rps of note: introduction to canadian composer kati agÓcs · choir, a biennial project of the...
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TORONTO REGION NEWSLETTER
April –June, 2016
In this issue:
Of Note: Composer Kati Agócs
1 Reading April Haydn 7
Feature: Musical Chairs
3 Reading May Bruckner 8
In the Spotlight: Choirs Ontario
4 Playing opportunities, Concerts Notices 11
RPS 6 Management Committee 2016-2017 14
OF NOTE:
INTRODUCTION TO CANADIAN
COMPOSER KATI AGÓCS
Submitted by Sheila M. MacRae
There is no better example of the way music transcends national
borders than in the work of Kati Ilona Agócs (born in Windsor,
Ontario, on January 20, 1975).
While Kati Agócs calls herself a Canadian composer hailing from
Newfoundland, her background is Hungarian and American. Her
parents fled Hungary after the 1956 uprising and eventually
settled on a small Ontario farm.
Agócs earned her Doctor of Musical Arts, as well as her Masters,
from The Juilliard School, where her principal teacher was
Milton Babbitt. She is also an alumna of the Aspen Music
School, Tanglewood Music Festival, Lester B. Pearson College
of the Pacific (one of the United World Colleges), and Sarah
Lawrence College, all of which she attended on full scholarship.
Kati Agócs, courtesy NYO Canada
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Yet she has retained her links with Hungary. For example, she organized an exchange program
between The Juilliard School and the Liszt Academy. From 2005-2006, she lived in Budapest
and wrote a piece on the new music scene in Hungary for the journal The Musical Times. As a
result, she has been credited with making Hungarian composers known abroad, as was
acknowledged by Bécsi Napló (Vienna Journal), a Hungarian weekly.
In 2007, she was selected by the CBC to write a Prelude and Fugue for solo piano in honour of
Glenn Gould. She has been on the composition faculty of the New England Conservatory,
Boston, since 2008. In 2010 she was invited to be Composer in Residence by NYO (National
Youth Orchestra) Canada, and invited to write a work premiered in London and subsequently
performed in various cities during a national concert tour. In 2013, she was awarded a
Guggenheim Fellowship. In 2014, she was commissioned to write a work for the Boston
Symphony Chamber Players, a chamber ensemble consisting of the BSO’s principals. In January
2016 her Album of Orchestral and Vocal Works, The Debrecen Passion, was released by the
Boston Modern Orchestra Project. She has been awarded the Arts and Letters Award for Music
from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
On April 6 and 8, 2016, Agócs’ work “Perpetual Summer” was featured by the Toronto
Symphony Orchestra.
Kati Agocs, Courtesy Metropolis Ensemble
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Kati Agócs is an Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre for the Atlantic Region. Her
permanent studio is in Flatrock, Newfoundland. She is gaining international recognition as a
significant voice of the younger generation of Canadian and international composers.
REFERENCES AND LINKS
http://www.katiagocs.com/
http://necmusic.edu/faculty/kati-ag%C3%B3cs
https://www.musiccentre.ca/node/37823/showcase
MUSIC SAMPLES
By the Streams of Babylon, (2 sopranos and orchestra)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw3_Q2DUmD8
John Riley, (Solo harp)
https://www.youtube.com/user/katiagocs
The Debrecen Passion
http://bmop.org/audio-recordings/kati-ag%C3%B3cs-debrecen-passion
If you would like to see a Canadian Composer featured, please submit
your recommendation to the Editor. Your input is always appreciated.
FEATURE
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Submitted by Gerald Martindale
The founder of CAMMAC Toronto Region Musical Chairs was Martyn Rice. About 10 years
ago, he discovered that CAMMAC Ottawa region already featured the same kind of
organization. So he started Musical Chairs in Toronto.
I took over the group in September. Musical Chairs makes it easy for musicians to connect with
each other to play instruments together for their own enjoyment. When someone wants to join
the group, they are sent a questionnaire, asking basic questions including the name of the
participant, their contact information, their location, the name of the instrument or instruments
they play, and their level of proficiency. I also ask the kind of music they prefer to play such as
Chamber, Classical, Romantic, Jazz, etc. After I receive this information, I email the list of other
participants along with their information. At the present time, there are 54 musicians on the list.
If you would like to join Musical Chairs, please email me, Gerald Martindale, at
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT
CHOIRS ONTARIO
Submitted by Barbara Adams
Choirs Ontario, formerly known as the Ontario Choral Federation, was established in 1971.
Believing that choral music is vital to our lives, builds strong communities and enriches our
society, its aim has been to promote, support and celebrate choral music across the province.
