December 2, 2014

12 - 1 p.m.

Dance Series

Ballet 360

Canada's Ballet Jörgen is dedicated to the creation of new works. In a diverse hour of classical and contemporary ballet, dancers present highlights from the company's productions ofCinderella, The Nutcracker, A Canadian Tradition and other excerpts from their extensive repertoire, including Robert Desrosiers' Bouffonia.

December 3, 2014

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Jazz Series

Ripple Effect

Juno Award-winning bassist and composer Mike Downes teams up with powerhouse pianist Robi Botos and one of Canada's hottest young drummers, Larnell Lewis, in a sophisticated and swinging hour of standards and original music. The program includes highlights from the award-winning album, Ripple Effect, and a sneak preview of new tunes from their upcoming recording.

December 4, 2014

12 - 1 p.m.

Piano Virtuoso Series

Virtuoso Masterworks

Multi-award-winning, 20-year-old American pianist Rossina Grieco, a veteran of international stages since the age of eight, showcases her passion and technical prowess in a program of virtuoso masterworks by Bach, Beethoven and Liszt.

December 9, 2014

12 - 1 p.m.

Chamber Music Series

WORLD PREMIERE

Apparitions

Under the direction of Brian Current, the talented young artists of The Glenn Gould School New Music Ensemble present the world premiere of a new work by Canadian composer Brian Harman, as well as Claude Vivier's Lonely Child and a work by visiting Italian composer Marco Stroppa.

December 10, 2014

12 - 1 p.m.

Jazz Series

Sax Appeal

Four of the most talented and inventive young artists of Humber College's acclaimed jazz program unite for an engaging hour ofmusic that spans generations and genres. They are led by one of Canada's foremost jazz saxophonists, Alex Dean, who collaborated with renowned artists such as Gil Evans, Aretha Franklin and Rob McConnell's Grammy Award-winning Boss Brass, and brings a lifetime of musical experience to both the bandstand and the classroom.

December 16, 2014

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

World Music Series

Cantautore: Here and Now

Award-winning singer-songwriter Daniela Nardi presents her jazz-world music project Espresso Manifesto, whose mission is to discover, showcase and reinterpret the scintillating spirit of Italian music and culture. In this special presentation, she performs selections from her three internationally acclaimed recordings, as well as a sneak preview of her upcoming album, Canto.

December 18, 2014

12 - 1 p.m.

World Music Series

*IDEAL FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON*

Gracias a la Vida: A Holiday Celebration

Known for her passionate, soulful singing and infectious onstage energy, Toronto's Latin jazz sensation Amanda Martinez blends her unique Mexican and South African roots with elements of flamenco, Afro-Cuban rhythms and Mexican folklore to create an irresistible signature sound. In this special holiday presentation, she celebrates life and the joys of the season with a spicy selection of tunes from her much-lauded discography, as well as a mix of beloved seasonal songs from the Hispanic diaspora.

TOUR THE FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

December 7, 2014

Start time: 10:30 a.m.

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

145 Queen St. W. (at University Avenue)

Cost: $20/adults; $15/seniors and students

The Canadian Opera Company opens the doors of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on December 7, 2014 with a 90-minute tour for the general public. This extensive tour includes backstage access and an exciting opportunity to learn more about the first purpose-built opera house in Canada, its history, architecture and innovative acoustic design. Starting at 10:30 a.m., the tour is led by trained docents and includes information and access to the magnificent Isadore and Rosalie Sharp City Room, the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre and R. Fraser Elliott Hall, as well as backstage areas like wig rooms and dressing rooms, the orchestra pit, and other spaces that only a stage door pass could unlock.

Tickets for public tours are $20/adults and $15/seniors and students, and can be purchased in advance at coc.ca or at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office, located at 145 Queen St. W., Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets will also be available on the morning of the tour starting at 10 a.m. at the welcome desk located in the main lobby.

Photo Credit: Chris Hutcheson

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