CRITIC’S PICKS | 10 Musical Outings You Absolutely Must Do This Week
By Michael Vincent on October 21, 2014
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By Michael Vincent on October 21, 2014
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By Neil Crory on October 20, 2014
The much-anticipated Toronto debut of the $300,000.00 pianist - Rafał Blechacz - took place on Sunday afternoon at Koerner Hall. The near capacity audience was treated to a somewhat old-fashioned programme which included Bach's Italian Concerto, Beethoven's "Pathétique" Sonata and, after intermission, a collection of diverse works by Frédéric Chopin.
(Continue reading)By Paul E. Robinson on October 20, 2014
It has long been known that Dvořák’s New World Symphony was inspired by African-American and Native American music. And Dvořák himself mentioned Longfellow’s The Song of Hiawatha as another source of inspiration. But most musicians and musicologists were reluctant to be more specific than that. In recent years, however, the musicologists Joseph Horowitz and Michael Beckerman have tried to show that all of these elements, especially the Hiawatha story, can be linked to specific passages in the New World Symphony...
(Continue reading)By Michael Vincent on October 20, 2014
Nicknamed “The Man With the Golden Flute”, Sir James Galway is one of the most accomplished flautists in world. He has performed for Presidents, Popes, Emperors and Queens, and shared the stage with entertainers including Liza Minnelli and B. B. King, Pink Floyd and Jessye Norman. With over 70 recordings and 30 million albums sold, Sir James is a force to be reckoned with. In September 2014, he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award by Gramophone, and this fall, in celebration of Sir James’ 75th birthday, Sony Classical released The James Galway Complete RCA Album Collection, a 71-CD and 2-DVD collection. He has been honoured twice by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with The OBE in 1979 and again in 2001 with a Knighthood for his services to music. Most recently, Sir James has released an online series of lessons geared for flute students and music lovers available here.
(Continue reading)By Michael Vincent on October 19, 2014
We couldn't resist sharing this one. Hitler insists on being the concertmaster... "All those who don't know the difference between violin and viola, leave the room."
(Continue reading)By Michael Vincent on October 18, 2014
As some have already heard - I have recently been asked to join the Toronto Star to contribute reviews and advise them on upcoming shows. I will keep Music Toronto readers up to speed as they appear. Unfortunately I am not allowed to print it in full on Musical Toronto, but we can post an excerpt and link.
(Continue reading)By Michael Vincent on October 17, 2014
You’ll want to dance when you hear these tunes! Suzie LeBlanc says of her new CD of Christmas music titled, La Veillée de Noël (Christmas Eve) out this past Tuesday, October 14. Fiddle or voice, music is an inseparable part of the Acadian cultural tradition. In the Maritimes, old French songs ring out like heirlooms moving across generations as seamlessly as the Nova Scotia fog belt.
(Continue reading)By Michael Vincent on October 16, 2014
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By Curtis Perry on October 16, 2014
I recently started an MA program in Music and Culture further north, at Carleton University, Ottawa. I feel it could be useful to give a few points of advice based on my brief experience to far, for those who may be beginning to consider something similar, as the Fall marches on and the next year's plans come to view. Granted, this is only one graduate student's perspective one month in, but I'll do my best...
(Continue reading)By Margaret Lam on October 16, 2014
Over time, with sufficient interactions and conversations, we come to discern and trust the taste of certain individuals and groups. This is the basis for word-of-mouth marketing, and not the soap-box-in-the-square method that has become synonymous with online social media platforms. Where is the space for thoughtful recommendations, the kind akin to an exchanged between friends, in a world where we have less and less one-on-one time?
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