Celine Dion in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011
SHOWTIME: 7:30PM
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
After five consecutive years of sold-out shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Celine Dion embarked on a year-long worldwide tour in 2008-2009, visiting five continents, 25 countries and playing to more than 3 million fans. Following the conclusion of the tour, and after taking a year off to enjoy some valuable family time, Celine is preparing for her triumphant return to Caesars Palace Las Vegas in 2011. Having sold more than 200 million albums around the world, Celine Dion is one of the most immediately recognized, widely respected and successful performers in pop music history. During her spectacular career Celine has been honored with over 1000 awards.

She is a five-time Grammy Award winner, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Album for Falling Into You (1996); and Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "My Heart Will Go On" (1998). Her recordings have won two Academy Awards®: Best Original Song in 1992 for the title song of Beauty and the Beast (with Peabo Bryson), and Best Original Song in 1998 for "My Heart Will Go On" (From Titanic). She has earned seven American Music Awards, 20 Juno Awards (Canada) and an astonishing 40 Felix Awards (Quebec).

In 2004, Celine received the Diamond award at the World Music Awards recognizing her status as the best-selling female artist of all time. In 2007 she was honored with the Legend Award at World Music Awards in recognition of her global success and outstanding contribution to the music industry.

Visit www.celineinvegas.com/ for additional information.

Nativity Concert by Pan-Orthodox Choir of Buffalo at Sts. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church

On Sunday, December 11, 2011 the Pan-Orthodox Choir of Niagara Frontier will perform their annual Nativity Concert at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 45 Ideal Street in Buffalo, NY at 7:00PM. The concert is free and is opened to anyone.
December 06, 2011 — Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, Buffalo NY - - On Sunday, December 11, 2011 the Pan-Orthodox Choir of Niagara Frontier will perform their annual Nativity Concert at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, 45 Ideal Street in Buffalo, NY at 7:00PM. The concert will feature the Masterpieces of Orthodox Choral Music. Following the concert every one is invited to join the choir members for a Christmas Carols “sing-along” and the time of fellowship with coffee, tea and delicious home-baked treats in the parish hall of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church.The Pan-Orthodox Choir is comprised of the members of several Orthodox Christian Churches located in Buffalo area and is directed by Fr. Rastko Trbuhovich of St. Stephen Serbian Orthodox Church.The concert is sponsored by the Council of Orthodox Christian Churches of the Niagara Frontier. The Orthodox Christian Churches in Buffalo area take turns to host this Christmas concert. "It has been a while since we hosted this concert, so shortly after coming to this parish I ask the council if they would consider coming with the concert to us this year. I am thrilled that the council accepted our invitation. Our Church has amazing acoustics, and I am sure this is going to be a wonderful event! " - said Fr. Volodymyr Zablotskyy, the new priest at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church.The clergy and council members suggested that a special collection will take place during the concert to help Saints Peter and Paul to recover the great financial loss suffered from recent burglary. "The unfortunate events in the middle of November when about 100 square feet of copper was stolen from the roof of our church in addition to Gospel Book were extensively covered by the local TV stations. We hope that the local media will take interest in this more joyous event." - said Father Zablotskyy.The stolen Gospel Book was later returned to Saints Peter and Paul, which Father Zablotskyy views as the beginning of the good things to come for this struggling parish.Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church has also created a Facebook Event Page dedicated to the concert with hope to spread the word to the public and to help them to adequately prepare for the number of guests.

In memory of 911, The World Trade Center Victims.

On September 11, 2001 Danny Whitfield was painting a rendition of a 2002 Corvette. At 10:41am he was informed of the devastating news about the world trade center. It was indeed a sad day in American history.
December 30, 2011 — Danny decided to dedicate the corvette print to the victims of 9-11 and the spirit of God Bless America. He place an inscription on the low right-hand margin. "Only the Strong Survive" In memory of the WTC Victims Copyright (9/11/01). The"Only the Strong Survive" print is Danny's way uplifting our fallen heroes. Your can order prints here: http://www.dannywhitfield.com/wtc.htmlThe September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th were a series of four coordinated suicide attacks upon the United States in New York City and the Washington, D.C. areas on September 11, 2001. On that Tuesday morning, 19 terrorists from the Islamist militant group al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger jets. The hijackers intentionally crashed two planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City; both towers collapsed within two hours. Hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The fourth jet, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to take control before it could reach the hijacker's intended target in Washington, D.C. Nearly 3,000 died in the attacks.Suspicion quickly fell on al-Qaeda, and in 2004, the group's leader Osama bin Laden, who had initially denied involvement, claimed responsibility for the attacks.[1] Al-Qaeda and bin Laden cited U.S. support of Israel, the presence of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia, and sanctions against Iraq as motives for the attacks. The United States responded to the attacks by launching the War on Terror and invading Afghanistan to depose the Taliban, which had harbored al-Qaeda. Many countries strengthened their anti-terrorism legislation and expanded law enforcement powers. In May 2011, after years at large, bin Laden was found and killed.The destruction of the twin towers caused serious damage to the economy of Lower Manhattan and had a significant impact on global markets. Cleanup of the World Trade Center site was completed in May 2002, and the Pentagon was repaired within a year. Numerous memorials were constructed, including the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York, the Pentagon Memorial, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. Adjacent to the National Memorial, the 1,776 feet (541 m) One World Trade Center is expected to be completed in 2013.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5wc85C9Jxs

New Year’s Eve & First Day Concerts

The Baroque triple harp at
Harvard University's Sanders Theatre.
In the opera Giulio Cesare and in the oratorio Saul, Handel calls for a harp to lend its color to special dramatic moments. But it is in the "pure music" of his concerto that the harp shines as a virtuosic solo instrument. The pedal mechanism on the modern harp allows the player to raise and lower notes to create sharps and flats. In Handel's time, there was no such mechanism, yet the music of the day required chromatic notes and changes of key. To accomplish this, the triple harp—similar to what became known as the Welsh harp—used three rows of strings. The outer two rows, one played by the right hand, the other by the left, generally had the natural notes, equivalent to the white keys on the piano. Running down the middle was a third row of strings containing the chromatic notes, equivalent to the black keys on the piano. The sharps or flats could thus be played by either hand reaching to the inside.

Barbara Poeschl-Edrich, who now teaches harp at Boston University, studied the Baroque harp while a student in the Historical Performance Department at BU, the program in which Boston Baroque is in residence. She has performed on Baroque harp with Boston Baroque, the Boston Camerata, Handel and Haydn Society, and other ensembles. As a modern harpist, she has played with the Boston Symphony and was a soloist in an orchestral work written by Martin Pearlman.

