Toronto Concerts & Music News

• START OF THE ROYAL CONSERVATORY 2011-12 CONCERT SEASON: Two World Music, Two Jazz, and Two Royal Conservatory Orchestra Concerts, Plus Two Returning Artists and Two International Ensembles Highlight the Beginning of Koerner Hall's Third Concert Season
  The Royal Conservatory's 2011-12 concert season officially opens in Koerner Hall with a concert by guitarist/songwriter Richard Thompson.
• ESPRIT ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES 2012 CONCERT SEASON
  Esprit Orchestra, heading into its 29th year, has announced details of the 2011/2012 season.
• MOOREDALE CONCERTS PRESENTS ITS STUNNING 2011-12 SEASON, TWO ORCHESTRAS, 2 TOP STRING QUARTETS, 2 STAR VIOLINISTS FAMED CELLIST OFRA HARNOY RETURNS TO THE STAGE
  Cellist Ofra Harnoy gives her first Canadian recital after a decade-long sabbatical from her meteoric career as one of the world's foremost cellists, with Anton Kuerti at the piano.
• Production Shows & Wilson Phillips head to Casino Rama this winter
  Announcing the February 2012 concert line-up
• February 2 - May 19
  Where the World Comes to Play! Experience a world tour of music, dance, and more
  Spring 2012 Lineup for the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
• February 8, 10
  Latin & Gypsy Flamenco Guitar#flamenco
  Valentine Fiesta Romantica performed by Johannes Linstead & Antonitas D'Havila
• February 10 - 11
  Cantabile: An Evening of Italian Music
  Cantabile: An Evening of Italian Music is a special concert featuring the music of Italy from powerful and familiar opera arias.
• February 17
  Antonitas D’Havila’s genuine Gypsy Flamenco
  Come and see a world famous guitarist, and a true descendant of gypsies, share music that was passed down to him
• March 8, 9, April 4, 15, May 11
  Second Max Raabe & Palast Orchester Concert Added to the Royal Conservatory Concert Season
  Experience the high style and musical glory of the 1920s and 1930s!
• March 20 – 25
  First Major Lineup Announced for Slacker Canadian Music Fest
  900 Artists – 40 Countries – 60 Venues – 6 Nights – 1 Wristband
  A Part of Slacker Canadian Music Week 2012 – Celebrating 30 Years
• March 26 - April 1
  JUNO Awards to return to Canada's capital region, Ottawa In 2012
  The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), along with broadcast partner CTV, are pleased to announce that Ottawa, Canada's Capital Region, will host THE 2012 JUNO AWARDS and JUNO Week events and festivities, March 26 - April 1, 2012.
• April 18
  Pianist André Watts’s Concert Rescheduled for Wednesday, April 18, 2012
  American pianist André Watts had to cancel his Koerner Hall debut December 11 due to illness. Watts has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, 2012.
• June 16 & 17
  An Evening with Yanni
  Experience original, contemporary music compositions from a world-renowned composer

Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 8 p.m. at Koerner Hall
Violinist Roman Simovic, concertmaster of the London (UK) Symphony, joins Maestro Marco Parisotto and the Ontario Philharmonic for the Brahms Violin Concerto. “A rare, grand talent with unlimited abilities'' – violinist Shlomo Mintz.

(No Music & Truffles will be offered February 28. Instead, pianist Anton Kuerti will present a special children's event on Sunday, February 12.)

Sunday, April 1, 2012
Pianist Stéphane Lemelin with soprano Donna Brown, in a program that includes the Debussy Preludes Book 1, Fauré Nocturnes, and songs by Schubert, Mahler and Wolf .

Sunday, April 15
The Afiara String Quartet, a Mooredale favorite, returns to play Schubert's glorious Two Cello Quintet with cellist David Hetherington.

