University Settlement Presents SONGS FOR SETTLEMENT 3/20

University Settlement is thrilled to present two benefit concerts to raise funds in support of its 100th anniversary. The first, on March 20 at 2 PM at the Music Gallery, is "Songs for Settlement" featuring soprano Anne Yardley (the Director of the Music & Arts School) and mezzo-soprano Michelle Simmons (Program Assistant for the Music & Arts School) with pianist Nicole Bellamy. The second, April 18 at 2 PM at Glenn Gould Studio, is "Anagnoson & Kinton Benefit Concert for University Settlement".

A fun and occasionally humorous recital of duets and solos, "Songs for Settlement" will include Schumann's lovely Sommerruh; Brahms' Die Schwestern; selections from Mendelssohn; art song, opera arias, and chansons. Included is audience favourite the "Flower Duet" from Delibes' opera Lakme and "Belle Nuit" from Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffman. Both Anne and Michelle are students of renowned bass-baritone Gary Relyea (one of the jurors in Bravo Television's "Bathroom Divas"). The University Settlement, a multi-service agency founded in 1910, has the distinction of being the first community-based social service centre in Toronto. Located at Grange Park (north of Queen and John), it offers various programs such as language classes, social services, and daycare to immigrants and low-income families. One essential program is the Music & Arts School. It provides affordable, quality programs to people from the Grange neighbourhood and the wider GTA. The school functions in the belief that the arts should be a right, not a privilege, and that lessons should be available to everyone regardless of age, ethnicity, perceived talent, disability, or ability to pay. Classes are available for those of all ages. Lessons are available for piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, clarinet, saxophone, flute, recorder, accordion, voice, drum set/percussion, along with ear training and theory.

University Settlement receives funding from United Way Toronto, the Federal and Provincial governments, the City of Toronto and the private sector. In addition, funds are collected through registration fees of various programs and a number of different fundraising events held by the Agency. University Settlement's fundraising priority in 2010 is to raise funds for its subsidy program to help families in need to participate in our programs. Donations will go towards University Settlement's programs and services to help achieve this goal. A tax receipt will be issued for any donation over $10.00.

Soprano Anne Yardley has worked at the University Settlement Music and Arts School since 1988, the first fifteen years as a teacher, and for the past eight years, as the School's Director. Anne directed children's musical theatre, conducted choirs and taught private voice, piano and theory lessons to many students over a period of 25 years. Anne studied with Gary Relyea at the University of Toronto and graduated with a degree in Voice Performance. Previously, she obtained her ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Music, also in Voice.

A native of Newfoundland, mezzo-soprano Michelle Simmons has been the University Settlement's Music & Arts School Program Assistant since 2005. She also coaches students in the School's Chamber Music Program. Ms. Simmons frequently performs on both recital and opera stages; she is regularly engaged with Toronto Operetta Theatre and performs in the chorus of Toronto's Opera in Concert.

Michelle recently completed her Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Toronto, where she studied with soprano Lorna MacDonald. Previously, she earned her Bachelor of Music at Memorial University's Music School and in 2004, she was the co-recipient of a Newfoundland & Labrador Arts Council grant to commission and premiere a new song cycle based on the poetry of Newfoundland born poet EJ Pratt. Ms. Simmons also has a keen interest in contemporary music.

Next event:
Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 2 PM, Glenn Gould Studio (250 Front Street West)
"ANAGNOSON & KINTON BENEFIT CONCERT FOR UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT"
James Anagnoson and Leslie Kinton, piano
Tickets: $40 adults/, $20 for 18 years and under
Roy Thomson Hall box office: 416 872 4255 www.roythomson.com or in person at King & Simcoe.
The GGS box office will be open for ticket sales two hours before the concert.

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