A W W C A

Soprano LITA CLASSEN is a graduate of the University of Ottawa and of l’Ecole de Musique Vincent d’Indy in Montréal. She received specialized post-graduate training at the Hochschule für Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna, Austria, where she graduated with diplomas in Sologesang and Lied und Oratorium. During her final year of study in Vienna, she was the recipient of a scholarship from the Austrian Government. Lita was also awarded a silver medal in the Athens International Music Competition “Maria Callas” in Athens, Greece. A former faculty member of the Royal Conservatory, she now teaches voice at McMaster University and at Mohawk College, as well as through her own private studio.  She will be performing a tribute to composer Gustav Mahler for his 100th anniversary.

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ANTOINE JOUBERT began to teach himself piano around the age of 13, exploring writing for piano in his compositions. His decision to become a classical performer became clear when he received the Bruno Bios prize for the best final exam at the Bachelor level at the University of Laval (Québec). Antoine has received several prizes, such as the first place in the competition Festival du Royaume in 2011 & the Claire-Charbonneau-Clerk prize at the Prix d’Europe in. Having fast-tracked through the Masters degree, Antoine finishes his doctoral studies in 2011.  He organizes and directs concerts such as the “Concert Series of Music Graduates – University Laval” and performs as a soloist and collaborative pianist on national and international stages. For this performance Antoine will be playing works by Fauré, Scriabin, Janáček & Liszt.

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The young violin-clarinet-piano ensemble has been welcomed on many leading stages throughout the US, Europe and Japan. Representing three different nations – Japan, Russia and France – the ZODIAC TRIO met in New York in 2005 at the Manhattan School of Music. Since its formation, the ensemble has been awarded prizes at a number of national and international competitions.  The ensemble has also received a Recording Grant and Commission Grant from Co-Op press, and are laureates of the 6th International Osaka Chamber Music Competition in Japan.  Bringing to its audiences many staples of 20th century music such as Bartok’s “Contrasts” and Stravinsky’s “L’Histoire du Soldat”, the Zodiac Trio also offers masterpieces from the Classical and Romantic periods by such composers as Mozart, Bruch and Schumann – making use of the viola/clarinet/piano combination.

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ZOLTAN KALMAN was born in Hungary. He received his training at the prestigious Franz Liszt Academy of Music. After graduation, he spent a year as principal clarinetist with the Hungarian State Orchestra.  He served as principal with the Budapest Opera Orchestra and was a founding member of one of Hungary’s foremost wind quintets, the Aquincum. The French National television produced a documentary program featuring the quintet. In 1988 he received the Hungarian Cultural Ministry’s award Musician of the year. Since arriving in Canada in 1989, he has appeared as guest soloist with numerous orchestras and ensembles throughout Ontario. Zoltan is principal clarinetist with both the Niagara Symphony and Symphony Hamilton, and appears regularly with the Brantford Symphony, Mississauga Opera Company, and Scarborough Symphony. In addition to his career as a musician, he also teaches clarinet, saxophone, a woodwind techniques course, conducts the wind ensemble at Brock University, and teaches clarinet at McMaster University.  Zoltan is thrilled to open the 2011/2012 Lunchtime Concert Series at McMaster where he will perform music by Brahms, Honegger, Milhaud, & Verdi/Bassi-Giampieri.

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Returning by popular demand! The NAGATA SHACHU, based in Toronto, Canada, has enthralled audiences with its mesmerizing and heart-pounding performances of the Japanese drum (taiko) since its formation in 1998. The ensemble has toured widely throughout Canada, the US and Italy performing in theatres, concert halls, and major music festivals.  While rooted in the folk drumming traditions of Japan, the group’s principal aim is to rejuvenate this ancient art form by producing innovative and exciting music that seeks to create a new voice for the taiko. Taking its name from founder Kiyoshi Nagata, and shachu (an old term for a performing troupe), Nagata Shachu has become renowned for its exacting, straightforward yet physically demanding performances as well as for its diverse repertoire. Their playing is the combination of unbounded spirit with the highest levels of musicianship and discipline. The result is an unforgettable experience of powerful expression and heartfelt sincerity that will take you on a musical journey beyond all borders! This concert is sure to be sold out fast.

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Juno award winning artist DAVID BRAID is among a new generation of Canadian artists making his mark on the international scene. Combining harmonic intricacies fundamental to European classical music and the spontaneity of American jazz, Braid’s original music engages audiences with a quiet, thoughtful, lyrical voice that does not conform neatly to any one musical genre. Born in Hamilton, Braid graduated from the University of Toronto in 1998 and was nominated for the Canadian Governor General’s Academic Medal. Recently awarded Jazz Pianist of the Year in Canada, Braid is also a recipient of SOCAN Composer of the Year, recognizing his output of over seventy works including compositions for solo piano, jazz ensembles and symphony orchestras. He is a Juno Award Winner, multi-National Jazz Award Winner and a recipient of the Canada Council for the Arts’ “JazzID Award.”  This concert is a must for every music lover!

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Three virtuosi join together to form the TRIO D’ARGENTO.  Friends in the city of Toronto’s vibrant arts community, Sibylle, Peter and Kathryn were asked to perform for a noted chamber music series just outside the city.  They had such a great time working together, and so much fun onstage with their virtuoso trios and arrangements that the series immediately asked them back, and so the Trio was born!  From Bach to the European jazz master Claude Bolling, these three provide lively, artistic and entertaining concerts which combine the music genres of classical and jazz.  With Peter’s ability to play clarinets of various sizes as well as saxophone and Sibylle’s different flutes of the flute family, the varied programs leave the audience wanting more.  The trio will also be performing a newly commissioned piece by Native composer Barbara Croall, in which she will join the trio as a native speaker in Ojibwa.  Be sure to book tickets for this exciting performance!

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Performing shows for more than 25 years, ENSEMBLE CHACONNE enthralls audiences with dramatic period-instrument recitals of music from Renaissance and Baroque Europe. Peter H. Bloom (Renaissance and Baroque flutes), Carol Lewis (viola da gamba), and Olav Chris Henriksen (lute, theorbo and early guitar) bring exhilaration and theatrical intensity to an intimate chamber setting.  Together, their concert ‘Measure for Measure: The Music of Shakespeare’s Plays’ provides a rare view of the music that Shakespeare’s audiences would have heard, including anonymous tunes of the period and music by the leading composers of his day (notably Thomas Morley, Robert Johnson, and John Dowland).  The concert showcases the distinguished guest artist mezzo-soprano PAMELA DELLAL in comic antics, love songs, tragic scenes and high drama.  Among the many selections are songs from As You Like It, Twelfth Night, The Tempest, the Winter’s Tale, Henry V, Hamlet, Othello, and Macbeth.
If you have never attended an early music concert, this is the one you want to see!  If you are an early music fan you will be totally delighted by this performance.

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