Two World Music, Two Jazz, and Two Royal Conservatory Orchestra Concerts,
Plus Two Returning Artists and Two International Ensembles
Highlight the Beginning of Koerner Hall's Third Concert Season

The Royal Conservatory's 125th anniversary and Koerner Hall's third season of performance offers three special new series: Music From Across the Middle East, Early Music Concerts, and Kabaret at Koerner! Once again, he has invited an international roster of exceptional musicians from all corners of the world, representing a variety of musical genres: debuts include American pianist Andre Watts, Spanish flamenco icon Diego El Cigala, American R & B and gospel singer Mavis Staples, and American jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding as part of Joe Lovano's US Five ensemble, and returning musicians such as Spanish songstress Buika, German singer and band leader Max Raabe with the Palast Orchester, and the Canadian pianist Louis Lortie.

All concerts take place at The Royal Conservatory TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Tickets start at $22 (All advertised prices now include service charge and 13% HST). For tickets: www.rcmusic.ca, 416.408.0208, or in person at the Weston Family Box Office

THE ROYAL CONSERVATORY'S 2011-12 SEASON CONCERT LINE-UP

• Afiara String Quartet (Discovery): February 2, 2012 at 7:30pm (MCH); $14.50
• Ravi Coltrane Quartet & The Heath Brothers (A Year of Great Sax): February 4, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $39
• Les Violons du Roy with Maurice Steger (Early Music): February 5, 2012 at 3pm (KH); starting at $39
• Hiroko Kudo (Discovery): February 9, 2012 at 7:30pm (MCH); $14.50
• Sweet Honey In The Rock (Soul/Funk/R&B): February 10, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $33.50
• Yasmin Levy & Omar Faruk Tekbilek (Middle Eastern Music): February 11, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $33.50
• Royal Conservatory Orchestra with Leon Fleisher (Orchestra): February 17, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $22
• Eliot Fisk, guitar (Strings): February 24, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $33.50
• Jeffrey Beecher & Friends (Mazzoleni Masters): February 26, 2012 at 2pm (MCH); $31.50
• So Percussion with Matmos: Cage @ 100 (Chamber Music): March 2, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $28
• Art of Time Ensemble: Brasil (World/Chamber): March 3, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $39
• Ian Bostridge with Julius Drake (Vocal): March 4, 2012 at 3pm (KH); starting at $33.50
• Buika (Jazz/World): March 7, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $33.50
• Max Raabe & Palast Orchester (Kabaret at Koerner!): March 9, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $39
• Angelique Kidjo (World): March 10, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $33.50
• Takacs Quartet with Joyce Yang (Chamber Music): March 11, 2012 at 3pm (KH); starting at $45
• Colin Carr, cello (Strings): March 17, 2012 at 7pm (MCH); $48.50
• The Glenn Gould School Opera (Opera): March 21, at 8pm & March 23, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $22
• Karen Gomyo, violin, with Pablo Ziegler, piano (Strings): March 25, 2012 at 3pm (KH); starting at $33.50
• Andrea Tyniec & Ben Smith (Discovery): March 27, 2012 at 7:30pm (MCH); $14.50
• Intercultural Journeys (Middle Eastern Music): March 31, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $39
• Erika Raum & Dianne Werner (Mazzoleni Masters): April 1, 2012 at 2pm (MCH); $31.50
• Ute Lemper & the Vogler Quartet (Kabaret at Koerner!): April 4, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $39
• Anonymous 4 (Vocal): April 11, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $33.50
• Royal Conservatory Orchestra with Uri Mayer (Orchestra): April 13, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $22
• Joshua Redman & Brad Mehldau (A Year of Great Sax): April 14, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $45
• Adi Braun & Trio present Noir (Kabaret at Koerner!): April 15, 2012 at 7:30pm (CT); $31.50
• Musicians from Marlboro (Mazzoleni Masters): April 16, 2012 at 7:30pm (MCH); $31.50
• The Glenn Gould School's New Music Ensemble (Discovery): April 19, 2012 at 7:30pm (MCH); $14.50
• Gil Shaham, violin (Strings): April 21, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $45
• Australian Chamber Orchestra with Dawn Upshaw (Chamber Music): April 22, 2012 at 3pm (KH); starting at $45
• Academy Chamber Orchestra (Discovery): April 28, 2012 at 7:30pm (MCH) *
• Itzhak Perlman with The Perlman Music Program (Chamber Music): April 29, 2012 at 3pm (KH); starting at $61.50
• Hilario Duran Latin Big Band & Paquito D'Rivera (A Year of Great Sax): May 5, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $39
• Meow Meow (Kabaret at Koerner!): May 11, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $28
• Emanuel Ax (Piano): May 13, 2012 at 3pm (KH); starting at $39
• Christian Gerhaher with Andras Schiff (Piano/Vocal): May 16, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $45
• Simon Shaheen, violin (Strings): June 1, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $33.50