The organization provides growth and development opportunities for choral musicians and
administrators through its wide variety of programmes and services that raise the profile and
quality of choral music, support the choral community and educate the next generation of choral
leaders. Past Honorary Patrons have included the Right-Honourable Roland Michener,
internationally renowned soprano Lois Marshall and composer and philanthropist Dr. Donald
Wright. The current Honorary Patron is the Honourable Peter Milliken, M.P., former speaker of
the House of Commons and a passionate choral enthusiast.
Community based opportunities and training
programmes are offered to develop the skills
and knowledge of choristers, conductors and
administrators including: online resources
through its informative website, extensive music
library, quarterly newsletter titled “Dynamic”,
VOCAL workshop for adult choristers, and
Choral Management Workshops. The Ontario
Youth Choir (OYC), founded in 1971, has
served as a unique opportunity for young
singers to develop their choral skills and work
with some of Canada’s finest choral conductors.
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Several awards programmes recognize the accomplishments of exceptional individuals who have
contributed to Ontario’s choral music through conducting, composition, and community
leadership. These include the Leslie Bell Prize for Choral Conducting, The Ruth Watson
Henderson Choral Composition Competition and the Presidents’ Leadership Award.
Choirs Ontario is an active participant in the Association of Canadian Choral Communities.
Together with the sister Provincial Choral Organizations, it forges a stronger national choral
presence. Choirs Ontario hosted Podium, the biennial national conference for choral practitioners
in Toronto, May 2002, and presented Podium 2012 - Choral Célébration Chorale in Ottawa,
Ontario. Choirs Ontario is proud to send and support four young singers to the National Youth
Choir, a biennial project of the ACCC.
CAMMAC Toronto Region has benefited from its Choirs Ontario membership through
assistance with promotion of our readings and workshops, both on the website and, in the past,
with brochure distribution through its mailings. To reap the full benefits available through
Choirs Ontario, your choir should consider becoming a member of the organization.
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CAMMAC RECORDER PLAYERS’ SOCIETY
The CAMMAC Recorder Players’ Society holds 12 regular meetings a year from September to
June plus an annual spring workshop. Regular meetings are on Friday evenings from 7:30 pm
until 10:00 pm, with a short break (refreshments included). The annual RPS membership fee is
$80 for members of CAMMAC - with an additional charge for the spring workshop. Non-
CAMMAC members pay $15 per regular meeting (your first visit is free). Coached sessions cost
an additional $5. Please bring a music stand and your CAMMAC membership card if you wish
to pay the reduced annual fee. To become a member, go to http://cammac.ca/en/devenezmembre/
Dates for the 2015 - 2016 season are October 2; October 23 (coached by Janos
Ungvary); November 13; December 4 (coached by Avery MacLean); January
8; January 29; February 19 (coached by Frank Nakashima); March 11; April
1; May 13; and June 3. The spring workshop will be on Sunday, April 24,
1:30 pm – 5:00 pm (coached by Colin Savage) at 77 Carlton Street. Any
changes to the schedule will be posted on the website.
For further information, please contact Brian Tulloch at 416-597-0485 or
[email protected] or check the RPS link on the CAMMAC Toronto Region website.
.SCHEDULE OF READINGS
2016
Once a month, CAMMAC singers and instrumentalists get together and read through a work for
choir and orchestra under the direction of a professional choir director. Occasionally, readings
feature pieces for singers only. Readings are not intended as rehearsals, and we do not perform
for an audience, although listeners are welcome. All readings are in Elliott Hall, Christ Church
Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St., Toronto, and are on Sunday afternoons from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm.
Admission is $6 for CAMMAC members and $10 for non-members. Please arrive 15 minutes
early to set up so the reading can begin on time!
April 17 - Haydn, Mass in Time of War, with Daniel Norman (coordinator: Tim Moody).
May 15 – Bruckner, Mass in F minor, with Andrew Chung (coordinator: Marion Wilk).
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A CAMMAC (Canadian Amateur Musicians /Musiciens Amateurs du Canada) Toronto Region Event.
Please copy and post.
CAMMAC READING
Mass in Time of War
Franz J. Haydn
Date SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2016
Time 2 PM SHARP TO 4:30 PM (Please arrive 15 minutes early to set up.)
