Canadian Opera Company Announces Advance Listings for March 2018

Advance listings have been announced for Canadian Opera Company events in March 2018. This includes highlights of the Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre and tours of the Four Seasons Centre.

MARCH 2018

FREE CONCERT SERIES IN THE RICHARD BRADSHAW AMPHITHEATRE

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 6, 2018

12 - 1 p.m.

Chamber Music Series

Moscow's Sound

Cheng² Duo present virtuosic and lyrical works by renowned Russian composers, including Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, and take the audience on an exciting journey to the Land of the Tsars. The sweet complicity of this sibling duo showcases the soul of Bryan Cheng's ancient cello, communicated with an almost human voice, and carried by Silvie Cheng's expressive pianism.

March 7, 2018

12 - 1 p.m.

Chamber Music Series

New Creations

In collaboration with the 14th annual Toronto Symphony Orchestra New Creations Festival, the COC presents a rich and exhilarating concert showcasing contemporary music performed by some of today's leading cutting-edge artists.

March 8, 2018

12 - 1 p.m.

Vocal Series

The Monkiest King

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Canadian Children's Opera Company presents a special preview of the world premiere of The Monkiest King, a new CCOC commission by award-winning composer Alice Ping Yee Ho and librettist Marjorie Chan. The Monkiest King transcends cultural boundaries and recounts the Chinese legend of a mischievous, yet determined, mythological being who rises from humble origins to become a great protector of humanity.

March 13, 2018

12 - 1 p.m.

Piano Virtuoso Series

Rising Stars

The Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists at the Royal Conservatory of Music provides elite musical training in a nurturing environment for Canada's brightest young musicians. In this performance, young pianists from the Academy showcase their prodigious technique and mature musicality.

March 14, 2018

12 - 1 p.m.

Jazz Series

Each letter, each picture, each memory
Dutch jazz duo Ineke Vandoorn and Marc van Vugt return to the Free Concert Series as part of a cross-Canada tour with their signature blend of jazz, virtuoso Brazilian music, and the fairy tale-like pop music of Scandinavia. They perform original songs about their friendships and loved ones, inspired by the countryside of Provence, France.

March 15, 2018

12 - 1p.m.

Vocal Series

IDEAL FOR MARCH BREAK

Opera for All Ages

Soprano and opera educator Kyra Millan, pianist Christina Faye, and special guest artists from the COC Ensemble Studio playfully explore opera in a lively interactive March Break presentation. Audience members of all ages can listen to, learn about, and try their hand at the fascinating art of opera. Fun for the whole family!

March 20, 2018

12 - 1 p.m.

Chamber Music Series

L'Histoire du soldat

Artists from The Glenn Gould School present Stravinsky's L'Histoire du soldat, a theatrical work for small chamber ensemble which tells the story of a young soldier who trades his violin to the devil in exchange for unlimited economic gain.

March 22, 2018

12 - 1 p.m.

World Music Series

Folk Meets Baroque

Canadian-born violinist Edwin Huizinga and Grammy Award-winning guitarist William Coulter join forces in an eclectic exploration into the commonality of dance tunes worldwide and across history, as well as the fire and grace that connects the elements of classical, folk and contemporary musical traditions.

March 27, 2018

12 - 1 p.m.

Dance Series

Highlights from Anastasia

Canada's Ballet Jörgen seeks to build dance from coast to coast to coast. In this program, the dancers present highlights from the magical tale of the Russian Grand Duchess, Anastasia, created by acclaimed choreographer and Artistic Director, Bengt Jörgen, and set to an original full orchestral score by Russian/Canadian composer Ivan Barbotin.

March 29, 2018

12 - 1 p.m.

Vocal/Dance Series

Highlights from Monteverdi's The Return of Ulysses

Opera Atelier presents highlights from The Return of Ulysses, Monteverdi's deeply moving opera which recounts the return of the Greek king Ulysses to his family after a twenty-year absence fighting in the Trojan War. A tale of tragedy and love for the ages, the highlights feature commentary by Co-Artistic Director Marshall Pynkoski, and performances by artists of Atelier Ballet and singers from Opera Atelier's Toronto production.

TOUR THE FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2018

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 March 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2018 with 90-minute tours for the general public. These extensive tours include backstage access and are exciting opportunities 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 a trained docent 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.