Art of Time Ensemble Presents SHAKESPEARE: IF MUSIC BE, 12/9

The acclaimed Art of Time Ensemble presents Shakespeare: If Music Be, an evening of music, dance and ideas inspired by Shakespeare that brings together some of Canada's most outstanding artistic talents for this one-of-a-kind event that runs Thursday, December 9 to Saturday, December 11 at 8 pm at Harbourfront Centre's Enwave Theatre, sponsored by BMO Financial.

Shakespeare: If Music Be highlights several of Shakespeare's most famous scenes, along with dance and music inspired by them in this sumptuous multi-disciplinary ode to the great English-language playwright that features music by Erich Korngold, Sergei Prokofiev, John Cage and Rufus Wainwright; choreography by Peggy Baker and James Kudelka and several of Shakespeare's most famous scenes from Hamlet, Much Ado About Nothing, and Romeo & Juliet.

Some of the finest actors, dancers and musicians in the country are involved in this magical evening, including actors Marc Bendavid, Ted Dykstra, Lucy Peacock, Cara Rickets (David Ferry directs); dancers Peggy Baker and Tanya Howard and Patrick Lavoie (first soloists with The National Ballet of Canada); and musicians: pianist Andrew Burashko, singer Kevin Fox (also on cello) and violinist Erika Raum.

The Art of Time Ensemble is one of Toronto's most innovative and artistically resonant music ensembles. The ensemble has attracted the interest and participation of some of Canada's best performers. Art of Time provides a unique musical experience that breaks down barriers between artistic and musical disciplines, and reveals the vibrancy of classical music as a contemporary artistic expression, appealing to a range of audiences.

Previous Art of Time productions have met with high praise. John Terauds of The Toronto Star calls the group in performance "a delicate balance between classical expression and modern sensibility," and said of the first show of this season, Robert Schumann 1810-2010, that "19th century songs magically took on fresh meaning and resonance for a 21st century audienceŠ. Schumann's diverse and magnetic music presented not as a museum-piece, but as a moment of living, evolving art, left me wanting more." J.D. Considine of The Globe and Mail notes that last season's sold out Brasil concerts "presented a façade of effortless grace that belied how much was going on beneath the surface... ravishing." Paula Citron of Classical 96.3FM notes that "Burashko's strength lies both in assembling top flight musicians and stimulating the audience."

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