Conductor DANIEL NORMAN
Biography Daniel Norman has been an active conductor, keyboardist and collaborative
artist for over a decade. He has directed an array of choirs, orchestras and
chamber ensembles performing in a range of genres including classical,
operetta and musical theatre. Through his career Daniel has collaborated
with dance, visual and musical artists in large and chamber ensembles to
perform both scripted and improvisatory compositions. He has an
undergraduate degree in Music Composition from the University of Western
Ontario and a graduate degree in Performance from the University of
Toronto. In addition to his work as a freelance artist, Mr. Norman holds
directorships with Church of the Redeemer, and the Convent of St. John the
Divine. He is currently interim Artistic Director of the Hart House Chorus,
and is associate conductor with Pax Christi Chorale.
Music notes Haydn’s Missa in tempore belli (Mass in Time of War) was written in 1796
as Napoleon was advancing on Vienna. Written in the normally carefree key
of C major, the opening and closing sections are spiked with
uncharacteristic (and, at the time, sacrilegious) trumpet fanfares and
tympani rolls. While the Mass’s drums and brass accents are isolated, they
inject a hint of anxiety and desperation into the final soothing prayer for
peace. The Mass has often been thought to express an anti-war sentiment. It
was for example included in a 1973 “Concert for Peace” led by Leonard
Bernstein as a protest to the Vietnam war.
Place Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. (2 blocks north of St. Clair
Avenue) in Elliott Hall (enter from Heath St.)
Singers Choir SATB. (Note: Singers do not need to pre-register).
Instrumentation Flute 1; Oboe 1&2; Clarinet 1&2; Bassoon 1&2; Horn 1&2; Trumpet 1&2;
Timpani, Strings.
Information For more information: Tim Moody [email protected]
Cost CAMMAC members $6; non-members $10; students free.
Refreshments Refreshments will be available for $1 during the break.
Instrumentalists: Please pre-register with Tim Moody [email protected]
Please bring your own music stand
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CAMMAC Amateur Musicians /Musiciens Amateurs du Canada) Toronto Region Event.
Please copy and post.
CAMMAC READING
Mass in F Minor
Anton Bruckner
Date SUNDAY, May 15, 2016
Time 2 PM SHARP TO 4:30 PM (Please arrive 15 minutes early to set up.)
Conductor Andrew Chung
Biography Appointed Music Director of Silverthorn Symphonic Winds in 2007, Andrew
Chung also serves as Music Director of The Brass Conspiracy and the Chinese
Canadian Choir of Toronto. While attending the University of Toronto, he was
appointed Music Director of the Pickering Philharmonic Orchestra and Assistant
Conductor of the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He has served as
Music Assistant at the Opera Mississauga, and has guest conducted the Hart
House Orchestra, the North York Concert Orchestra, the Toronto Philharmonia,
Korean Canadian Symphony Orchestra, Northdale Concert Band, the Toronto
Chinese Youth Orchestra, the Mississauga Youth Orchestra and the Toronto
Youth Wind Orchestra. Mr. Chung served as the principal trumpet with the Hong
Kong Chamber Orchestra, the Hong Kong Youth Symphony, the Asian Youth
Orchestra (under Yehudi Menuhin and Alexander Schneider) and the Toronto
Symphony Youth Orchestra. His solo debut was with the Mooredale Festival
Orchestra; he has played with Hamilton Philharmonic and Talisker Players.
Music notes Bruckner's Mass No. 3 in F Minor, like all his music, is a statement of faith
reaching for infinity. According to Sergiu Celibidache: “To a normal man, time
is what comes after the beginning. To Bruckner, time is what comes after the
end. All his apotheotical finals, the hope for another world, the hope of being
saved, of being again baptised in light, it exists nowhere else in the same
manner”. This mass, which was written before Bruckner had finally found his
symphonic voice, owes much to Beethoven's Missa Solemnis and to Mozart.
When Brahms heard the work, he applauded so enthusiastically that Bruckner
personally thanked him.
Place Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. (2 blocks north of St. Clair Avenue) in
Elliott Hall (enter from Heath St.)
Singers Choir SATB. (Note: Singers do not need to pre-register).
Instrumentation Flute 1&2; Oboe 1&2; Clarinet 1&2; Bassoon 1&2; Horn 1&2; Trumpet 1&2;
Trombone 1,2&3; Timpani, Strings.
Information For more information: Marion Wilk, [email protected]
Cost CAMMAC members $6; non-members $10; students free.
Refreshments Refreshments will be available for $1 during the break.
Instrumentalists: Please pre-register with Marion Wilk [email protected]
Please bring your own music stand
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READING REVIEWS
REQUIEM
Wolfgang A. Mozart
February 21, 2016
Submitted by Gerald Martindale
On Sun. Feb. 21 it was my privilege to join the choir in a Reading of the Mozart Requiem
conducted by Brad Ratzlaff. He was careful to give equal attention to both the orchestra and
choir, and demanded a high standard of musicianship but gently and with much encouragement.
