Dec 6, 2012
Francine Labelle, soprano
I should have been a cello player. Tonight’s first performance of the French Baroque Christmas series reminded me that I need to go through my closet and find the comfiest shoes in my extensive collection. Indeed, we get to stand on our feet for a long time in this concert. That’s why I envy all cellists. Mind you, I don’t have to buy an extra seat for my instrument when I travel; so, the quest for comfortable footwear continues.
Nov 30, 2012
Francine Labelle, soprano
On the menu this time is music by Marc-Antoine Charpentier. The French Baroque Christmas programme is comprised of the Christmas oratorio In nativitatem, and the gorgeous Messe à huit voix. Of course, Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit is better known, but I trust Toronto audiences will relish in these two works. In fact, if you are looking for something a little different this holiday season, this is for you.
Oct 15, 2012
Marco Cera (oboe, baroque guitar & ciaramella)
Oct 10, 2012
Marco Cera (oboe, baroque guitar & ciaramella)
May 24, 2012
Edwin Huizinga (violin)
I’m wondering what all the clicking noise is by my feet and realize my flip flops are flopping around in excitement. Yay yay, I’m a little boy waiting for something exciting to happen! Well, kind of – except I just showed up at work with Tafelmusik and Bruno Weil is about to give the downbeat to Beethoven’s Third Symphony. It’s going to be a good day!
May 3, 2012
Patricia Ahern (violin)
We had our first performance of the Rachel Podger programme last night, and it was great fun! From the very first notes of the Bach's E major violin concerto, Rachel happily and energetically led us with all the same brilliance and detail that we worked on in rehearsals. Our recorder/flute soloists Alison Melville and Matthias Maute were virtuosic and a treat to hear in a Telemann concerto and then also in Brandenburg Concerto #4.
Apr 30, 2012
Patricia Ahern (violin)
We just finished our first rehearsals of the Rachel Podger programme. It was a full day of 6 hours of rehearsal, and yet the time just flew! Rachel is so friendly and sweet, but she is very detailed in all her requests, bringing out nuances and phrasing in every suggestion.
Mar 30, 2012
Tannis Sprott (soprano)
We returned to our home turf of Trinity-St. Paul’s Thursday night for our second “opening”. Although we couldn’t wave back, we did see all sorts of friends and family waving and cheering us on. The church is an intimate enough setting I recognized many regular subscribers, even though we have never met.
Mar 28, 2012
Tannis Sprott (soprano)
It’s Wednesday morning, and as I start in on my second cup of coffee of the morning, I’m reflecting on last night’s opening concert at George Weston Recital Hall. It was an amazing evening, with an incredibly warm and receptive audience to accompany us on our musical journey.
Mar 26, 2012
Tannis Sprott (soprano)
We began our Saturday rehearsal on an introspective note. Our former rehearsal accompanist, Bruce Kirkpatrick Hill, passed away unexpectedly last week. Even in a city the size of Toronto, the musical community is a small one, and he had many friends among the choir who wished to attend the funeral. It leant a special resonance and poignancy to our rehearsal of the Bach funeral anthem Der Gerechte kommt um. Music encapsulates all of life’s journeys, and our choral program encompasses them all.
