TMT Presents MASQUE OF IRONY, 5/5-6

The Toronto Masque Theatre (TMT) presents "Masque of Irony", a mid-winter cabaret celebrating the wit and wisdom contained in the songbook of Randy Newman.  This concert features Canada's popular tenor Benjamin Butterfield performing with pianist Peter Dala along with TMO founder and violinist Larry Beckwith.  Tuba player extraordinaire Scott Irvine will participate, along with a few other special guests. The lighting design of "Masque of Irony" is courtesy of Gabriel Cropley.
 
This concert will weave together a portrait of America through the eyes of Newman, based on the following songs: Lonely at the top / Simon Smith / Sail Away / Short People / Caroline / Marie / Love Story / Old Man / Texas girl at the funeral of her father / Political Science / In Germany before the war / Gods Song / Dayton Ohio, 1903. 
 
Benjamin Butterfiled has toured with some of the world's most prestigious concert ensmembles throughout Europe, Israel, and North America.  He has performed with Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert, the Welsh National Opera, New York City Opera, and countless others in roles such as Barber of Seville, Magic Flute, and Eugene Onegin.  In Canada Mr. Butterfield has sung with the Canadian Opera Company and Montreal Opera as well as in Hamilton, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria.  He is in demand as a teacher nationwide, and is now Head of Vocal Studies at the University of Victoria.

Toronto born Peter Dala is the Music Director of Alberta Ballet, a position he's held since 2005.  He has conducted ballet and opera at the Hungarian State Opera, and has conducted a wide variety of operas and ballets.  He was also Music Director at Hungarian Dance Academy.  In Canada, Mr. Dala joined Edmonton Opera as Chorus Director/Repetiteur.  He was also resident conductor of Edmonton Opera.  He also conducted Ballet British Columbia's world premiere of John Alleyne's Orpheus. 
 
Randy Newman has long been one of the most musically and lyrically ambitious singer-songwriters ever to be at play in the fields of American popular music.  Born in 1943 to a renowned musical family, by age 17 he was a working songwriter.  In 1968 he debuted a self-titled album, and before long a wide range of artists were recording his songs.  Critics have consistently lauded the musical depth, edge and literary quality of his lyrics and the jazzy, finely-crafted music that supports them.
 
Toronto Masque Theatre's 2010-2011 Season is generously sponsored by David Thomas and the Julie Jiggs Foundation. Toronto Masque Theatre is supported by Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and Toronto Arts Council.
 
Final concert of the season: "Masque of Orpheus" at Enwave Theatre, 231 Queen's Quay West. May 5 & 6, both at 8 PM. Lawrence Wiliford, tenor; Shannon Mercer and Teri Dunn, sopranos; directed by Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière; period instrument ensemble, lead by violinist Larry Beckwith.

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