* Free event
** Free Culture Days event

(KH) – Koerner Hall
(MCH) – Mazzoleni Concert Hall in historic Ihnatowycz Hall
(CT) – Conservatory Theatre

GRIPPED BY PASSION / Sunday, February 26, 2012
Alex Pauk, conductor / TBA, mezzo-soprano / Teng Li, viola

Claude Vivier: Wo Bist du licht! (Light, Where Are You?) for mezzo-soprano, ensemble and tape
Giacinto Scelsi: (I principi creativi – The Creative Principles) for 16 strings
John Rea: Zefiro torna (The Zephyr Returns)
Alfred Schnittke: Concerto for Viola and Orchestra


TURNED ON BY TEXTURE / Thursday, March 29, 2012
Alex Pauk, conductor / James Parker, Piano

György Ligeti: Lontano for large orchestra
Jimmie LeBlanc: The Touch of Psyche (Le Toucher de Psyché) (World Premiere)
Harry Somers: The Third Piano Concerto
Iannis Xenakis: Jonchaies for large orchestra

Production Shows & Wilson Phillips head to Casino Rama this winter
Announcing the February 2012 concert line-up

An amazing variety of world-class production shows, plus ‘80’s super group Wilson Phillips highlight the Casino Rama February 2012 concert line-up.

The February 2012 concert line-up features:

Thursday, February 2
Showtime: 1 p.m., Doors Open: 12 noon
Friday, February 3
Showtime: 9 p.m., Doors Open: 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 4
Showtime: 1 p.m., Doors Open: 12 noon
Showtime: 9 p.m., Doors Open: 8 p.m.
Sunday, February 5
Showtime: 2 p.m., Doors Open 1 p.m.
Cirque Mechanics: Boom Town
Set in the early mining era, Boom Town features innovative and one of a kind mechanical apparatus that serve both as scenery and performance props. With performers climbing up swaying telegraph poles, dancing on a swinging chandelier, flying high and fast on a revolving crane, flipping and jumping on moving ore carts or balancing on whiskey jugs you just might be inspired to pick up your picks and pans and come along for the ride! Tickets are $25/$35

Saturday, February 11
Showtime: 9 p.m., Doors Open: 8 p.m.
The Pink Floyd Experience
They nailed it. The Pink Floyd Experience found the band, the lights and the sound to create THE show for the ultimate Floyd fan! Join them as they perform hits from the legendary album “Wish You Were Here.” Tickets are $30/$35 

Friday, February 17 & Saturday, February 18
Showtime: 9 p.m., Doors Open: 8 p.m.
Masters of Illusion
Based on the award winning TV series, this touring magic show will feature over half a dozen renowned performers – from daring escapologists, eye-popping illusionists and amazing quick-change artists to exotic wild animals and beautiful dancers – all LIVE! Tickets are $25/$35

Tickets on sale now! Available:

1. In-person at the Casino Rama Box Office
2. At all TicketMaster locations, by calling toll free 1-877-599-RAMA (7262)
3. Online at www.casinorama.com

Ticket prices do not include applicable taxes or service charges. 
 Per Show Ticket Limit:  Ticket limit is 8 per customer per show. 

Spring 2012 Lineup for the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
February 2 - May 19

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER - USA
Heralded as America's Cultural Ambassador to the World, embraces the Ailey tradition of such beloved classics as Revelations and extends the legacy in dynamic new directions.
February 2 & 3, 4 @ 8 p.m.

CLASSICAL MYSTERY TOUR - USA
A note-for-note live reincarnation of The Beatles. The show presents 30 tunes - from the beginning of The Beatles through the solo years - sung, played, and performed exactly as they were written: "Penny Lane" with a live trumpet section; "Yesterday" with an acoustic guitar and string quartet; and "I Am the Walrus" with George Martin's original orchestral accompaniment.
Thursday February 9, 2012 @ 8 p.m.

