TOUNKANDE, FEUX D'ARTIFICE and More Set for Canadian Opera Company's March 2013 Lineup

Canadian Opera Company has announced its March 2013 lineup. More details below!

FREE CONCERT SERIES IN THE Richard Bradshaw AMPHITHEATRE
March 5 – 28, 2013
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.

March 5, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Dance Series

Tounkande
Ballet Creole extends the celebration of Black History Month into March with their exhilarating new production, Tounkande. A unique collaboration between Ballet Creole Artistic/Executive Director Patrick Parson and guest artists Amara Kante (master djembe drummer) and Reimundo Sosa (Cuban percussion specialist), this project brings together song, dance and rhythms of Guinea, West Africa, and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Malinke people.

March 6, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Piano Virtuoso Series

In Praise of Women
In a prelude to International Women’s Day, acclaimed Canadian pianist Christina Quilico presents a program of works by celebrated female composers such as Lili Boulanger and Cécile Chaminade alongside lesser-known gems by Ilse Fromm-Michaels, Susanne Erding, Lotte Backes, Priaulx Rainier, Adaline Shepherd and Barbara Heller. The program opens and closes with excerpts from Rivers and Glass Houses by Canada’s Ann Southam.

March 13, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Vocal Series

Ideal for March Break

Interactive Opera
Sing along with the artists of the Canadian Opera Company in this interactive concert of popular arias and duets. The concert offers ample opportunities for audience participation, including a sing-along (and playing) of the famous “Anvil Chorus” from Verdi’s Il Trovatore.

March 19, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Chamber Music Series

Toy Piano Composers
Dedicated to new music, the Array Ensemble presents six new works by the Toy Piano Composers, a group that got its start performing on a collection of toy pianos and continues to incorporate the unique sounds of the miniature keyboard into their works for various ensembles. This noon-hour concerts features world premieres by Christian Floisand (ephemeral), Monica Pearce (Girl before a Mirror), Fiona Ryan (Edit the Truth), Ruth Guechtal (Reverse Filter), Christopher Thornborrow (Icarus) and Elisha Denburg (Liaison).

March 21, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.

World Music Series

Faia
Award-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist Louis Simão, Latin jazz flute specialist Bill McBirnie and percussionist Daniel Stone present a compelling hour of songs rooted at the crossroads of Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) music. Drawing on traditions ranging from Simão’s native Portugal, to Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola and beyond, the trio weaves a unique musical tapestry of rhythms and melodies from the Portuguese-speaking world and infuses them with the energy and improvisational spirit of jazz.

March 26, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Vocal Series

Words and Music
Under the direction of pianist Steven Philcox and vocal coach Darryl Edwards, artists of the University of Toronto’s Voice and Collaborative Piano departments present an afternoon of art song and poetry.

March 28, 2013
12 – 1 p.m.
Piano Virtuoso Series

Feux d’artifice
Award-winning 20-year-old Chinese pianist Sijing Ye sets off piano fireworks in a program of works by Chopin (Ballade No. 1), Debussy (Étude No. 7; Préludes: “Bruyères” and “Feux d’artifice”), Liszt (Rhapsodie Espagnole) and Chinese composer Qian Yi Wang (Toccata).

TOUR THE FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 2013
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 to the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on March 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2013, with 90-minute tours for the general public. Public tours are 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., each 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.