Following concert tours across Canada and the US, tenor Ken Lavigne, Canada's acclaimed crossover classical singer will make his New York debut in Ken Lavigne in Concert on Thursday, January 22nd (8PM) at New York's legendary Carnegie Hall (Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage --154 West 57th Street). Presented by Goodnight Gracie Entertainment and accompanied by the acclaimed 51 piece New York Pops Orchestra, Mr. Lavigne's exciting blend of classical tenor sound with modern style will showcase to New York audiences his singular vocal talent, which has been met with ovations across Canada.
Ken Lavigne's career path that has led him to perform at Carnegie Hall could be described as ‘the road less travelled'. Ken has built a formidable singing career from the unlikeliest of places - a small cottage on a lake in a remote region of Canada's rugged West Coast. Living near Chemanius, British Columbia - a tiny Vancouver Island fishing village more recognized for First Nations carvings and world-class salmon fishing than world-class tenors - has not interfered with Ken's steadfast goal: to sing at Carnegie Hall. Indeed, having the peace of a rural life with his wife Alice and two young daughters has helped Ken remain focused, disciplined and undistracted.
A portion of each ticket sale will benefit two major spinal cord injury foundations. "As a result of a spinal cord injury that my brother in law sustained this past summer, I have a heightened awareness of the challenges people with SCI are facing, and the continuing need for research. It is my goal to contribute to both the Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation and the British Columbia Paraplegic Association through ticket sales for my Carnegie Hall debut. I would like to play a part in improving the lives of people who have sustained spinal cord injuries."
In Ken Lavigne in Concert, Mr. Lavigne presents an eclectic mix of repertory, marked by his remarkable ability to focus pure, raw emotion into his songs without a stiff or formal classical approach. With Canada as an informal theme, the program will include "Northwest Passage" by Canadian musician Stan Rogers as well as "Because We Believe," by David Foster from his recent CD Believe. Fellow Canadian, and long-time artistic associate Simon Capet will serve as conductor and musical director.
Ken was a founding member of the Canadian Tenors and subsequently the contemporary tenor trio, Romanza, touring extensively throughout Canada and United States with these popular groups. He has many recordings to his credit including three solo recordings. Born and raised in Victoria British Columbia, his early career focus was purely classical, pursuing traditional opera roles and oratorio concerts while honing his talents with frequent study in New York with Joan Dornemann at the Metropolitan Opera and Stuart Burrows in Wales.
Ken Lavigne has received significant critical acclaim. He was hailed by Canwest Global newspapers as having, "the looks, the charm... and he's most certainly got the voice-his superlative voice is on an international level."
Career highlights include principal roles with opera companies such as Pacific Opera Victoria, Portland Opera, Light Opera Oklahoma, and the Victoria Symphony. In 2002 Lavigne received the top prize for his performance of "Sempre Vicino" at the Tipperary International song competition in Ireland. He also performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as part of Royal Jubilee celebration. He has recently recorded and released an album of Christmas classics.
Founded in 1983 by Skitch Henderson, The New York Pops is the largest independent symphonic pops orchestra in the United States, and the only symphonic orchestra in New York City specializing in popular American music. A publicly supported not-for-profit organization, The New York Pops performs an annual subscription series and birthday gala at Carnegie Hall, free Summermusic concerts in New York City, and is heard worldwide through tours, recordings and television appearances. The New York Pops Education Programs tie into the orchestra's mission to broaden awareness and enjoyment of America's musical heritage by building audiences and training musicians for the future.
Ken Lavigne in Concert will play on Thursday, January 22nd (8PM) at Carnegie Hall (154 West 57th Street at 7th Avenue). Tickets range in price from $90 to $35. For reservations, please call CarnegieCharge (212) 247-7800 or online at www.carnegiehall.org