TANGO PASIÓN – ARGENTINA
Featuring the world's greatest tango dancers and a live orchestra, TANGO PASIÓN weaves together a variety of exhilarating tango stories representing the full diversity of Argentine society.
Saturday, February 18, 2012 @ 8 p.m.

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR - SOUTH AFRICA
Formed to share the joy of faith through the inspirational power of African Gospel music, the SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR has amassed a worldwide fan base that includes Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela, Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel, Diana Ross, U2 and Celine Dion. The two-time Grammy Award-winning, 52-strong choir of young and dynamic singers, dancers and musicians, delivers a flawless performance of traditional and contemporary songs infused with the irrepressible spirit of Africa.
Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25, 2012 @ 8 p.m.

MYTHBUSTERS-BEHIND THE MYTHS TOUR - USA
This all-new, live stage show starring Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, co-hosts of the Emmy-nominated Discovery series MythBusters, promises to be an unexpected evening of on-stage experiments, audience participation, rocking video and behind-the-scenes stories. For the first time ever, fans will join Jamie and Adam on stage and assist in their mind-twisting and not always orthodox approach to science. MYTHBUSTERS-BEHIND THE MYTHS brings you face to face with the curious world of Jamie and Adam as the duo matches wits on stage with each other and members of the audience.
Thursday, March 29, 2012 @ 8 p.m.

TAO JAPANESE DRUMMERS - JAPAN
TAO is a company of martial arts drummers trained in traditional Japanese percussion who use their entire body to express the music they create. The drumming ensemble, made up of 13 men and women, work, train and live together. Created by a former punk drummer who was inspired by Cirque du Soleil's integration of Japanese taiko drumming into circus arts, TAO also draws on other sources such as Korean dancing and drumming, Indonesian bamboo marimba, and New Zealand's Maori people to create a raucous contemporary, combative concert.
Friday, March 30, 2012 @ 8 p.m.

DISTANT WORLDS: MUSIC FROM FINAL FANTASY - JAPAN/USA
Features award-winning music from the record-breaking video game series "Final Fantasy." The 71-member Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, conducted by Grammy Award-winning conductor, composer, and record producer Arnie Roth, perform live to the games most memorable sequences on a massive 22' wide video screen. Since its 1987 debut the "Final Fantasy" franchise has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and become the most recognized role playing game in the world.
Saturday, March 31, 2012 @ 8 p.m.

RIVERDANCE - IRELAND
The internationally acclaimed celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has touched the hearts of millions around the world comes to Toronto's Sony Centre as part of their North American Farewell Tour.
Thursday, April 19 − Saturday, April 21, 2012 @ 8 p.m., Saturday @ 2 p.m.

NATIONAL CHINESE ACROBATS - CHINA
The NATIONAL CHINESE ACROBATS join the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony in an unforgettable performance featuring daring maneuvers, feats of strength, gymnastics, balancing and more. Featuring traditional Chinese instruments along with western orchestral instruments, the acrobats will mesmerize and mystify with its stunning displays of the best in Chinese martial arts, illusion, acrobatics, music, dance, and drama in a thrilling display of artistry and daredevil acts.
Saturday, May 12, 2012 @ 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

BOLSHOI BALLET presents SWAN LAKE - RUSSIA
A perennial dance favourite about sorcery and royalty based on Russian folk tales. SWAN LAKE, which the Bolshoi premiered in 1877, is the haunting story of Odette, a beautiful maiden turned swan by an evil sorcerer. A tragic love story, Odette's romance with Prince Siegfried is doomed by a curse which leaves him to wander endlessly on the empty banks of the lake of his dreams.Today, the Bolshoi Ballet remains one of the world's most famous ballet companies.
Tuesday, May 15 − Saturday, May 19, 2012. Tickets as low as $71
Tuesday − Thursday @ 7:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday @ 8 p.m., Saturday @ 2 p.m.