Soloists
Mary Wilson has become a favorite of Boston Baroque audiences, having performed with us in operas and in concert, including a stunning appearance in Boston Baroque's concert at the Casals Festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Of her appearance this past March in our concert of "Jewels and Discoveries," the Hub Review wrote, "Ms. Wilson's voice is just about perfect for Handel—her tone is ripe with sun, and her phrasings so flexible they seem to almost ripple…"

Arcangelo Corelli
Concerto Grosso
J.S. Bach
Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043
G.F. Handel
Concerto for harp in B-flat major, Op. 4, No. 6

Time and Man - NEW YEAR’S ENCYCLICAL - by Metropolitan Sotirios

God is timeless, un-begotten, and not created by anything or anyone else. God is not subject to anything or anyone, while everyone and everything is subject to Him. He is "the Author of the Heavens and the earth, and all things visible and invisible."
Man was created in due time by his Creator, God. No matter how long he lives upon the earth, he is subject to the ravages of time. In the afterlife, humanity will also be eternal and unchangeable. This will be the state of man especially after the Universal Resurrection of all people and at the Last Judgment of all by Jesus Christ, the Redeemer and Saviour of the world.
A definition of time does not exist. It is simply a notion by which we measure our lives and in general the duration of an event.
Time is a subduer of everything. Everything is tamed by time, because "everything is flowing and in motion." Everything on earth is always changing, and subject to corruption. Everything is tamed and subdued by time.
God, who created us, gave us the opportunity to live a certain number of years upon this earth. We should not simply attribute this solely to God. We are also responsible for how long we will live on the earth. This depends, of course, upon the will of God, but also upon how much we live a healthy life, guided by proper choices in life. When we live a measured and modest life, we will live better and longer. When we make all sorts of bad choices that will negatively affect our bodies, we will live a bad life that will certainly result in a shorter life upon the earth.
We can say that time is the most valuable possession in life. The second and the minute that we live now, can never be relived. The moment we live in now, is totally under our sovereignty. The moment that has passed, is gone forever. If you have made good use of this time, you have gained this moment. If not, you have lost if forever.
The time that we live on earth is of utmost importance for our life here and now, but also for our life in eternity. Let us consider a simple example. You are young. You make good use of the time at your disposal. You work hard. You accumulate a certain amount of wealth. You deposit this in the bank in order to collect interest, and this wealth begins to work for you on its own. In time, the money you have deposited in the bank begins to double and to multiply many times over. The same principle applies to the formation of good character within us. Our good character and charitable acts of mercy and good works will eventually multiply in time, much more rapidly than money in the bank will, because this will continue in the afterlife and in eternity. The only things that we will take with us after death, is our good character and our good acts of mercy and charity toward others.
The most basic and important thing in life is the proper and advantageous use of time to our benefit. This determines everything in life, such as the living of a good life on earth, but more importantly, the inheritance of the eternal Kingdom of God. It depends on us and our choices in life, if we will suffer corruption during the days of our life on earth, or if we try to be renewed in life through leading a virtuous life on earth.
2011 is now gone and forever in the past. We will make the best use of the time in this New Year if we pause in order to reflect a bit, and to evaluate our works and actions done in 2011. By the Grace of God, the New Year of 2012 opens anew before us. None of us knows when and how it will conclude. Perhaps we will reach the end of 2012, or we may go on to live for many more years. Some may be suddenly called to take that journey into eternity in 2012. Today, let us raise our “mind, soul and heart” to the heavens and let us render thanks to the Almighty Thrice-Holy God for granting us the gift that was 2011 that we were accounted worthy to live. Let us also give thanks for the gift of the New Year that today opens before us. It is towards our material, but more importantly, in our spiritual interest, that we are called to make proper and advantageous use of every second, minute and hour in our life.
I extend to all my prayers and best wishes for a Happy New Year, blessed by God with the blessings of health and spiritual joy and progress. I sincerely hope that all of us enjoy both material but especially spiritual progress in this New Year that opens before us.

With fatherly love and warm wishes,
Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios of Toronto (Canada)