The alto, tenor and bass soloists were outstanding. The soprano soloist failed to show up so a
person from the choir, Janice Ketchen, volunteered to sing in her place. She has a lovely voice
and was very warmly received. Also three trombonists greatly contributed to the success of
the Tuba Mirum movement.
ELIJAH
Felix Mendelssohn
March 20, 2016
Submitted by Peter Solomon
On Sunday March 20, CAMMAC veteran Joan Andrews conducted a lively and fun reading of
the perennial favorite oratorio Elijah by Felix Mendelssohn. A strong choir of 30 singers and
nearly 20 committed orchestral players (including a full complement of winds and timpani)
performed almost all of Part one and selections from Part two. They were joined by four
accomplished soloists singing recitatives and arias: soprano Karin MacLeod, alto Catherine
Carew, tenor Eric MacKeracher, and bass Keith Hagerman in the title role. Marian Wilk
provided support at the keyboard, deftly filling in for missing instrumental players.
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WORKSHOP REVIEW
SIGHT-SINGING
With Art Levine
March 5, 2016
"Exciting" would be an understatement to describe the 2 1/2 hours we spent with Art Levine.
Within the first half-hour, Art turned upside down and inside out any knowledge and
preconceptions that we brought to the workshop.
From two perspectives -
Complete newbie
I was seeking basic sight-reading skills in order to join a choir. I found myself in the presence of
an individual who shared his broad and deep experience of music and teaching. His approach
was creative, idiosyncratic, engaging, funny and challenging.
Music student
I was looking for no-fail tips and tricks to master intervals for example. Soon my brain felt like it
was askew! By the end, I had basic principles and practice techniques that I could put to use
immediately and look forward to practicing!
We experienced a paradigm shift and highly recommend this workshop.
*The writers of the review preferred not to sign their names
PLAYING AND SINGING OPPORTUNITES
CAMMAC Music Center 2016 – June 26 – August 7, 2016.
http://cammac.ca/en/make-music#music-centre
Lake Field Music – August 7-14, 2016.
http://lakefieldmusic.ca
Wychwood Clarinet choir
The Wychwood Clarinet Choir is growing! We are looking for skilled clarinet players of all ages
to join our ranks. The choir is conducted by Artistic Director and clarinetist Michele Jacot, and
rehearses once a week in the St Clair and Wychwood area. Members are admitted by audition,
and pay an annual membership fee. If you are interested in auditioning for the choir, please
contact us through our website at http://www.wychwoodclarinetchoir.com
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CONCERT NOTICES
(all groups listing an event must include at least one CAMMAC member)
North York Concert Orchestra, “Family Concert”, Rafael Luz, Music Director. Prokofief, Peter
and the Wolf. Narrated by Gwenna Fairchild-Taylor; Ravel, Mother Goose; Rossini, William
Tell Overture. Temple Sinai, 210 Wilson Ave. (between Avenue Rd. and Bathurst)
Sunday April 10, 3:00 pm.
Oakham House Choir of Ryerson University, “Celebrate! 30th Anniversary Concert”. Matthew
Jaskiewicz, Music Director. Featuring Toronto Sinfonietta; Mira Solovianenko, Soprano;
Andrew Tees, baritone. Carmina Burana, Part I; favourites from the last 30 years by Bach,
Mozart, Bizet, Rutter, Rogers and Hammerstein and others. Bloor Street United Church, 300
Bloor St. W. Tickets: $15 to $30. 416-960-5551; www.oakhamchoir.ca.
Saturday, April 30, 7:30 p.m.
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Annex Singers Chamber Choir, “Songs and Sonnets: A Shakespeare Celebration”. Maria Case,
Artistic Director. Cynthia Herbert, Harpsichord. Featuring music by Tallis, Dowland, and others.
Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. at Russell Hill Rd. Tickets: Regular adults $25.
Seniors $20, 30 and under $15. Under 12, Free. Saturday, May 7, 7:30 pm.
Northumberland Orchestra and Choir, “Pictures at an Exhibition”. John Kraus, Music
Director. NOC is joined by the Bridge Street United Church Choir, Terry Head, Music Director,
and the Quinte Symphony. Guest soloist Michael Lyons performs Michael Conway Baker’s
Clarinet Concerto; also Poulenc’s Gloria, and Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition.
Port Hope United Church, 34 South St, Port Hope, ON. www.northumberlandmusic.ca.