Toronto plays host to two of the world’s most prolific guitar players. Latin guitarist and compose, Johannes Linstead and his group, along with Gypsy flamenco guitarist Antonitas D’Havila, share the bill at Valentine Fiesta Romantica on February 8 at Coconuts Restaurant & Lounge Night Club and again on February 10 at Latin Fever Night Club. Two very unique flavours in one show!

Johannes Linstead has become recognized internationally as one of the best selling guitarists and composers in the Instrumental and World Music genres. He has been named Canada’s "Guitarist of the Year," has won six "Best Album" awards, has been on four top-ten Billboard album charts and leads top-ten radio airplay. A hugely talented multi-instrumentalist, Johannes Linstead’s live performances are nothing short of phenomenal. Bursting with tropical sounds, lively Latin and Mediterranean rhythms, audiences are moved to dance and clap along to the lightening-fast guitar improvisations, spicy percussive beats and beautiful melodies.

Antonitas D'Havila has been acclaimed as the greatest living original and authentic Romany gypsy flamenco guitarist.Born in England of Gypsy ancestry, D’Havila was first introduced to the guitar by his father. Inspired by other Flamenco players, he perfected his technique while living and concertizing throughout Spain and the south of France. Without any formal training, the critics rave about his bravado style.

Don’t miss these two incredibly talented and internationally renowned artists with two incredibly unique and distinct sounds sharing one bill – a fiesta of pure guitar magic!

Wednesday February 8, 7 p.m.                               
Coconuts Restaurant & Lounge (Night Club)              
2180 Steeles West, East of Keele Street                    
Tickets: $20 adults, $15 students & seniors             

Friday February 10, 7 p.m.
Latin Fever Night Club
7777 Keele Street, North of HWY 7
Tickets: $30 - $50

Box Office for both concerts: (416) 978-8849 or www.uofttix.ca

Cantabile: An Evening of Italian Music
From opera to Paolo Conte
Friday February 10 and Saturday February 11, 2012 at 8 p.m.
Enwave Theatre, 231 Queens Quay West
Tickets: $25-$59; Call 416-973-4000 or visit www.artoftimeensemble.com

Cantabile: An Evening of Italian Music is a special concert featuring the music of Italy from powerful and familiar opera arias by Verdi, Leoncavallo and Puccini to popular songs by Lucio Battisti, Paolo Conte and others.

Acclaimed tenor Michael Ciufo and Juno Award-winning singer Dominic Mancuso are accompanied by a grand ensemble of some of Canada's finest classical and jazz musicians, conducted by Burashko who also performs on piano to some of the pieces:

Benjamin Bowman - Violin
Rachel Mercer - Cello
John Johnson - Saxophone
George Koller - Bass
Tony Zorzi - Guitar
. . . and others to be announced.

Art of Time Ensemble uses the vibrancy of classical music as a launching pad for an examination of contemporary artistic expression through all music and performance forms.

Internationally recognized as one of the world’s finest Flamenco artists, Antonitas D’Havila graces the stage at Trinity St. Paul’s Church on February 17th with his original Spanish Gypsy sound.
 
Born in England of Gypsy ancestry, Antonitas D'Havila was first introduced to the guitar by his father. Inspired by other Flamenco players, he perfected his technique while living and concertizing throughout Spain and the south of France. At the age of twenty he signed with RCA Records and has produced numerous albums. Without any formal training, D’Havila has been acclaimed as the greatest living original and authentic Romany gypsy flamenco guitarist.  A fiercely independent artist, he plays over 100 of his own original variations on traditional Flamenco motives such as melancholic “Peteneras” and “Alegrias,” song of joy from Cadiz, wild farcical “Bulerias Chico” and “Guitarra Andalus” that typifies mournful sonorities of Flamenco.

Antonitas D'Havila’s recital tours have included concerts throughout Europe and North America including Carnegie Hall and his music has been featured throughout the world in concert, on films, commercials, radio and television. In addition to his Flamenco repertoire, Antonitas D’Havila is also a poet and a visual artist.
 

When: Friday,
Tickets: $29.50; Box Office: (416) 978-8849 or www.uofttix.ca

www.antonitasdhavila.com

Max Raabe & Palast Orchester is slated to appear at Koerner Hall on March 9, 2012. As tickets have been selling very strongly, a second show has been added on Thursday, March 8, 2012. The concert is part of a new concert series this season: Kabaret at Koerner!

