Aradia Ensemble does Dublin

I had the pleasure of working with conductor Kevin Mallon this summer on a production of Don Giovanni.  A fantastic musician and a very funny Irish man, Kevin FB'd me this week and reminded me that his "band", the Aradia Ensemble would be doing the Dublin Messiah this year...back by popular demand!


You can read a bit more about what the Dublin Messiah is all about at Kevin's blog but here is the original advert in the day of Handel:
“The Ladies who honour this Performance with their Presence would be pleased to come without hoops, as it will greatly encrease the Charity by making room for more company. The Gentlemen are desired to come without their Swords.”   (The Dublin Journal 10 April 1742).


Check out the Aradia Ensemble and their special Dublin Messiah on Saturday, December 17 at 8pm at the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto.  Tickets are  $35, $20 seniors, $15 students.

Calgary Phil Chorus: Gravy action on my cheese

My sister-in-law sent me this most hilarious version of Orff's "O Fortuna" a la Calgary style.  Apparently, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus sent out a tweet alert to get people to tweet how they stay should sing about staying warm this winter.....their crazy Canuck idea also made it to CNN where CNN was kind enough to explain what "gravy action on my cheese" really means!

Acid Reflex: Some new ideas

Dr. Jamie Koufman, Director of the Voice Institute of New York, spoke with Trish Causey a few weeks ago about Acid Reflex and some new ideas for treatment and how to manage it successfully.  She has also written a book that is a collection of recipes and cures for reflux. Click on the book for a preview and/or listen to the interview below.

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Faust Canadians @ the MET

This week at the MET sees FOUR Canadians on stage. First is Stratford Artistic Director Des McAnuff (he of the super Jesus Christ Superstar headed to Broadway) who created this co-production of Gounod's Faust.  The second is conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the third is mezzo Michèle Losier who has been burning up the stages of the world.  The NY Times writes:

The mezzo-soprano Michèle Losier brought a rich voice and impishness to the pants role of Siébel, Faust’s student, who loves Marguerite.

And of course, the MET stage wouldn't be complete without our own Russell Braun...that being said, it would seem that one of Quebec's greatest exports aside from hydroelectricity are their opera singers....  Read the full review here and check out pictures here.