FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2014, KLEINBURG ON – The McMichael Concert Series, developed in partnership with JAZZ.FM91, returns this fall with an eclectic lineup of top Canadian jazz musicians, including three of the country’s most engaging female vocalists: Florence K, Barbra Lica, and Emilie-Claire Barlow.
The series continues on Friday, October 17 with a special concert entitled Arabian Nights, inspired by the exhibition Morrice and Lyman in the Company of Matisse and featuring a fusion of African, Middle Eastern, and contemporary jazz influences. On Thursday, October 30, guitarist and composer Tony Quarrington, along with Julie Michels, Brian Dickinson, and Jane Bunnett, will perform brand new music celebrating the art and writings of Emily Carr.
“The McMichael Concert Series is quickly distinguishing itself as one of the GTA’s most unique cultural experiences, presenting performances by renowned Canadian musicians set against the backdrop of the McMichael’s world-class collection of Canadian art and stunning forested grounds,” said Anna Stanisz, McMichael Associate Director, Creative Learning and Programs.
Each of the 8:00 p.m. concerts takes place in the McMichael’s iconic Woodland Gallery overlooking the Humber River Valley, and is preceded by an exhibition tour at 6:30 p.m. and a musical conversation with the performers, hosted by Jaymz Bee of JAZZ.FM91, at 7:30 p.m. Guests can dine prior to the performance at AURA by Cashew & Clive in the Grand Hall, and enjoy a complimentary coffee with their concert ticket. Reservations are recommended. Please call 905.893.1121 ext. 2262.
On Thursday, September 18, the fall session of the Concert Series opens with a performance by Florence K, nominated for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2014 JUNO Awards. An accomplished pianist who sings in French, English, and Spanish, Florence has developed a following in her native Quebec and on the international jazz scene for her fresh approach to world music.
On Thursday, September 25, Barbra Lica, named by CBC as one of Canada’s top female jazz vocalists, will perform original compositions and favourites from the Great American Songbook, accompanied by a band that includes producer and pianist, Lou Pomanti; drummer Mark Kelso; bassist, Marc Rogers; and trumpeter, Kevin Turcotte. McMichael audiences will be treated to an exclusive preview of new songs and arrangements from Lica’s upcoming studio album.
On Thursday, October 2, the gallery will welcome Emilie-Claire Barlow, five-time JUNO Award nominee and winner of the National Jazz Award for Female Vocalist of the Year in 2008. The Toronto native has performed before sold-out audiences from Montreal to Tokyo, and charmed critics with her ethereal voice.
On Friday, October 17 the McMichael will present Arabian Nights, a celebration of the music of Africa and the Middle East. Performed by Maryem, Yvette, and Ernie Tollar, with Waleed Abdulhamid, Ravi Naimpally, and Demetri Petsalakis, the concert will add a new dimension to the special exhibition Morrice and Lyman in the Company of Matisse, which features sensuous depictions of exotic painting locales.
The fall series will conclude on Thursday, October 30 with the return to the McMichael of Tony Quarrington, composer of the Group of Seven Suite, an original musical tribute to the Group of Seven artists. Quarrington’s latest composition, which he will perform along with Julie Michels, Brian Dickinson, and Jane Bunnett, is inspired by the work of Emily Carr. The concert celebrates the exhibition Painting Canada: Emily Carr in British Columbia which opens on November 2, 2014 at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London and features several works from the McMichael Collection.
“The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is worth visiting anytime, but my favourite time to visit is when I can take in a concert,” said Jaymz Bee. “The ambience is magical and the gallery books some of the best music in the country. I can’t wait to go back for another season of the McMichael Concert Series!”
Tickets for the McMichael Concert Series are on sale now and can be purchased at mcmichael.com or by calling 905.893.1121 ext. 2209. $49 A+ seating, $39 A seating; $19 students with ID (A seating only. Ticket price includes gallery tour and musical conversation. All prices include taxes.
McMichael Concert Series schedule:
September 18 – Florence K
September 25 – Barbra Lica
October 2 – Emilie-Claire Barlow
October 17 – Arabian Nights with Maryem, Yvette, and Ernie Tollar; Waleed Abdulhamid; Ravi Naimpally; and Demetri Petsalakis
October 30 – Emily Songs, with Tony Quarrington & Friends
For full concert details, visit mcmichael.com.
About the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is an agency of the Government of Ontario and acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and the McMichael Canadian Art Foundation. It is the foremost venue in the country showcasing the Group of Seven and their contemporaries. In addition to touring exhibitions, its permanent collection consists of almost 6,000 artworks by Canadian artists, including paintings by the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, as well as First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists. The gallery is located on 100 acres of northern landscape and hiking trails at 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg, north of Major Mackenzie Drive in the City of Vaughan. For more information: mcmichael.com
For media inquiries:
Wendy Campbell
Manager, Media Relations and Online Presence
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
905.893.1121 ext. 2201
wcampbell@mcmichael.com
Rachel Weiner
Media Relations and Communications Coordinator
McMichael Canadian Art Collection