TS:pa

Χρόνος και άνθρωπος * ΠΡΩΤΟΧΡΟΝΙΑΤΙΚΗ ΕΓΚΥΚΛΙΟΣ * Μητροπολίτη Σωτηρίου

Αχρονος, αγέννητος, αποίητος είναι ο Θεός. Δεν υπόκειται σε τίποτε και τα πάντα υπόκεινται σ’ Αυτόν. Είναι «Ποιητής ουρανού και γής ορατών τε πάντων τε καί αοράτων».
Ο άνθρωπος δημιουργήθηκε σε τακτό χρόνο από τον Δημιουργό του, τον Θεό. Όσο ζει επί της γης υπόκειται στην φθορά του χρόνου. Στην μετά θάνατο ζωή και ο άνθρωπος θα είναι αιώνιος και αναλοίωτος. Ιδιαίτερα μετά την κοινή ανάσταση όλων των ανθρώπων και την κρίση από τον Ιησού Χριστό, τον Λυτρωτή και Σωτήρα του κόσμου.
Ορισμός του χρόνου αυτός καθ’ εαυτόν δεν υπάρχει. Είναι μία έννοια με την οποία μετράμε την ζωή μας και γενικά την διάρκεια κάποιου γεγονότος.
Ο χρόνος είναι πανδαμάτωρ. Τα πάντα δαμάζονται από τον χρόνο, διότι «τα πάντα ρει». Επί της γης όλα ρέουν. ‘Ολα υπόκεινται στην φθορά. Όλα δαμάζονται από τον χρόνο.
Ο Θεός που μας δημιούργησε, μάς δίδει την ευκαιρία να ζήσουμε ένα χρονικό διάστημα πάνω στη γη. Δεν πρέπει όλα να τα ρίχνουμε στο Θεό. Είμαστε και εμείς υπεύθυνοι για το πόσο θα ζήσουμε επί της γης. Εξαρτάται βέβαια, από το θέλημα του Θεού, αλλά και από το πόσο εμείς κάνουμε σωστή ζωή. Όταν κάνουμε καλή και μετρημένη ζωή, θα ζήσουμε καλύτερα και περισσότερο. Όταν κάνουμε τις παντός είδους καταχρήσεις, θα έχουμε άσχημη ζωή και οπωσδήποτε μικρότερη πάνω στη γη.
Μπορούμε να ειπούμε, ότι ο χρόνος είναι το πιο ακριβό είδος. Η στιγμή την οποία ζούμε τώρα, δεν μπορούμε ποτέ να την ξαναζήσουμε. Η στιγμή την οποία ζούμε, είναι στην κυριαρχία μας. Η στιγμή που έφυγε, έφυγε για πάντα. Εάν την χρησιμοποιήσαμε σωστά, την κερδίσαμε. Εάν όχι, την χάσαμε.
Ο χρόνος τον οποίο ζούμε πάνω στη γη είναι υψίστης σημασίας για την ζωή μας αυτή εδώ, αλλά και για την μετά θάνατο ζωή. Να πάρουμε ένα απλό παράδειγμα. Είσαι νέος. Εκμεταλλεύεσαι τον χρόνο σωστά. Εργάζεσαι. Αποκτάς ένα ορισμένο ποσό χρημάτων. Το τοκίζεις στη τράπεζα κι εκείνο δουλεύει μόνο του για σένα. Με τον τόκο πολλαπλασιάζεται, σύμφωνα με τον χρόνο. Το ίδιο ακριβώς συμβαίνει με τη δημιουργία καλού μας χαρακτήρα. Ο καλός μας χαρακτήρας και οι αγαθοεργίες μας, πολλαπλασιάζονται με τον χρόνο πολύ περισσότερο από το χρήμα, διότι θα συνεχίζουν και στην μετά θάνατο ζωή, στην αιωνιότητα. Τα μόνα που παίρνουμε μαζί μας μετά θάνατο, είναι ο καλός μας χαρακτήρας και οι αγαθοεργίες μας.
Το βασικότερο και σπουδαιότερο πράγμα στη ζωή μας, είναι η σωστή εκμετάλλευση του χρόνου. Από αυτό εξαρτάται τα μέγιστα, η καλή ζωή μας επί της γης, αλλά και η κληρονομιά της αιώνιας Βασιλείας του Θεού. Από εμάς εξαρτάται να φθαρούμε μέσα στο χρόνο της επίγειας ζωής μας ή να ανακαινισθούμε.
Το 2011 είναι παρελθόν. Θα εκμεταλλευθούμε σωστά τον χρόνο, εάν καθήσουμε λιγάκι και αξιολογήσουμε τα έργα μας κατά το 2011. Το 2012 με τη Χάρη του Θεού ανοίγεται μπροστά μας. Κανένας μας δεν ξέρει μέχρι που θα πάει. Μπορεί να φθάσουμε στο τέλος του 2012. Μπορεί να ζήσουμε και πολλά άλλα χρόνια. Μπορεί όμως και στο 2012 να φύγουμε έκτακτα για τον ουρανό. Σήμερα ας υψώσουμε «νουν, ψυχήν και καρδίαν» στον ουρανό και ας ευχαριστήσουμε τον Τρισάγιο Θεό για το δώρο του 2011 που μας αξίωσε να ζήσουμε, αλλά και για το 2012 που ξανοίγεται μπροστά μας. Είναι προς το υλικό, αλλά κυρίως προς το πνευματικό συμφέρον μας να χρησιμοποιήσουμε κάθε στιγμή του καινούργιου χρόνου σωστά.
Εύχομαι σε όλους ευτυχισμένο και ευλογημένο από τον Θεό τον καινούργιο χρόνο. Εύχομαι όλοι μας να έχουμε υλική και κυρίως πνευματική πρόοδο.

Με πατρική αγάπη και θερμές ευχές

Ο ΜΗΤΡΟΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ

Ο ΤΟΡΟΝΤΟ ΣΩΤΗΡΙΟΣ

ΤΣ:γκ

NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS ‘THE HERO’S FIRE’

YEVGENY SUDBIN PERFORMS SCRIABIN’S PROMETHEUS: THE POEM OF FIRE, ARC3DESIGN CREATES SPECIAL LIGHTING ENVIRONMENT
FIRST PROGRAM OF 2012 ‘FIRE’ WINTER FESTIVAL FEATURES STRAVINSKY’S THE FIREBIRD AND MUSIC FROM WAGNER’S DIE WALKÜRE
FRI., JAN. 6 IN NEWARK
SAT., JAN. 7 IN NEW BRUNSWICK
SUN., JAN. 8 IN NEWARK

NEWARK, NJ (DECEMBER 13, 2011)—Music Director Jacques Lacombe and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra kick off 2012 with The Hero’s Fire, the first program in the Orchestra’s 2012 Winter Festival—FIRE. Pianist Yevgeny Sudbin joins the NJSO for Scriabin’s Prometheus: The Poem of Fire (Symphony No. 5); Arc3design collaborates with the Orchestra to create a special lighting environment for these performances.

“‘Big’ is the theme of this program,” Lacombe says of the Winter Festival’s opening weekend. “The Firebird and Prometheus: The Poem of Fire are very rich in terms of their orchestrations. Both Stravinsky and Scriabin are Russian, so there is an affinity and a link between these two great composers and orchestrators. To open with this Wagner music that also has a really deep sound is exciting, and I enjoy introducing some opera into my orchestral programs.”

“The Prometheus myth is so fitting for these Winter Festival programs centered around fire,” Lacombe says of the tale that has inspired multiple composers. “Scriabin’s music is not often performed, and we have a Scriabin specialist in guest pianist Yevgeny Sudbin, so that will be a revelation for the audience.”

Performances take place on Friday, January 6, (8 p.m.) and Sunday, January 8, (3 p.m.) at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark and Saturday, January 7, (8 p.m.) at the State Theatre in New Brunswick. A special Winter Festival pre-concert event—“Keeping the Home Fires Burning: A Panel Discussion on Alternative Energy Sources”—begins one hour before the January 6 and January 8 performances in Newark. The two Newark performances will also feature an Information Fair & Artisan Marketplace; artisans who work with fire and environmental organizations will host displays in the Prudential Hall lobby before the concert and during intermission.

TICKETS
Tickets range in price from $20 to $85 and are available for purchase online at www.njsymphony.org or by phone at 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

THE PROGRAM

THE HERO’S FIRE
Friday, January 6 at 8 pm | NJPAC in Newark
Saturday, January 7 at 8 pm | State Theatre in New Brunswick
Sunday, January 8 at 3 pm | NJPAC in Newark

Jacques Lacombe, conductor
Yevgeny Sudbin, piano
Arc3design, lighting
Al Crawford, designer

WAGNER “Wotan’s Farewell” and “Magic Fire Music” from Die Walküre
SCRIABIN Prometheus: The Poem of Fire (Symphony No. 5)
STRAVINSKY The Firebird (complete)

RELATED EVENTS:

Keeping the Home Fires Burning: A Panel Discussion on Alternative Energy Sources
Friday, January 6 at 7 pm | NJPAC in Newark
Sunday, January 8 at 2 pm | NJPAC in Newark

An eye-opening discussion about new developments in alternative energy both in the United States and abroad. Find out what you can do to prepare your homes and your families for possible futures beyond oil and coal.