Saturday, May 7, 7:30 pm. Concert is repeated at Bridge Street United, Belleville, 60 Bridge
St. E. Belleville, Sunday May 8, 2:30 pm.
Toronto Community Orchestra, Leonidas Varahidis. Artistic Director. From Furthest Base to
Farthest Leap”. Featuring Alessia Disimino, Violin. John Williams, Harry’s Wonderous World,
(from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone); Gustav Holst, St. Paul’s Suite for strings and First
Suite for winds; Ralph Vaughan Williams The Lark; and Latin dance music. Eastminster
United Church, 310 Danforth Avenue. Admission free, donations gratefully accepted.
Tuesday, May 10, 7:30 pm.
North Toronto Community Band, "Spring Rhythms". Danny Wilks, Conductor. Featuring Keli
Schmidt, mallets percussionist, and Cindy Sloane, vocalist. Silent auction, complimentary hors
d'oeuvres, tea/coffee and dessert. Crescent School, 2365 Bayview Ave. Tickets $20. 416-481-
1978. Sunday, May 29, 7:00 p.m.
Singing Out, "Seize the Day." Jody Malone, Artistic Director. Glenn Gould Studio Theatre, 250
Front St. W. Tickets: Adults $25, Students $20, Children (12 & under) $15. For more
information, 416 551-5183. Saturday June 4, 3 pm & 7:30 pm.
North York Concert Orchestra, “Scary Night”. An evening of scary classics. Rafael Luz, Music
Director. Yorkminster Citadel, 1 Lord Seaton Road, Toronto ON M2P 1C1. To
purchase tickets please visit our website www.nyco.on.ca. June 4, 2017 8pm
Amadeus choir, "Serenade to Music". Lydia Adams, Conductor; Shawn Grenke, Piano.
Eglinton St George's Church, 35 Lytton Blvd., Toronto. For more information,
416-446 0188 or www.amadeuschoir.com. Sunday, June 5, 7:00 pm.
The Newsletter welcomes short announcements in Playing Opportunities and Concert Notices
from all CAMMAC members. Please send details to the Editor by the next Newsletter deadline
(penultimate page of this newsletter).
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Here’s what is happening in 2016 with our talented young Toronto Area musicians:
You are encouraged to attend these wonderful concerts!
TORONTO SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA Submitted by Lucy Nesbitt
TSYO Spring concert - Thu Apr 21 7:30pm Koerner Hall
http://www.tso.ca/en-ca/Youth-Programs/Toronto-Symphony-Youth-
Orchestra/concerts.aspx (link to the TSYO concert page on www.tso.ca)
http://www.tso.ca/en-ca/concerts-and-tickets/2015-2016-Season/EventDetails/All-
Tchaikovsky.aspx (link to the concert details on www.tso.ca)
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Are you looking for a music-mate, someone with whom to make music? We keep a list of
others who are also looking. Please contact our Musical Chairs Group, now headed by Gerald
Martindale, [email protected], or 416-551-5183.
FAVOURITES Please send the Newsletter a link to, information about, and a description of
a favourite online recording, to share with other CAMMAC members.
Reviews of music which is not online or sheet music also welcome.
ADVERTISING RATES Full page $90 Half page $50 (max. 7 ½ “W x 4 5/8” H) Quarter page $30 (max. 3 ½” W x 4 5/8” H) Advertising is subject to space availability. Neither publication nor positioning is guaranteed
Next CAMMAC Newsletter deadline
August 15, 2016
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CAMMAC TORONTO REGION MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 2016 – 2017
President: Tim Moody 416-605-2793 [email protected]
Past President: Gerald Martindale 416-551-5183 [email protected]
Treasurer: Marion Wilk 416-386-0258 [email protected]
Secretary: TBD
Newsletter Editor: Sheila M. MacRae 705-877-8837 [email protected]
Publicity Coordinator*: Barbara Adams 905-877-0671 [email protected]
Volunteer Coordinator: Gerald Martindale 416-551-5183 [email protected]
Soloist Coordinator: Peter Solomon 416-781-4745 [email protected]
Member-at- Large: Lynda Moon 416-482-6562 [email protected]
Member-at- Large: Paola Di Santo 416-245-2316 [email protected]
Member-at- Large: Zhenglin Liu 647-388-7963 [email protected]
OTHER CONTACTS
Webmaster: Barbara Adams 905-877-0671 [email protected]
RPS: Brian Tulloch 416-597-0485 [email protected]
CAMMAC membership Toll Free 888-622-8755 [email protected]
CAMMAC website www.cammac.ca
*Toronto Region Representative to the CAMMAC Board of Directors