|
Opera York Presents Verdi’s classic “Rigoletto” Review by Frank Spezzano March 7th, 2010 The story of good and evil are not always easily identified, as Verdi’s Opera about the court jester Rigoletto makes it clear. Based on the play by Victor Hugo- Rigoletto had troubles with the censors when it premiered in 1851 but it has gone on to become one of the most widely performed Operas. It includes some of Verdi’s most beautiful music like: the tenor aria “La donna è mobile” and the famous act III quartet “Bella figlia dell’amore”. The story is originally set at the Duke of Mantua’s court, Italy, where the duke finds amusement in an unsavory way. His court jester, Rigoletto, fulfills his pleasures. To amuse his patron- he’s willing to abduct, rape, even murder his victims. |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Whass-up? New HPO & AQUARIUS season Report & update by Danny Gaisin March 8th, 2010  Ron Ulrich of Aquarius, showing off the new season! Two local cultural-giant launches in a space of four days… The ‘Phil’ and Aquarius; and both are super appealing. Here’s what to expect and anticipate –so pull out your VISA or MasterCard, kiddies. The Hamilton Philharmonic will be featuring Joni Henson; Sarah Jeffrey; Janina Fialkowska and Ewald Cheung as guest soloists for the upcoming Masterworks Series. Such luminaries as James Keelaghan and Darcy Hepner are the performers invited to join the HPO for its Pops series while Miriam Khalil will be back for a serious performance with the newly-named Chamber Sequence. Seems ‘Elegance’ sounded too much like a luxury car model! |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
The Gryphon Trio at the H.P.O. Review by Liam Johnston & Ellen Verheyen Mar. 7th, ‘10 A memorable and definitely uplifting event:- one of Canada’s foremost trios on stage with Hamilton’s nationally respected professional orchestra. Embellished with the opportunity of being in the audience with the actual composer of one of tonight’s featured works, then garnished by the baton of maestro Jamie Sommerville who in just two seasons, has placed an indelible and artistic mark on the orchestra. A last minute programme modification changed the presentation order… the concert opening with Beethoven’s ‘Triple concerto” featuring the Gryphon Trio. This group too, has undergone some metamorphoses.  Roman, Annalee, Liam & Jamie Parker; backstage |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
O.C.O.; a broadening musical experience Review by Danny Gaisin Mar. 7th ‘10 Oakville’s Chamber Orchestra and its musical director – Charles Demuynck; are sufficiently comfortable with their status as a predominant cultural asset of the community, to introduce works somewhat more abstruse than familiar. Last night’s concert was no exception. The two-piece programme offered Beethoven’s Octet for winds followed by ‘Souvenir de Florence’, a work originally planned as a string sextet but later re-scored for orchestra…the latter being this OCO performance. There are two major aspects to a every musical composition:- forgive me. I’m about to become didactic. First– the melody; which is a succession of notes or tones that are perceived as a single entity. Then there is the motif – a repeated or recurring image or theme |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
SOME MUST SEE ARTS LISTINGS  Mar. 10th, '10 Growing older:- "Speed limits are no longer a challenge"
"DOUBT, a Parable" John Shanley's intense drama about a suspicious nun; the local priest and a young black kid. At Theatre Aquarius with regular stage presentations until Mar. 26th. "CLANDESTINE MARRIAGE" 18th century comedy:- secretly married & already knocked-up, Daddy wants to marry her off. THEATRE ERINDALE brings this delightful exploration of mores from Mar. 11th -20th. Call 905-569-4369 “THE WEDDING SINGER’ a live musical version of the successful movie, starring Jillian Zygo & J. Michael. At Brampton’s ROSE THEATRE 3 shows:- Mar. 12 – 13th. Call 905-874-2800 "A CHORUS LINE" That musical sensation about a "Cattle Call audition" will be on stage at Hamilton Place for two performaces Mar.16th & 17th. Call the HECFI box office |
|
Read more...
|
|
|