Moderated by Christopher Daggett, President & CEO, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation
Tom Johnson, Co-Founder & Energy and Environment Writer, NJ Spotlight
Jeff Tittel, Chapter Director, New Jersey Sierra Club

Information Fair & Artisan Marketplace
Jan. 6 & 8 | NJPAC in Newark

Artisans who work with fire and environmental organizations will host displays in the lobby before the concert and during intermission.

THE ARTISTS
Jacques Lacombe, conductor
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Music Director Jacques Lacombe is renowned as a remarkable conductor whose artistic integrity and rapport with orchestras have propelled him to international stature.

Principal Guest Conductor of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal from 2002 to 2006, he led the orchestra in more than 100 performances. He served for three years as Music Director of both orchestra and opera with the Philharmonie de Lorraine in France; he has been Music Director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Trois-Rivières since 2006.

Lacombe’s engagements for the 2011–12 season include his debut with the Orquesta Filarmonica de Malaga in Spain, return engagements with the Vancouver Opera in Roméo et Juliette and with the Deutsche Oper in Un Ballo in Maschera, as well as two rarely performed operas: Felix von Weingartner’s Die Dorfschule and Carl Orff’s Gisei – Das Opfer. Lacombe will make his Carnegie Hall debut as part of the May 2012 Spring for Music Festival with the NJSO.

In recent seasons, Lacombe made his debut with the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden and at the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich. He led Turandot and Les Contes d’Hoffmann for Opéra de Monte-Carlo and Der fliegende Holländer, Eugene Onegin, Zemlinsky’s Der Traumgörge and concert performances of Waltershausen’s rarely heard Oberst Chabert at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Oberst Chabert was released as a live CD by CPO in 2011. He has also led operatic productions at the Metropolitan Opera and Teatro Regio in Turin, given the world premiere of Vladimir Cosma’s Marius et Fanny at l’Opéra de Marseille and worked abroad with orchestras in Nice, Toulouse and Halle, as well as with the Orchestre Lamoureux in Paris, Slovakia Philharmonic, Budapest Symphony, Royal Flemish Philharmonic, Victoria Orchestra Melbourne and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Yevgeny Sudbin, piano
Yevgeny Sudbin has been hailed by London’s Daily Telegraph as “potentially one of the greatest pianists of the 21st century,” calling his performance at the BBC Proms “sublime.” The International Record Review writes that his Rachmaninoff recording “confirms him as one of the most important pianistic talents of our time” and comments on his sixth solo CD of works by Haydn, “one can only marvel at the flawless technique, unfailing musicianship and highly informed opinion [in] his own extensive program notes.”

Sudbin’s worldwide recitals have included appearances at Tonhalle in Zurich, Wigmore Hall Master Series, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, San Francisco Performances, Gilmore International Piano Festival, ProArte Musical in Puerto Rico and Singapore International Piano Festival, among others. He has performed with London Philharmonic, Indianapolis Symphony, Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra and Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra in Lincoln Center, and he has performed and recorded with the North Carolina and Saõ Paulo Symphonies. Future orchestral engagements include performances with the Singapore and Vancouver Symphonies and Bergen Philharmonic.

Sudbin continues his ongoing recording project for BIS with the Minnesota Orchestra, under Osmo Vänskä, performing and recording all the Beethoven concerti; the first CD was released to rave reviews.

For high-resolution artist photos, full bios and program notes, visit www.njsymphony.org/pressroom. For Winter Festival presenter bios, visit www.njsymphony.org/fire/bios.htm.

THE NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra is comprised of some of the country’s finest musicians. The Orchestra is proud to have Jacques Lacombe as its Music Director and Neeme Järvi as its Conductor Laureate. Artistic excellence, innovative programming and community engagement are hallmarks of its mission. To best serve the people of New Jersey, the orchestra brings its programs to seven outstanding venues throughout the state. Education and community engagement programs enrich the listening experience for children and adults alike. Select performances of the NJSO are broadcast regionally and throughout North America. United is the official airline of the NJSO.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra continues its major fundraising initiative—the NJSO Comprehensive Campaign. To date, more than $30 million towards a $32 million goal has been raised in support of the Orchestra. For information about contributing to this historic campaign, contact Thomas Daubert, Director of Development, at 973.624.3713, ext. 269.

For more information about the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, visit www.njsymphony.org or e-mail information@njsymphony.org. Tickets are available for purchase by phone 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476) or on the Orchestra’s website.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s programs are made possible in part by The New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, along with many other foundations, corporations and individual donors.

NJSO VENUES
For venue contact information, directions and information about public transportation, parking, dining options and more, visit www.njsymphony.org/venues.

PRESS CONTACT
National & NYC Press Representative: Brittnee Walker, Cohn Dutcher Associates | 917.339.7183 | bwalker@cohndutcher.com
Regional Press Representative: Victoria McCabe, NJSO Communications and External Affairs |
973.624.3713, ext. 234 | vmccabe@njsymphony.org

Charlotte Symphony Presents “Disney In Concert” January 7

Beloved Songs Performed with Original Disney Artwork

The Charlotte Symphony is bringing an enchanting production to the stage to mark the beginning of 2012. “Disney In Concert: Magical Music from the Movies” will feature beloved tunes along with rare original storyboard artwork and video. On January 7th at 2:30 and 8 p.m. at the Belk Theater, the show will awaken the inner child and Disney fan in us all.

“Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies” will feature songs from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean and more. Derived from some of the most famous movie scores ever written, the musical program reveals many of Walt Disney's stories and characters through memorable melodies.

Nearly one hour of classic Disney-produced visuals will accompany the music, depicting original drawings of a Mary Poppins-style London, the frolicking young Simba and Nala and other nostalgic Disney scenes. The program features timeless music and universal themes that will appeal to audiences of all ages through live music and corresponding visual imagery.

Remember Ariel’s desperate yearning to be human in “Part of Your World”? Or the fiery spirit and sage advice of Pocahontas in “Colors of the Wind”? And who can forget Aladdin and Princess Jasmine's magic carpet ride and the love theme, “A Whole New World”?

Vocal talents Candice Nicole, Stephanie Burkett Gerson, Andrew Johnson and Aaron Phillips will bring your favorite characters to life. The combination of singers, original video and symphony orchestra will create a spectacular performance of magic and charm.

Don’t miss this fantastic, family-friendly production of the Magic of Disney! Tickets are available by calling the Charlotte Symphony Ticket Office at (704) 972-2000, or at www.charlottesymphony.org.