Founded in 1986 by the charismatic baritone Max Raabe, Max Raabe & Palast Orchester embodies the high style and musical glory of the 1920s and the 1930s, as well as American and German standards from that era, and new stylistic adaptations of contemporary songs and original compositions.

Other concerts in Kabaret at Koerner! concert series include Ute Lemper and the Vogler Quartet in an intimate evening of Weimar era songs and the classical works they influenced; Royal Conservatory faculty member and “cabarazz” vocalist Adi Braun in “Noir,” a concert of delicious and dangerous music from the film noir era, in which she is joined by a trio of local musicians; and Meow Meow with her highly theatrical comedic kamikaze cabaret.

The Royal Conservatory thanks Georgian Capital and Goethe-Institut Toronto for their support of the Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester concert, and Jazz FM and NOWmagazine for the support of the Kabaret at Koerner! concert series.

Kabaret at Koerner! Concert Series:

• Max Raabe & Palast Orchester: Thursday, March 8, and Friday, March 9, 2012 at 8 p.m.; Koerner Hall; starting at $39
• Ute Lemper and the Vogler Quartet: Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 8 p.m.; Koerner Hall; starting at $39
• Adi Braun & Trio present Noir: Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.; Conservatory Theatre; $31.50
• Meow Meow: Friday, May 11, 2012 at 8 p.m.; Koerner Hall; starting at $28

Where: The Royal Conservatory, TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Tickets on sale now!
Available at www.rcmusic.ca, by calling 416.408.0208, or in person at the Weston Family Box Office.

First Major Lineup Announced for Slacker Canadian Music Fest
900 Artists – 40 Countries – 60 Venues – 6 Nights – 1 Wristband
A Part of Slacker Canadian Music Week 2012 – Celebrating 30 Years
March 20 – 25

It’s the season for gift-giving and we have a few presents to unwrap early this year. Slacker Canadian Music Fest will kick winter into spring this March as the festival occupies Toronto for a weeklong run of events.

From Tuesday March 20 through to Sunday March 25, 2012, taking over more than 60 venues in the city’s entertainment district, Slacker Canadian Music Fest will draw in more than 4,500 musicians—from local to international acts representing more than 40 countries—playing to 100,000 music fans. This year’s lineup offers an array of entertainment from some of Canada’s hottest acts, emerging artists, and headline talent from all over the world, including:

*Childish Gambino w/ Danny Brown
Saturday, March 24 @ 9 p.m.
Sound Academy

Cat Empire w/ Tinpan Orange
Saturday, March 24 @ 9 p.m.
Phoenix Concert Theatre

*Fanfarlo
Saturday, March 24 @ 7:30 p.m.
Virgin Mobile Mod Club

Saul Williams w/ Spoek Mathambo
Friday, March 23 @ 9 p.m.
The Great Hall

*The Trews w/ Poor Young Things and Diesel
Friday, March 23 @ 8 p.m.
Queen Elizabeth Theatre

John K. Samson & The Provincial Band
Thursday, March 22 @ 9 p.m.
The Great Hall

*Kings & Queens: Blackie & The Rodeo Kings w/ special guest appearances by Amy Helm, Holly Cole, Mary Margaret O’Hara, Serena Ryder and more TBA
Wednesday March 21 @ 8 p.m.
Massey Hall

*The Saw Doctors
Tuesday, March 20 @ 8 p.m.
Virgin Mobile Mod Club
All Ages!

*(in association with Live Nation)
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

The 12th Annual Independent Music Awards – “The Indies” – is taking place Saturday March 24 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Featuring some of the hottest indie acts around, the show will include a special reunion by one of Canada’s most influential pop punk bands and a rare performance by one of America’s beloved electro-pop bands. Full lineup will be announced January 16, 2012.

As part of the event’s international focus, this year’s festival will shine the spotlight on select acts from Latin America,Portugal and Spain. Programmed over three nights at Revival and Hard Rock Café.

