COC Presents THE MAGIC FLUTE, NIXON IN CHINA et al.

The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
12 performances: January 29, February 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 23, and 25, 2011
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
145 Queen St. W. (at University Avenue)
 
The Canadian Opera Company's 61st season continues with a new COC production of Mozart's beloved masterpiece The Magic Flute.   Conducted by COC Music Director Johannes Debus and directed by Diane Paulus, The Magic Flute is a playful, sometimes profound exploration of the trials of growing up, seeking ideals and finding love.   This delightful production for all ages features Canadian opera stars  Michael Schade and Isabel Bayrakdarian. 
 
Single tickets for The Magic Flute are $62 - $281 (specially-priced $22 tickets are available for people under the age of 30).  Tickets are available online at coc.ca, by calling COC Ticket Services at 416-363-8231, or in person 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 7 p.m.
 
*New this season - Standing Room tickets for only $12.  Sixty spaces are available and tickets go on sale at 11 a.m. the morning of the performance at the Four Seasons Centre Box Office.  Limit of two tickets per person.  Subject to availability.
 
 
TOUR THE FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Saturdays at 12 p.m. (with some exceptions)
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
145 Queen St. W. (at University Avenue)
Tickets: $13 for adults; $7 for students, seniors and children 12 and under
 
Beginning October 16, 2010, the COC invites the public to experience public tours of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.  Tours provide the opportunity for attendees to learn more about the opera house, its history, architecture and innovative acoustic design.   Each hour-long tour is led by trained docents and includes background information and access to the City Room, the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre and R. Fraser Elliott Hall.   Public tours are $13 for adults and $7 for students, seniors and children 12 and under and take place Saturday at 12 p.m. (with some exceptions).   Tickets for tours are available in person at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office, located at 145 Queen St. W.
 
 
FREE CONCERT SERIES IN THE Richard Bradshaw AMPHITHEATRE PRESENTED BY NATIONAL BANK
January 11 - January 27, 2011
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
145 Queen St. W. (at University Avenue)
 
The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre presented by National Bank 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. 
 
DateSeriesArtist
January 11, 2011
12 - 1 p.m.Jazz SeriesWinter Heat
The Humber Contemporary Jazz Ensemble explores the myriad delights of director Don Thompson's legendary composing.
January 12, 2011
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Jazz SeriesThe Fifth Season Known to audiences for over 10 years as Duologue, saxophonist Mike Murley and guitarist
David Occhipinti have a unique and intimate musical collaboration ranging from jazz standards to original compositions, including Occhipinti's evocative Fifth Season, featured in this special presentation at the Four Seasons Centre.
January 13, 2011
12 - 1 p.m. Chamber Music SeriesKlezmer Meets Classical 
The acclaimed father and son team of Jacques and Michael Israelievitch present an exciting mix of duets for marimba and violin.  Cellist Shauna Rolston then joins them in a Klezmer trio by Glick and duos by Osvaldo Golijov.
 
January 18, 2011
12 - 1 p.m.Vocal SeriesHighlights from The Magic Flute
In conjunction with the COC's mainstage production of The Magic Flute, the young artists of the 2010/2011 Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio present a program of highlights from Mozart's timeless opera.
 
January 20, 2011
12 - 1 p.m.Chamber Music SeriesBeethoven and Shostakovich: Duos and Trios
Violinist Pam Hinman and cellist Garrett Knecht team up with pianist Jean Desmarais in a presentation of Beethoven's Sonata for Piano and Violin in G Major, Op. 30, No. 3 and 12 Variations on "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen" from Mozart's The Magic Flute for piano and cello.  They conclude with Shostakovich's multi-layered Trio No. 2 in E Minor.

January 25, 2011
12 - 1 p.m.Chamber Music SeriesTribute to Golijov
Wind and string ensembles of Toronto's
Glenn Gould School perform works by  Russian-Jewish Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov including  Lullaby and Doina for flute, clarinet, violin, viola, cello and bass and a new work for violin and piano.  The program also includes works that celebrate Golijov's rich cultural heritage such as Ginastera's Impresiones de la Puna for flute and string quartet and Prokofiev's Quintet, Op. 39 for oboe, clarinet, violin, viola and double bass.
 