Nintendo's 2012 Concert Series for The Legend of Zelda Will Kick Off In Dallas

Dallas Symphony Orchestra to Play 'Symphony of the Goddesses' on January 10, 2012

DALLAS, TX (November 8, 2011)- Video game fans in the Lone Star State will soon be able to experience Nintendo's musical tribute to The Legend of Zelda™ video game series. On Jan. 10, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra will perform orchestral arrangements of music from the game's twenty five year history accompanied by video content from the games themselves. This new concert series will go on tour across the United States in 2012 as The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. Tickets for the Dallas performance are now available directly from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at dallassymphony.com or by calling 214-692-0203 and range in price from $19 to $115. Through Nov. 30, tickets are available to Club Nintendo members at a 15% discount.
Nintendo has teamed up with Jason Michael Paul Productions, Inc. to provide video game fans with the ultimate musical experience for The Legend of Zelda. The highlight of this new musical program is a full four-movement symphony that will guide fans through a musical retelling of key chapters from The Legend of Zelda franchise. The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses concerts will be conducted by Irish-born conductor Eímear Noone, and the multimedia show will pair iconic music and gorgeous visuals from classic Zelda titles including the newest game in the series, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Wii™ console.
"The love that fans feel for The Legend of Zelda series cannot be overstated," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "In 2012, we want to give people across the country a chance to come together and enjoy the music from the games that mean so much to so many."
"The Legend of Zelda is as close to our hearts as it is for the fans," said Jeron Moore, producer for Jason Michael Paul Productions, Inc. "The tour will be something both fans of the franchise and music enthusiasts alike won't want to miss."
Additional performance dates will be announced in the future. For more information about the concerts, visit http://www.zelda-symphony.com. For more information about the ticket discount available to Club Nintendo members, please visit club.nintendo.com.
About the Dallas Symphony Orchestra

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra, under the leadership of Music Director Jaap van Zweden, presents the finest in classical music at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, regarded as one of the world's premiere concert halls.

As the largest and oldest performing arts organization in the southwest, the Dallas Symphony is committed to inspiring the broadest possible audience. Each year, the orchestra reaches more than 240,000 adults and 60,000 children through performances, educational programs and community outreach initiatives. In the last 25 years, the orchestra has released more than 30 CD recordings; toured Europe four times; and performed in Asia, Mexico, Washington D.C. at the Kennedy Center, and in New York at Carnegie Hall.

In his fourth year with the Dallas Symphony, Maestro van Zweden continues to deliver artistic excellence by bringing prominent and emerging guest soloists and conductors to Dallas, and by programming new works alongside beloved favorites. The DSO's residency at the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival as well as invitations to prominent events, such as the 2011 Spring for Music Festival at Carnegie Hall, are also elevating the orchestra to national and international prominence.

Founded in 1900, the Dallas Symphony is now a central figure in the Dallas Arts District, the largest of its kind in the nation. The 68-acre district in downtown Dallas is home to multiple museums, parks, and performing arts venues, including the Meyerson Symphony Center.

About Nintendo
The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console, Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.8 billion video games and more than 610 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Ainars Rubikis to become Music Director at Novosibirsk Opera

Ainars Rubikis has accepted the position of Music Director at Novosibirsk Opera House - the largest in Russia - from 1 January 2012 for an initial period of three years.

The Latvian conductor gained international recognition as the winner of the Third Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition with the Bamberg Symphony in 2010 and was also the recipient of the Nestle/Salzburg Young Conductors’ Award in 2011. Rubikis will conduct symphonic programmes and a minimum of two new staged productions per season alongside repertoire performances, with exciting projects afoot for 2012, including Verdi’s Requiem, Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky and opera including Carmen and La bohème.

In the past two years, Rubikis has collaborated with a range of renowned ensembles in Europe and beyond, including: Kremerata Baltica; Northern Sinfonia; Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra; Hong Kong Philharmonic; Gulbenkian Orchestra; Bamberg Symphony and Estonian National Orchestra, as well as frequent appearances at Latvian National Opera. He has appeared at Salzburg, Lockenhaus and Edinburgh Festivals; Musikverein Wien on tour with Kremeratica Baltica and recently shared the podium with Sir Neville Mariner in Britten’s War Requiem with Brussels Philharmonic at the Klara Festival.

A beaming Ainars, accepting the position in Novosibirsk today said:
“I am thrilled to start this exciting journey in Novosibirsk--a House bursting with such warm and welcoming people, talented musicians, and where everyone’s clear objective is truly to serve the music. I look forward to many special moments in the years to come!”

