Canadian Opera Company Announces AIDA And More

Aida by Giuseppe Verdi for 12 performances: October 2, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, November 2, 5, 2010
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
145 Queen St. W. (at University Avenue)

The Canadian Opera Company's 61st season opens with a new COC production of Giuseppe Verdi's glorious Aida, conducted by COC Music Director Johannes Debus and directed by Tim Albery. Aida is a powerful and intimate story centred on a love triangle between Aida, a princess enslaved by the victorious Egyptians; Radames, the man she loves who is also her enemy's military commander; and Amneris, the King of Egypt's daughter, whose jealousy fuels the tragic ending.

Starring one of the world's greatest Verdian sopranos, Sondra Radvanovsky makes her much-anticipated company and role debut as Aida. Sharing the role with Ms. Radvanovsky is Canadian soprano Michele Capalbo, who also makes her COC debut. American baritone Scott Hendricks, who was critically hailed for his portrayal of Iago in Otello last season, returns as Amonasro, the King of Ethiopia, Aida's father. Making their COC debuts are Australian-born tenor Rosario La Spina singing the role of Radames, and American mezzo-soprano Jill Grove as Amneris.

Single tickets for are $62 - $281 (specially-priced $22 tickets are available for people under the age of 30), and go on sale starting August 16, 2010. 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. Fifty places 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.

Death in Venice by Benjamin Britten
8 performances: October 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, November 3, 6, 2010
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
145 Queen St. W. (at University Avenue)

The COC's fall season continues with a highly-acclaimed production of Benjamin Britten's Death in Venice, a story about Gustav von Aschenbach, an aging writer who seeks salvation and creative inspiration in 20th-century Venice and who eventually becomes bewitched with the vitality and beauty of a young boy. The production features an outstanding creative team led by British conductor Steuart Bedford, who conducted the world premiere of Death in Venice in 1973. Acclaimed actor/director Yoshi Oida makes his COC debut directing the production. Praised for his portrayal of Gustav von Aschenbach in this production is British tenor Alan Oke.

Single tickets are $62 - $281 (specially-priced $22 tickets are available for people under the age of 30), and go on sale starting August 16, 2010. 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. Fifty places 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.

FREE CONCERT SERIES IN THE
Richard Bradshaw AMPHITHEATRE

November 2 - November 30, 2010
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.

Date
Series
Artist
November 2, 2010
12 - 1 p.m.
Piano Virtuoso Series

Carnaval
Young rising star pianist Todd Yaniw pays tribute to the Schumann anniversary with one of the composer's most celebrated works, Carnaval, which showcases Schumann's characteristic style and pays musical homage to many of his friends and colleagues.

November 3, 2010
12 - 1 p.m.
Vocal Series
Love Letters from the Empty Bed
Artists from the Drama and Music Department of the University of Toronto present a unique recital for voice, viola and prepared audio with original music by Constantine Caravassilis. Love Letters from the Empty Bed weaves together a seamless drama/music presentation on the plight of five women from Ovid's Heroides as they lament the departure of their lovers who have gone off to war.

November 4, 2010
12 - 1 p.m.
Jazz Series
Strings Attached
"Sassy, scintillating and sultry" (The Jazz Review), classically-trained Adi Braun forsook opera to occupy a unique niche she defines as "cabarazz," performing throughout Canada and the U.S and receiving rave reviews. In this special presentation, she is joined by guitarist Kevin Barrett and bassist George Koller in an exhilaratingly original program of works ranging from jazz standards to original creations.

November 9, 2010
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Vocal Series
A Dickens of a Christmas
The exuberant young artists of the Canadian Children's Opera Company perform excerpts from Errol Gay's charming adaptation of the timeless Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.

November 11, 2010
12 - 1 p.m.
Chamber Music Series
Planetary Dreams
One of Toronto's most exciting young quartets, the Annex Quartet, performs new music by American, Canadian, Spanish, South American and Middle Eastern composers from the Kronos Collection. The works feature a fascinating mix of styles and influences, some of them dating back to as early as the 14th century.

November 16, 2010
12 - 1 p.m.
World Music Series
Rhythms of the Caribbean
One of the leading exponents of this uniquely Caribbean instrument, Trinidad-born, Toronto-based virtuoso steel pannist Mark Mosca conjures the sunshine and the sound of waves crashing and coconut trees rustling, all with his inventive and highly original musical voice.

November 17, 2010
12 - 1 p.m.
Chamber Music Series
Rising Stars
This performance shines the spotlight on some of the brightest young artists from the Royal Conservatory's Young Artists Performance Academy. Don't miss the opportunity to see these exceptional young musicians, aged 7 to 17, at the very beginning of their careers.

November 23, 2010
12 - 1 p.m.
Chamber Music Series
Inspired by Shakespeare
Exciting Canadian pianists Janelle Fung and Philip Chiu team up to perform the overture to Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream and their own arrangement of scenes from Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet. The Chiu-Fung duo is known for the sensitivity of their playing and for their impressive technique. Four hands on one keyboard: guaranteed delight!

November 25, 2010
12 - 1 p.m.
Jazz Series
Cuban Contradanzas
In this concert, Cuban-Jazz virtuosos Jane Bunnett and Hilario Durán unite to perform some of the best-loved music from the vast repertoire, including some rarely-heard Cuban dances from the 19th century.

November 30, 2010
12 - 1 p.m.
World Music Series
Melodies of the Mediterranean
Be swept away to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean as some of Toronto's top musicians recreate and put their own stamp on the rich and varied centuries-old traditions of one of the world's most magical and beloved regions.

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