Slacker Canadian Music Fest will introduce a jazz series at the Courthouse and other venues with performances by international and domestic artists.

Slacker Canadian Music Fest will also showcase an eclectic mix of music-oriented films, special screenings, documentaries and movie premieres during the Tribute presented Film Festival taking place Wednesday March 21 to Saturday March 24 at the TIFF Bell Lightbox and NFB Cinema. Newly expanded to four days, the Film Festival will once again feature special appearances and Q & A with some of the films’ stars, directors and more. Full program will be announced in January.

The Canadian International Comedy Fest features five days of the world’s hottest comedians in Toronto’s prime comedy clubs (Absolute Comedy, The Second City, Yuk Yuk’s), the comedy fest will include some of North America’s leading comedians, a night of musical comedy with Sean Cullen on Thursday March 22 at Glenn Gould Studio and the finale of Bite TV’s Stand Up & Bite Me, where someone will be crowned Canada’s best stand-up comic and be awarded with a $10,000 grand prize.

For a complete list of acts, films and show details, visit www.canadianmusicfest.com. A festival wristband grants access to all events. Certain restrictions on some shows may apply. Entry to all shows is subject to capacity. All shows are 19+ unless all ages stated.

Wristbands can be purchased at www.canadianmusicfest.com
Individual tickets at www.ticketmaster.ca or 1.855.985.5000

Following 2011's stunning year of 40th Anniversary celebrations, topped off by CTV's broadcast of the most-watched JUNO Awards in history, JUNO Week 2012 will feature many signature events leading to the highly anticipated broadcast of THE 2012 JUNO AWARDS, live from Scotiabank Place, Sunday, April 1, 2012 on CTV.

Pianist André Watts’s Concert Rescheduled for Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Royal Conservatory scheduling updates

American pianist André Watts had to cancel his Koerner Hall debut December 11 due to illness. Watts has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

Watts burst upon the music world at the age of 16, when Leonard Bernstein chose him to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic in their Young People's Concerts, broadcast nationwide on CBS-TV. Only two weeks later, Bernstein asked him to substitute at the last minute for the ailing Glenn Gould in performances of Liszt's E-flat Concerto with the New York Philharmonic, thus launching his career in storybook fashion. More than 40 years later, he remains one of today's most celebrated and beloved superstars.

In an additional update, the Amanda Martinez performance on May 17, 2012, has been rescheduled to Saturday, December 1, 2012. Ms. Martinez, known for her unique blend of musical influences, including flamenco inspired rhythms, Afro-Cuban beats, and Mexican folk music, sincerely regrets this postponement but she has had to re-schedule the production and release of her upcoming third CD to the fall of 2012.

The Conservatory regrets the inconvenience and ticket buyers have the option of keeping their existing tickets, which will be valid for the new dates, exchanging into a different RC Presents concert during our 2011-12 season, exchanging to a gift card, or obtaining a refund.

André Watts: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 8pm (KH); starting at $39 all inclusive
Amanda Martinez: Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 8pm, (KH); starting at $39 all inclusive

Where: The Royal Conservatory, TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Tickets: Visit www.rcmusic.ca, call 416.408.0208, or visit the Weston Family Box Office

An Evening with Yanni
Experience original, contemporary music compositions from a world-renowned composer
June 16 & 17 @ 8pm, Sony Centre for the Performing Arts

YANNI, music’s true world citizen and one of the most popular contemporary composers, makes his triumphant return to Toronto, June 16 and 17 for two shows only!

YANNI’s powerful compositions have come to define a new genre of music, and over 500 million people in over 140 countries have seen his live performances.

As YANNI tours across the globe, his heartfelt and compelling music continues to touch both old and new fans. Fans will witness YANNI and his world-class musicians as they take the stage to perform his greatest instrumental hits made famous in his shows from The Acropolis in Greece, The Taj Mahal in India, The Forbidden City in China and The Royal Albert Hall in England.

For the first time ever, the live show will also introduce music from YANNI’s new album "Truth of Touch," which is the composer’s first album of original studio music in almost a decade.

Tickets: $65-$110 plus applicable taxes and service charges
Call 1-855-872-7669 or visit www.sonycentre.ca