Roy Thomson Hall fills with beauty as she walks on stage

It was another magical musical evening, filled with warmth and virtuosity as I got to listen to the best of the best: Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman. On Saturday April 13th, Toronto's classical music fans gathered together to hear a special performance.

"Brueggergosman has emerged as one of the most magnificent performers and vibrant personalities of the day. She is critically acclaimed by the international press as much for her innate musicianship and voluptuous voice as for a sovereign stage presence far beyond her years." (www.measha.com)

Brueggergosman started with the works of Samuel Barber, singing his Knoxville: Summer of 1915, Op. 24. The thing that struck me upon hearing the first couple lines was Brueggergosman's precise pronunciation. It is clear that she has done her linguistic homework as a singer, which is a part of singing that many often overlook. Brueggergosman is easily able to hold her vowels and shape her consonants, separating the two with light touches of her tongue to create T and S sounds. Every word in her singing is recognizable and understood.

After intermission, Brueggergosman graced the audience with four songs by Henri Duparc; L'invitation au voyage, Phidylé, La vie antérieuse, and Au pays ou se fait la guerre. Her control of the lower register was evident while flowing through these pieces. Brueggergosman is identified as a lyrical soprano, which is seen through her careful selection of repertoire. The music she sings matches her voice to best display her expressive range of talent.

Brueggergosman's clear French was noticed in the second piece, Phidylé. She has a young, nurtured voice and she knows the importance of taking care of it. The warmth and colour in her vocal chords shone through as listeners soaked in her delicate and unique timbre.

The thing that one takes away after a Brueggergosman performance is not only her talented voice. It is also her personality. Her strong stage presence allows her to convey the right emotions through her songs. She holds the audience in the palm of her hand as she sings out to reach the depths of our emotions. Brueggergosman's spark for life is seen everywhere she goes, and that's what carries her through the competitive world of classical singing today.

Music

Ladies and gentleman, prepare yourselves. Uforia is about to take the stage.

The power of the classics: Mendelssohn, Weber and Brahms

Music

An exciting line-up was on the program as I settled into my seat three rows from the front of the stage. Mendelssohn's Overture to Ruy Blas, Weber's Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra (with soloist Peter Shackleton), and Brahms's Symphony No. 1 in C Minor. Saturday March 23rd in the Living Arts Centre presented a musical montage for all listeners.

Mendelssohn has always been my favourite composer for piano, and his ventures into orchestral writing have proven to be a pleasure as well. The brass section began the overture with a round, full sound. Listening to the short, sweet violins dance their tune, it sounded as if flies were bouncing back and forth on the violin strings. The cellos then took over the melody line and filled the hall with warmth. The piece continued, with contrast building between staccato and legato, as if two opposing materials were rubbing together to build tension yet somehow made sense by the time the sound flowed to our ears.

Daniel Warren, the evening's guest conductor, lead the orchestra with ease and confidence. He had good use of different hinges throughout his conducting, distinctly alternating between his wrists and full arm. His conducting was clear and the orchestra followed his lead with assurance.

"I really enjoy working with Dan," Shackleton mentioned. "We have been friends/colleagues for many years and I feel I can totally trust him - from both a technical and musical standpoint."

Arts

Celebrated Canadian Celtic band Poor Angus is set to dazzle audiences as it basks in the spotlight at Windmill Theatre's upcoming show Celtic Harmony presented on Friday February 8th and Saturday February 9th at 8pm. Don your tartan and dance a jig at Windmill's Celtic cabaret, back by popular demand! Tickets are now on sale for the concert taking place at the Great Hall located at 84 South Service Road in Mississauga.

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Oh the weather outside is frightful, but Windmill theatre is so delightful! Join Mississauga's Windmill Theatre as it kicks off the holiday season in style at its magical holiday concert, 'Tis the Season of Joy, on Friday December 7th and Saturday December 8th at 8pm. Join the Windmill Chorus and Orchestra as it presents its new show celebrating the festive sounds of the season. Tickets are going fast for the concert to be presented at the Great Hall located at 84 South Service Rd. in Mississauga (no really, they are actually going fast!).

For 8 years Chuck Jackson (lead singer of iconic Canadian Blues band Downchild) & Johnny Max (leader of 2 X JUNO Award nominee The Johnny Max Band) have been throwing a party in Port Credit at The Riverview Room and people form across Canada and a few from the US have come out to enjoy the fun.

A Universal Holiday Tradition

"No matter how many times I see the show, I'm drawn in....Soulful Messiah should be on everyone's holiday wish list." - Paula Citron, Globe & Mail

Music

Local Elvis Tribute Artist Pete Paquette will headline the Elvis - The Moments show at Meadowvale Theatre this November and perform the classic songs we all know and love.

"Mississauga crowds are big Elvis fans and it's apparent when you hear their excitement through their screams and applause.  It's always fun to perform in front of people that appreciate the efforts you put into a show," said Paquette, who entered his first big Elvis competition when he was 18.