RENOWNED NEW YORK CITY BALLET TO BRING GEORGE BALANCHINE’S THE NUTCRACKER™ WITH SPECIAL GUEST HOST KELLY RIPA LIVE TO MOVIE THEATERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Produced by Lincoln Center for Live Broadcast by NCM Fathom, Beloved Holiday Classic Arrives in Select Theaters Nationwide on Tuesday, December 13
New York & Centennial, Colo. – November 21, 2011 – This holiday season, New York City Ballet’s acclaimed production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ arrives in movie theaters across the country for one magical night. New York City Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ LIVE featuring special guest host Kelly Ripa of LIVE! With Kelly, will be broadcast to more than 550 theaters nationally on Tuesday, December 13 at 6:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. CT/ 7:30 p.m. MT/PT/HI/AK (tape delayed). As host of the live broadcast, Ripa will take audiences backstage for a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of The Nutcracker including interviews with NYCB principal dancers and others who bring this holiday classic to life onstage. This special holiday event will also feature an exclusive visit to a rehearsal at the School of American Ballet, the official school of New York City Ballet and home to the young ballet students who perform in the production each year.
Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
“We are thrilled to bring this beloved holiday production to audiences around the
country, in what we hope will be the first of many opportunities to present New York City Ballet’s extraordinary repertory in movie theaters throughout the world,” said Katherine E. Brown, NYCB’s executive director. “We are particularly delighted to have Kelly Ripa hosting this landmark presentation, bringing her unmatched passion and energy to this very special event.”
Ripa is co-host of the popular syndicated morning talk show LIVE! With Kelly and
recently celebrated her 10 th anniversary as co-host of the show. After 10 consecutive Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Talk Show Host with partner Regis Philbin, the duo recently was honored as co-winners of the 2011 Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host for "LIVE."
New York City Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ LIVE is being produced for movie theaters by the award-winning Live From Lincoln Center team that brings live performances to millions of viewers every year. This special holiday presentation will be broadcast to select movie theaters through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.
The Nutcracker will transport audiences to a dream-like place filled with visions of
Sugarplum Fairies, marching toy soldiers and a glowing one-ton Christmas tree that will grow, seemingly forever, in front of movie theater audiences nationwide. The production will feature NYCB Principal Dancers Megan Fairchild and Joaquin de Luz as the “Sugarplum Fairy” and her “Cavalier” and Ashley Bouder as “Dewdrop,” accompanied by the 62-piece New York City Ballet Orchestra under the direction of conductor Clotilde Otrano.
Other highlights of this enchanting presentation include an onstage snowstorm and
hundreds of elaborate costumes including one for “Mother Ginger” that measures nine feet wide and weighs 85 pounds. The production’s grand finale will also use more than one million watts of lighting – the most used in any New York City Ballet production.
Set to Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky’s glorious score, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ features choreography by Balanchine, scenery by Rouben Ter-Arutunian, costumes by Karinska, and lighting by Mark Stanley after the original design by Ronald Bates. The 70 New York City Ballet dancers, the 62-piece New
York City Ballet Orchestra, and 50 children from the School of American Ballet, the
official school of NYCB.
“This is an exciting ‘first’ for Lincoln Center and for the New York City Ballet—the first offering of an American ballet company’s live performance in cinemas worldwide,” said Elizabeth Scott, Lincoln Center’s chief media and digital officer.
This production, which premiered on February 2, 1954, at the City Center of Music and Drama in New York City, helped establish The Nutcracker and its score as a perennial favorite in the United States, evident by the countless versions of the ballet now performed all over the country. New York City Ballet’s beloved production has been seen by more than 100,000 people annually and has been performed more than 2,000 times.
“George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ is a holiday favorite cherished by millions
around the world,” said Dan Diamond, senior vice president of NCM Fathom.
“Performed live by America’s treasured New York City Ballet, fans will experience this historic holiday performance all in the comfort and convenience of their local movie theater.”
About National CineMedia (NCM) NCM operates NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S.
consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology. The NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom present cinema advertising and events across the nation’s largest digital intheater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), Regal untertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) and other leading regional theater
circuits. NCM’s theater advertising network covers 176 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50) and includes over 18,300 screens (17,300 digital). During 2010, approximately 700 million patrons attended movies shown in theaters in which NCM currently has exclusive, cinema advertising agreements in place. The NCM Fathom Events broadcast network is comprised of nearly 700 locations in 165 Designated Market Areas® (all of the top 50). The NCM interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 42 entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications.
National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 48.7% interest in and is the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information, visit www.ncm.com or www.FathomEvents.com.
About the New York City Ballet New York City Ballet is one of the foremost dance companies in the world, with a roster of spectacular dancers and an unparalleled repertory. Now under the artistic direction of Ballet Master in Chief Peter Martins, the Company was founded in 1948 by the legendary choreography George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein, and quickly became world-
renowned for its athletic, contemporary style, which revolutionized the ballet world. The Company has also been home to Jerome Robbins, who made more than 50 works for NYCB, as well as to countless other choreographers, composers, dancers and musicians. Widely acknowledged for its enduring contributions to dance, NYCB is committed to promoting creative excellence and nurturing a new generation of dancers and choreographers.

Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Announces 2011-12 Season

The Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Benjamin Zander, announces the 2011-12 season. Subscriptions are now on sale and single tickets go on sale September 1, 2011. For more information or to purchase subscriptions, please call 617-236-0999 or visit www.bostonphil.org.

Concert 1: The Inextinguishable Human Spirit
Jean Sibelius Swan of Tuonela
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Second Violin Concerto in D, Ilya Kaler, violin
Carl Nielsen Symphony No. 4, “The Inextinguishable”

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - 7:30pm - Sanders Theatre
Saturday, October 15, 2011 - 8PM - Jordan Hall
Sunday, October 16, 2011 - 3PM - Sanders Theatre

Concert 2: Eternal Students
Johannes Brahms Academic Festival Overture
Bela Bartók Concerto No. 2 for Piano and Orchestra, Martina Filjak, piano
Johannes Brahms Symphony No. 4

Thursday, November 17, 2011 - 7:30PM - Sanders Theatre
Saturday, November 19, 2011 - 8PM - Jordan Hall
Sunday, November 20, 2011 - 3PM - Sanders Theatre

Concert 3: Breaking Free of Chains
Ludwig van Beethoven, Leonore Overture No. 3
Witold Lutosławski, Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, Alexander Baillie, cello
Richard Strauss, Ein Heldenleben

Thursday, February 23, 2012 - 7:30PM - Sanders Theatre
Saturday, February 25, 2012 - 8PM - Jordan Hall
Sunday, February 26, 2012 - 3PM - Sanders Theatre

Concert 4: Mahler Triumphant!
Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 7

Thursday, April 26, 2012 - 7:30PM - Sanders Theatre
Saturday, April 28, 2012 - 8PM - Jordan Hall
Sunday, April, 29, 2012 - 3PM - Sanders Theatre

Subscription Prices (prices effective through May 25, 2011)

OPÉRA DE MONTRÉAL GALA, 16e ÉDITION

Lauren Segal, mezzo-soprano © yves renaud 2011

Gregory Dahl, baryton et Timothy Vernon, chef d'orchestre
© yves renaud 2011

Le Choeur de l'Opéra de Montréal et l'Orchestre Métropolitain
© yves renaud 2011

L’Opéra de Montréal présente la 16e édition de son Gala. Cette édition mettra en vedette dix chanteurs canadiens, deux musiciens solistes, le Choeur de l’Opéra de Montréal et l’Orchestre Métropolitain sous la direction de Timothy Vernon. Le baryton Bruno Laplante sera intronisé au Panthéon canadien de l’art lyrique en reconnaissance de son apport inestimable à la vie lyrique canadienne. Événement toujours très attendu du public, le Gala se tiendra cette année dans la nouvelle salle – la Maison symphonique de Montréal - le dimanche 4 décembre 2011 à 14 h. 

Ce rendez-vous des amoureux du chant offrira un florilège des plus grands airs d’opéra, duos et ensembles choisis du répertoire opératique parmi les favoris du public. Il permettra aussi d’entendre chaque artiste plus d’une fois en solo ou en ensemble. Les compositeurs au programme sont Leoncavallo, Donizetti, Mozart, Gounod, Bizet, Verdi, Giordano, Massenet, Delibes, Puccini, Cilea, Bizet, Bellini, Tchaikosky, Wagner, Offenbach, Plamondon/Cocciante. Les artistes invités sont : Phillip Addis, Alain Coulombe, Gregory Dahl, Antonio Figueroa, Lyne Fortin, Marc Hervieux, Marie-Josée Lord, Sonia Racine, Lauren Segal, Alexandre Sylvestre, Stéphane Tétreault* (violoncelliste), Serhiy Salov* (pianiste).
*Débuts à la compagnie 

Chef d’orchestre
TIMOTHY VERNON (CANADA) 

