The Latest
By Colin Eatock on December 15, 2014
The King’s Singers aren’t just an ensemble – they’re an institution. Founded at King’s College Cambridge in 1968, the vocal sextet now contains none of its original members. However, with about 150 recordings to their credit and countless tours around the globe, they’ve built a strong brand-name and a devoted fan-base.
Evidently, more than a few of those fans live in Toronto: Koerner Hall was filled to capacity on Sunday afternoon for a Christmas program by the ensemble. It was also evident from the enthusiastic applause in the hall that their fans weren’t disappointed. I wish I shared their unbridled enthusiasm – but I came away with a somewhat different impression...
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By Michael Vincent on December 15, 2014
At any given time during the holiday season, hundreds of choirs will amass in churches and various concert halls across the world, to perform Handel’s Messiah . With the exception of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, no other choral work has been so fixed into western musical culture. In fact for many, the tradition of going to a performance of the Messiah is as dear as beautifying the Christmas tree in the family living room.
But why?
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By Michael Vincent on December 14, 2014
SCHMOPERA | #UncleJohn: the Toronto Story
Jenna Douglas was at the Toronto premiere of Against the Grain Theatre’s production of #UncleJohn this week, and had plenty to say about it. Check it out!
WHO'S WHO | The Chamber Music Society of Mississauga
The Chamber Music Society of Mississauga joined our WHO'S WHO family this week, and we couldn’t happier to welcome them to the fold.
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By Jenna Douglas on December 13, 2014
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By Member on December 12, 2014
Since 1997 The Chamber Music Society of Mississauga (CMSM) has created, produced, performed and recorded professional cultural programs for audiences of all ages. Each season CMSM presents a "Saturday Evening Great Hall Concert Series", an “Out and About” the community free performances in public spaces and as funding permits, curriculum based performances of “Tales and Tunes for Toonies” for young families and elementary school audiences.
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By Michael Vincent on December 12, 2014
In a press release announced this morning, Tafelmusik have confirmed l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal conductor Kent Nagano will be coming to Toronto to direct the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir in Toronto at Koerner Hall, on Thursday January 22, for a four-day engagement. This occasion will mark the first time Nagano comes to Toronto to perform with Tafelmusik.
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By Michael Vincent on December 11, 2014
(via) In the spirit of Advent, we give you Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, translated to latin, and composed using a Gregorian chant melody. (The fun things you can do with music degrees!). Though you probably won't hear this sung at a church anytime soon, this is very well done!
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By Michael Vincent on December 10, 2014
In an attempt to gain insight in the stunning and sad turn of events for Orchestra London (see original story here), we contacted London Orchestra Executive Director, Joe Swan for an exclusive interview. It was a candid conversation, which started with Swan apologising for his current state of anxiety. He had been preparing for a meeting with the orchestra musicians and was in crisis mode.
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By Michael Vincent on December 10, 2014
Today we dive into the fascinating minimalist score to Steve Reich's 1972 Clapping Music. The premiss is simple: a one-bar rhythm that shifts one eighth note at eight bar intervals. Watch the video to see the score in action - from a musicians point of view. We tried performing it at the MT office, but sounded more like a bunch of frat boys watching a hockey game. Your mileage may vary.
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By Michael Vincent on December 9, 2014
According to AM 980, Orchestra London has confirmed that the seventy-seven year-old orchestra will cease operations effective Tuesday, 16 December 2014. The planed closure is due to a massive budget shortfall, to the tune of nearly half a million dollars...
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