January 27, 2011
12 - 1 p.m.Dance SeriesThe Power of Gesture
Celebrated dance artist Peggy Baker discusses and demonstrates the potency of gesture through a series of dances that employ this essential choreographic device in very different ways.

 
EDUCATION EVENTS
 
Opera 101: The Magic Flute
Friday, January 7, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: TBC
Target: Adults
Tickets: Free
 
Opera 101: Nixon in China
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen St. W.)
Target: Adults
Tickets: Free
 
Now in its ninth year, the COC's popular Opera 101 is a FREE, lively and interactive event designed for people new to opera.  Led by CBC Radio host Brent Bambury, Opera 101 provides a forum for discussions with special guests, followed by a question-and-answer period.  Opera neophytes can have a drink or a bite to eat while getting the scoop on what the opera is all about from members of the creative team.  Visit coc.ca for more information.
 
Youth Opera Lab: The Magic Flute
Wednesday, January 19, 2011 from 5:30 - 9 p.m.                                                           
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen St. W.)
Target: Ages 16 - 21
Tickets: Free, advance registration required.
 
Youth Opera Lab: Nixon in China
Thursday, January 27, 2011 from 5:30 - 9 p.m.                                                              
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen St. W.)
Target: Youth 16 - 21
Tickets: Free, advance registration required.
 
In this FREE program for young people aged 16 - 21, youth are invited to attend a rehearsal  and discover the work that goes into putting on an opera.  A pre-rehearsal interactive workshop provides context for the opera, and a meet-and-greet with a member of the cast or creative team over pizza offers insight into the production.  Participating youth receive two free tickets to the final dress rehearsal.  Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and no previous experience with opera or the performing arts is required - apply online at coc.ca, call 416-306-2392 or contact education@coc.ca.
After School Opera Program
Monday through Thursday, January 12 - March 10, 2011
Target: Children 7 - 12
Tuition: $11
Locations: St. Christopher House Music School (248 Ossington Ave.) and Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre (227 Front St. E.)
 
Now in its 13th year, the After School Opera Program gives children the opportunity to create their own mini-opera with professional artist-educators.  In partnership with centres around Toronto, participants of this program learn the basics of opera through singing, libretto writing, drama and design.  Each term culminates in a final performance for friends and family.  Spots are still available in some locations!  Register today to secure a spot for your child by calling 416-394-8673.
 
 
REGISTRATIONS
 
March Break at the COCRegistration opens on February 7, 2011 at 10 a.m.
Location: Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre (227 Front St. E.)
Tuition: $35 per day, additional $5 for early drop off.
March 17, 2011 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Target: Children 7 - 9
March 18, 2011 from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Target: Children 10 - 12
 
Create an opera in a day with March Break at the COC!   Drawing inspiration from the themes and music of popular children's operas, participants invent their own operatic adventure and put on a workshop showcase for family and friends at the end of the day.  The camps are being held on March 17, 2011 for children aged seven to nine  and on March 18, 2011 for children aged 10 to 12.  No musical or acting experience necessary. Registration for these popular camps opens on Monday, February 7, 2011 by visiting coc.ca/explore.  Contact education@coc.ca today for more information.
 
Summer Opera Camp
Registration opens on February 7, 2011
July 4 - 8, July 11 - 15, July 18 - 22, 2011
Location: Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre (227 Front. St.E.)
Target: Youth 14 - 18, Children 7 - 9 and 10 - 12
Tuition: $175 per week (some subsidies available)
 
Explore opera at the COC's Summer Opera Camp!  During each week-long camp, participants take part in daily music, drama, design and movement sessions and create their own version of a classic opera from the COC's 2011/2012 season.  Register online at coc.ca or in person at the Joey and Toby Tanenbaum Opera Centre. beginning Monday, February 7, 2011 at 10 a.m.

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