Category Archives: Music

Concert Series: “Devotion and Seduction” on February 22, 2013

by The Heliconian Club

Devotion and Seduction
Friday, February 22, 2013 at 8pm

Join three of our Heliconians, Janet Catherine Dea, Joyce Lai, and Jacqueline Leung in their debut joint recital as a trio of soprano, violin and piano. The three musicians will also be joined by members of the Croydon String Quartet (Andrew Ogilvie, violin, Ian Clarke, viola and Helena Likwornik, cello) to perform music that speaks of love, be it through devotion or seduction! Janet Catherine Dea enjoys a varied career nationally and internationally as a soloist with opera companies, orchestras and in recital. Canadian violinist Joyce Lai (Concertmaster of the Canadian Sinfonietta) enjoys a rich career as a soloist and chamber musician. Toronto pianist Jacqueline Leung shines both as soloist and collaborator.

Artistic Differences: February 2, 2013

by The Heliconian Club

Co-founded by fellow heliconian, Monica Pearce, the Toy Piano Composer (TPC) Collective and Ensemble takes to the stage once more, bringing Canadian artwork to life.  Join them as they re-imagine great Canadian art from the past and present, transforming canvas and paint into notes and sound.  This energetic concert will focus on the intersection of these two art forms – line, colour, gesture, and form are explored by each of the brand new compositions.  Each of the visual works of art will be displayed while the pieces are performed onstage.

From local Toronto paintings to animations and video game art, the TPC have drawn on a diverse range of visual media for musical inspiration that playfully reflects each composer’s own unique style.  World Premieres include: Sylvan Sworcery by Christian Floisand (art by Sylvian Coutouly), Get in Line by Glenn James (art by Zoë Cilliers), In the forest, glow. by Monica Pearce (art by Brandon James Scott), Strange Gazes and Birdsong by Fiona Ryan (art by Kate Domina) and Walking by Chris Thornborrow (animation by Ryan Larkin).  Also joining the TPC Composers will be guest composer Patrick Murray, who has written Skin and Bone (with art by Ognian Zekoff) for the ensemble.  Come hear what art sounds like and what music looks like.

Special online ticket price – only $10! Click here to get them.

Jan 17, 2013: “The Wizard of Oz”

by The Heliconian Club

Heliconian and British music specialist Dorothy de Val and guest artist Charlene Biggs are “off to see the wizard” in the Faculty Concert Series of York University’s Music Department. They will mark the centenary of the births of British composers Benjamin Britten and George Lloyd and pay tribute to Australian-born composer Percy Grainger, the titular wizard, with a performance of works for duo piano at York’s Tribute Communities Recital Hall on January 17 at 7.30 pm.

The first half of the program will feature a rare performance of Lloyd’s atmospheric Aubade and the magisterial Introduction and Rondo alla Burlesca by Britten. After intermission comes a musical romp down the yellow brick road with Grainger’s compositions and arrangements “dished up”, in the composer’s words, for two pianos. The lineup includes Hill Song No. 2 , an unusual and haunting work better known in its version for band; his adaptation of the exuberant Symphonic Dance No. 1 written by his close friend, English composer Cyril Scott; and – in a nod to Grainger’s many years living in the US – his exhilarating fantasy arrangement of songs from George Gershwin’s incomparable opera, Porgy and Bess.

Box office and other info at: http://music.finearts.yorku.ca/news-events/events/

Member’s Concert: Amanda Johnston in Recital, Nov 23

by The Heliconian Club

This Friday, Allison Arends (soprano), Katarzyna Sadej (mezzo soprano) and Heliconian Amanda Johnston will be presenting an exciting programme featuring song cycles by De Falla and Liszt, duets by Chausson, Debussy, and Brahms, and operatic highlights by Handel, Donizetti, Bellini, and Stravinsky. This is a programme that is sure to enlighten, uplift, and entertain.

It will take place on Friday, November 23rd at 8pm at Heliconian Hall (35 Hazelton Avenue, in the heart of Yorkville). Tickets are $20 and are available at the door.

Mary Rezza Memorial Student Recital: Nov 25

by The Heliconian Club

This Sunday afternoon at 3pm, come out to support musicians of the future as they begin their musical journey in Heliconian Hall where Heliconian teaching members present their students in recital. Family and friends are welcome. Admission is by donation. This is always a terrific concert. Admission is free and a reception follows the performances.

Heliconian Choir and Orchestra Fundraiser: Nov 29

by The Heliconian Club

The Heliconian Choir and Orchestra is excited to announce their first concert of the season on Thursday, Nov 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Heliconian Hall. The program, entitled Highlights, features HCO musicians as soloists and in small groups playing the music that inspires them. While the spring concert will feature the full HCO ensembles, many of our musicians are actively involved in the music community as soloists and chamber musicians and we wanted to highlight their multitude of talents, giving all members their moment in the spotlight. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for members/students/seniors.

For tickets and information, please click here.

Centennial Portraits Exhibition & Book Launch: Nov 16

by The Heliconian Club

Centennial Portraits
Exhibition & Book Launch
Friday, November 16, 2012
6:00pm to 8.30pm

Leaders and members from our community and throughout the city will be attending an art reception of Mary Perdue’s portraits, and a public book launch event for “Centennial Portraits”. Heliconians will also be there to represent our club that evening.

The evening will feature showcase performances. Keiko Kitano will dance with Alison Melville flute and recorder; Ann Elizabeth Carson will read her poetry accompanied by Margaret Lam on Piano; Laura Newland will share a story with her puppets and Barbara Fris will sing with Jane Blackstone accompanying. Pianist Dorothy Deval and Violinist/Violist Emma Vachon-Twney will also be playing music throughout the evening.

Please RSVP by November 9, 2012 by calling 416 922-3618 or email us at rsvp@heliconianclub.org.

Concert Series: “Latin Romance” October 26

by The Heliconian Club

"Quite Water" by Ann Lind

The 2012-2013 concert series (click here for PDF brochure) features chamber performers, diverse programs, and collaborations with artists, actors and guest performers. Works of art that will be showing in the hall at our concerts are also featured in the brochure.

Ensemble Vivant presents: Latin Romance
Friday, October 26, 2012 at 8pm

A pioneer among classical piano trios, the celebrated group Ensemble Vivant, hailed as “Canada’s Chamber Music Treasure” (Toronto Star), has been dazzling audiences world wide with their exciting, soulful interpretations and their innovative, unique genre diverse programming, both in concert and on their recordings, since the late1980s. The group has received accolades internationally in both the classical and jazz worlds. The core of Ensemble Vivant is Catherine Wilson, piano/artistic director, Erica Beston, violin and Sybil Herceg-Shanahan, cello. They will be joined by Norman Hathaway on viola and Don Thompson on vibes and bass.

“Catherine Wilson is one of Canada’s most interesting and innovative pianists… no matter the genre, there is magic in her music making”. Rick Wilkins, C.M., musician, composer, arranger

Click here to see the full program for the evening!