Récemment nommé membre de l’Ordre du Canada, Timothy Vernon s’affirme depuis de nombreuses années comme un des chefs d’orchestre canadiens les plus en vue. Fondateur et directeur artistique de Pacific Opera Victoria, il y dirige la majorité des productions, couvrant un vaste répertoire qui va de Handel à Berg, en passant par Verdi et Puccini. On a pu l’entendre au cours des dernières années dans plusieurs maisons d’opéra canadiennes, dont le Calgary Opera, l’Edmonton Opera et l’Opera Lyra Ottawa. Présent aussi au concert, il a été le chef invité des meilleurs orchestres canadiens : le Calgary Philharmonic, le Vancouver Symphony, l’Edmonton Symphony, l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal et le Toronto Symphony. Professeur réputé, il a enseigné notamment à l’Université McGill, en plus de participer à différents projets au disque et à la télévision. Dernière présence à la compagnie : The Turn of the Screw (1996) 

Intronisation au Panthéon canadien de l’art lyrique 

Le Gala rend un hommage vibrant à une personnalité lyrique qui a marqué le monde de l’opéra au Canada. Cette année, les honneurs reviendront au baryton Bruno Laplante. Son nom s’ajoute aux 52 membres intronisés à ce jour. 

BRUNO LAPLANTE, INTRONISÉ 2011 AU PANTHÉON CANADIEN DE L’ART LYRIQUE 

Né à Beauharnois, au Québec, Bruno Laplante fut influencé dès son très jeune âge par la musique française. En famille, on y chantait déjà les grands succès de Massenet, de Franck ou de Hahn. Au Collège Bourget de Rigaud, il étudie avec le Père Jacob, qui jouera un rôle prédominant dans sa formation. Il lui fera découvrir un répertoire varié, qui lui donnera des assises solides: une diction exemplaire, un sens du phrasé et des nuances, et, déjà, un intérêt grandissant pour le répertoire français. 

Il prépare ensuite son entrée au Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal avec Edouard Wooley. Là, il suit, entre autres, la classe de l’Opéra français, avec Raoul Jobin, et celle de la Mélodie française, avec Roy Royal. Il donne ses premiers concerts : une Sérénade de Léo Delibes pour Geneviève Bujold dans « À quoi rêvent les jeunes filles », le rôle de Siméon de « L’Enfant Prodigue » de Debussy avec l’Orchestre et les Choeurs du Conservatoire, les Choeurs de « L’Arlésienne » de Daudet-Bizet sous la direction de Wilfrid Pelletier ... 

Après cinq années d’études, il obtient un Premier Prix en Art vocal avec Grande Distinction. Il poursuit sa formation auprès de Pierre Bernac, à Paris, durant trois ans. Il y acquiert une véritable technique de l’interprétation, faisant ressortir l’essentiel d’une mélodie, et d’abord du texte littéraire, pour réussir ensuite à en communiquer toutes les couleurs. Son séjour lui permet également de faire connaissance de l’intérieur avec la culture européenne. Il participe à plusieurs concours nationaux et internationaux, reçoit diverses récompenses et médailles, dont un Prix spécial d’interprétation à Guelph. 

À son retour au Québec, à l’aube des années 70, il organise de grands récitals de Mélodies françaises. L’originalité de son répertoire lui donne d’être très souvent enregistré par les radios, ce qui le révèle au public de mélomanes. Il reçoit des musiques inconnues, et fait plusieurs créations. Il chante également pour la télévision, fait quelques tournées pour les Jeunesses musicales du Canada et de France, crée et dirige l’Ensemble «Cantabile» de Montréal. 

Sa carrière internationale prend son essor dès la parution de ses premiers récitals enregistrés sur étiquette Calliope. Il fait le tour de l’Europe : soliste dans de grandes oeuvres avec choeur et orchestre comme les « Béatitudes » de César Franck, enregistrant en public « Pelléas » de Debussy, des opéras de Massenet, ou des mélodies de Duparc, avec orchestre, faisant la création mondiale de « La Chute de la Maison Usher » de Debussy à Francfort avec Eliahu Inbal, travaillant avec des chefs comme Jean Fournet, Spiros Argiris, Charles Dutoit, Franz-Paul Decker, Pierre Bartholomée, Philippe Herreweghe, Kenneth Montgomerry, James de Preist, Louis de Froment, Henry Lewis, José Cérébrier, Jérôme Kaltenbach ... 

Il se produit en récital dans les salles les plus prestigieuses: Wigmore Hall à Londres, Concertgebouw à Amsterdam, Kunstring Diligentia à La Haye, Salle Gaveau à Paris, Musikverein à Vienne, Theatro São Luis à Lisbonne, Bunka Kaikan, Oji Hall et Casals Hall à Tokyo, Izumi Hall à Osaka, au Festival du Marais à Paris, à celui d’Aix-en-Provence, aux Nuits de Septembre en Wallonie, à celui des Flandres ou du Canada, à Ottawa ... 

L’enregistrement tient une part importante dans sa démarche artistique. Sa lecture des oeuvres, sa curiosité, son sens de la recherche, et surtout son interprétation d’oeuvres méconnues du public ou du répertoire habituel lui donnent une notoriété. Les radios nationales d’Europe (Norvège, Suède, Allemagne, Autriche, Roumanie, Suisse, Grèce, Espagne, Portugal, Angleterre) mais surtout de France, de Belgique et des Pays-Bas, et celles du Japon et du Canada le sollicitent à maintes reprises. 

En plus d’être invité par plusieurs compagnies d’opéra en France, en Allemagne et au Canada, Bruno Laplante, comme directeur artistique, a été producteur d’une cinquantaine d’oeuvres lyriques en tous genres, pour plus de 800 représentations, employant environ 400 artistes, 200 créateurs et artisans... dans un effort unique au Canada de renouveler la présentation de l’Art lyrique et d’ouvrir le marché du travail aux jeunes artistes professionnels. Il a aussi été chargé de cours à l’Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) pendant plusieurs années. 

Depuis 1989 il forme un duo lyrique avec la mezzo-soprano France Duval. Leur port d’attache est la ville de Québec, d’où ils initient leurs tournées internationales. En 1998, pour les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France, ils ont re-créé le premier opéra historique canadien, « l’Intendant Bigot » d’Ulric Voyer, et en mai 2004, ils ont créé mondialement 
deux oeuvres que le NTM venait d’éditer : la cantate « Fernand » (1839) et l’Hymne « La Liberté éclairant le monde » (1876) de Charles Gounod. En octobre 2003, Bruno Laplante a été honoré de la Médaille de l’Assemblée Nationale du Québec. 

Sa dernière passion est l’édition musicale et il a entrepris depuis quelques années une oeuvre monumentale, celle d’éditer une Anthologie de la musique québécoise, des origines jusqu’aux contemporains, de Calixa Lavallée à François Morel. Soixante (60) partitions sont déjà disponibles. 

