COC Announces Advance Listings for March 2017 Free Concert Series

The Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre is a unique opportunity to experience diverse artistic programming in what has become one of Toronto's most exciting cultural hubs. Six inspiring series offer concerts, dance performances and engaging presentations that feature both up-and-coming young artists and established international stars. All performances are FREE to the public, with admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Concertgoers are encouraged to arrive early as late seating is not available.

March 7, 2017

12 - 1 p.m.

Piano Virtuoso Series

Romantic Inspirations

Multi-award-winning pianist Charissa Vandikas, named one of CBC's 30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30 in 2015, performs works by Chopin, Schumann and Rachmaninov.

March 9, 2017

12 - 1 p.m.

Chamber Music Series

Contemporary Originals: The 13th Annual TSO New Creations Festival

In collaboration with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's New Creations Festival, the Canadian Opera Company presents a rich and exhilarating concert showcasing contemporary music performed by some of today's leading cutting-edge artists.

March 14, 2017

12 - 1 p.m.

Vocal Series

Millan & Faye present: Opera for All Ages
Join young artists of the COC Ensemble Studio, soprano/opera educator Kyra Millan and pianist Christina Faye in a lively interactive March Break concert featuring favourite operatic arias and sing-along choruses. Audience members of all ages can listen to, learn about, and try their hand at the fascinating art of opera.

March 16, 2017

12 - 1 p.m.

Dance Series

Holy Cow(s)!
Bessie- and Dora Award-nominee Hari Krishnan of inDANCE, in collaboration with guest choreographers Sean Curran, David Brick and Jay Hirabayashi, presents a preview of solos and ensemble work set to a world music score by Niraj Chag. Holy Cow(s)! run rampant, toppling taboos of gender, identity, sexuality and cultural (mis)appropriation, provoking desire and derision through humour and eroticism infused, confused and diffused through a global dance lens. Mature themes are explored in this work, making the performance most suitable for an adult audience.

March 21, 2017

12 - 1 p.m.

Dance Series

Highlights from Swan Lake

Canada's Ballet Jörgen seeks to build dance from coast to coast to coast. In this program, the dancers present highlights from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, one of the world's most magical, beloved ballets-a story of true love, the union of two souls and the ultimate sacrifice to be set free. Also on the program are new works from a variety of innovative Canadian choreographers.

March 22, 2017

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Jazz Series

Spring into Jazz!
As one of Humber College's flagship ensembles, the nationally acclaimed Humber Vocal Jazz Ensemble has graced the stages of high profile festivals and venues across the province and beyond.Lisa Martinelli leads the ensemble in a high-octane concert of unique vocal arrangements in the jazz, folk, pop and contemporary vein.

March 28, 2017

12 - 1 p.m.

World Music Series

Synthesis
Justin Gray's Synthesis is an Indo-Jazz ensemble that explores a unique and captivating combination of creative jazz and Indian classical music. Gray's compositions blend the rich tonal pallet of the bass veena, an instrument he co-created, with unique percussion instruments and the resonance of pitched Tibetan meditation bowls.

TOUR THE FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2017

Start time: 10:30 a.m.

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

145 Queen St. W. (at University Avenue)

Cost: $20/adults; $15/seniors and students

The Canadian Opera Company opens the doors of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on March 5, 12, 19, 26, 2017 with 90-minute tours for the general public. These extensive tours include backstage access and are exciting opportunities to learn more about the first purpose-built opera house in Canada, its history, architecture and innovative acoustic design. Starting at 10:30 a.m., each tour is led by a trained docent and includes information and access to the magnificent Isadore and Rosalie Sharp City Room, the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre and R. Fraser Elliott Hall, as well as backstage areas like wig rooms and dressing rooms, the orchestra pit, and other spaces that only a stage door pass could unlock.

Tickets for public tours are $20/adults and $15/seniors and students, and can be purchased in advance at coc.ca or at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts Box Office, located at 145 Queen St. W., Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets will also be available on the morning of the tour starting at 10 a.m. at the welcome desk located in the main lobby.

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