Récemment, la France l’a honoré en le nommant au grade de Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres de la République française. En décembre 2011, il sera intronisé au Panthéon canadien de l’Art lyrique. 

Opéra de Montréal
Gala – 16e édition
Dimanche 4 décembre 2011 à 14 h
10 chanteurs, 2 artistes musiciens, le Choeur de l'Opéra de Montréal et l’Orchestre Métropolitain,
sous la direction de Timothy Vernon.
Précédé de l’intronisation au Panthéon canadien de l'art lyrique de Bruno Laplante. 

À la Maison Symphonique de Montréal
Place des Arts 

Billetterie de la Place des Arts 514-842-2112 ou 1-866-842-2112 ou 
www.laplacedesarts.com 

Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus celebrate their 75th Anniversary year with an audience of over 2 million

Sheffield’s very own Philharmonic Chorus will take centre stage on BBC One on Sunday 5th December. They will feature in a choral edition of the BBC’s flagship religious programme, Songs of Praise, singing four Christmas carols – some with a distinctly ‘Sheffield’ slant.

The Christmas Songs of Praise will not only net them their largest audience to date but will be particularly close to their hearts due to an unusual Sheffield connection. There is a tradition of mass singing in some of the pubs in North Sheffield and North Derbyshire, which takes place in the second half of November and throughout December, and which is often referred to as 'The Sheffield Carols'. These events have been described as one of the most remarkable instances of popular traditional singing in the British Isles, and featured in broadcasts last Christmas on both BBC Radio 2 and 3. The Sheffield carols Hark, hark what news and Christians awake will form part of the Chorus’s Christmas programme, bringing a unique local flavour to the event.

Choirs often find themselves singing festive music rather earlier than most due to having to rehearse in the months leading up to December. Songs of Praise kept this tradition alive by being recorded way back in October. “It was all quite exciting” said Jo Briddock, a 2nd alto who has sung with the Chorus for ten years. “We got our best choral glad rags on, made sure we knew the music inside out, then sang our hearts out next to a rather splendid Christmas tree....in October”, she laughed. “But I must say that St Oswald’s on Bannerdale Road was a wonderful venue, most atmospheric and with glorious acoustics”.

The Chorus’s 75th Anniversary season has already seen them perform Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius – to high acclaim - and this will be closely followed by two Christmas Concerts, at the City Hall - on Sunday 12 December. Mozart’s ever popular Requiem will follow on Friday 25 February 2011 and a performance on 3 June 2011 of Walton’s Henry V with their Patron, Samuel West. They will also be joining their colleagues of the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus for a performance of Verdi’s Requiem in Leeds Town Hall on Saturday 21 May 2011. With a DVD due for imminent release of the first recording for brass band and Chorus of Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man it seems their 75th Anniversary year will certainly be one to remember.

Liverpool Philharmonic reveals New Year line up PLUS special 12 days of Christmas giveaway!

• 
  
• Roll call includes Katherine Jenkins, Rebecca Ferguson, Nigel Kennedy, Omid Djalili, Joan Baez, Christy Moore, Stewart Lee and more…

• X Factor and Any Dream Will Do Stars

• Strong roots, folk and world music line up

• Full Jan-Apr listings on sale TODAY!

Liverpool Philharmonic today reveals another diverse line-up of talent from the world of music, film and comedy launching the 2012 January to April New Year programme of events, in addition to a special 12 days of Christmas giveaway.

2012 sees major artists visit the venue on Hope Street including one of Britain's best singers Katherine Jenkins, world renowned American jazz vocalist Curtis Stigers, I’m A Celebrity funny girl Crissy Rock and a Liverpool Philharmonic debut for The Osmonds (Jimmy Osmond is of course famous for the 1972 number one hit single Long Haired Lover From Liverpool). The magnificent art deco concert hall also welcomes back Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke & Erin Boag, The Waterboys, The Hollies and, after last year’s two-night Liverpool Irish Festival appearances, legendary Irish artist Christy Moore.

2012 begins with a New Year’s Day Prom and a visit to Liverpool Philharmonic Hall by the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (5 January); a team of 165 teenagers from across Britain who will inspire you with their incredible talent, creativity and conviction that music can change lives.

Highlights in the early New Year to look out for include concerts by the biggest names from TV reality shows Lee Mead (24 February), Rebecca Ferguson (9 March) and Matt Cardle (14 March).

There’s an exciting chance to see three of the finest Celtic musicians share a stage when the critically acclaimed Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle (24 February) perform in St George’s Hall Concert Room. Folk and roots music fans will also be delighted to hear that BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends (26 February) will be downing their nets and lobster pots to make the trip up from their West Country fishing village to sing live at Liverpool Philharmonic. Plus, there is also a return for the hugely influential folk legend Joan Baez (2 March).

After another successful Liverpool Irish Festival in October 2011, Irish music continues to be strongly represented at the venue with Tommy Fleming (11 March), known as ‘The Voice of Ireland’, famous for his haunting versions of songs like Danny Boy. There’s a 5oth Anniversary show by The Dubliners (19 March), the return of favourites The Waterboys (24 March) a greatest hits show from Gilbert O’Sullivan (5 April) and perhaps one of the most influential Irish artists of a generation, Christy Moore (7 April).

The Billy Fury Story (17 April) featuring his own band Fury’s Tornados provide a fitting tribute to the local star on what would have his 72nd Birthday Day. Artists from further afield include the American country singer and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Don Williams (24 April) who returns to the UK for the first time in six years. And from Libya and the Sahara Desert come the incredible rebel blues band Tinariwen (11 April) their celebrity fans include Robert Plant, Santana, the Edge and Thom Yorke.

Plus, Liverpool Philharmonic’s Film Series continues, projected on to only working Walturdaw Cinema screen in the world which rises out of the stage accompanied by resident organist, Dave Nicholas. Film highlights and gems include new releases such as The Iron Lady, Wuthering Heights andWar Horse, as well as classics including a Valentine’s Day special screening of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

12 Days Of Christmas giveaway

To celebrate the launch of the New Year events, each day from Monday 5 December, anyone following Liverpool Philharmonic on Twitter @liverpoolphil or Facebook fb.com/liverpoolphilharmonic could win a host of prizes including a iPod Nano from John Lewis, a Liverpool ONE Gift Card worth £50 and a family pass for the real Ice Rink on Chavasse Park, a Champagne and Blow appointment at Andrew Collinge and Family Pass to Alice in Wonderland Exhibition at Tate Liverpool, plus many more!

To purchase tickets to any Liverpool Philharmonic events order online at www.liverpoolphil.com or call Box Office on 0151 709 3789.