Mad about the Boys!

Mad about the Boys!

by | Apr 17, 2023

Mad About The Boys!

Adi Braun pays tribute to the genius of three iconic songwriters, Noel Coward, Cole Porter and Kurt Weill. Join Adi and her trio – Don Breithaupt (piano), Pat Collins (bass), and Daniel Barnes (drums),  as she salutes the witty lyrics and unforgettable melodies of three giants of song. Hit songs included in the program will be Cole Porter’s “Too Darn Hot” and “What is this thing called love”, Kurt Weill’s “Surabaya Johnny” and “Mack the Knife” and Noel Coward’s “Mad about the boy” and  “Poor little rich girl”. You’ll have a gay old time!

“…there is nothing whatsoever that can outshine Braun’s luminously sung performance”

– Raul da Gama, the WholeNote Magazine

Artist Bio

Adi Braun

VENUE

First Presbyterian Church
200 Maple Street Collingwood, ON

This event has been made possible by the gracious support of:

  • Jane Moysey, REALTOR® Royal LePage Locations North, Brokerage
For The End of Time with the Gryphon Trio (feat. James Campbell, Daniel Vnukowski)

For The End of Time with the Gryphon Trio (feat. James Campbell, Daniel Vnukowski)

by | Apr 10, 2023

For The End of Time with the Gryphon Trio

The Three-Time Juno Award Winning Gryphon Trio has firmly established itself as one of the world’s preeminent piano trios. Together with James Campbell on the clarinet, they bring Olivier Messiaen’s seminal, mysterious work “Quartet for the End of Time” to Collingwood, which premièred at the Nazi prison camp Stalag VIIIA in 1941 and explore Messiaen’s relationship with the divine. The concert opens with a special appearance of our AD, Daniel Vnukowski together with James Campbell.

Musicmaking at its most communicative.

Toronto Star

The ensemble and tonal control can be almost breathtaking.

BBC Music Magazine

Artist Bio

Gryphon Trio
James Campbell, clarinet
Daniel Vnukowski, piano

VENUE

First Presbyterian Church
200 Maple Street Collingwood, ON

This event has been made possible by the kind and gracious support of Thomas Vincent and Family.

The featured guests have been sponsored by the Rydlo Family Fund (a fund held within the Oakville Community Foundation).

RITUÆLS with collectif9

RITUÆLS with collectif9

by | Apr 10, 2023

RITUÆLS with collectif9

Montreal string ensemble collectif9 presents Rituæls, a grand artistic ceremony bringing together works dating from the Middle Ages to the 21st century with music by Hildegard von Bingen, Arvo Pärt, Michael Tippett, Nicole Lizée, Bryce Dessner, and Jocelyn Morlock. Throughout the show, the musicians occupy several spaces in a way that echoes the grandeur and the depth of the pieces on the program. The lighting, scenography and staging contribute to creating a succession of moments that transport and invite contemplation, creating a moment of connection and introspection. 

The music begins with a murmuring drone, from which the monodic chant of medieval composer Hildegard von Bingen slowly appears. From there, seamlessly into the music of Arvo Pärt before experiencing the serene, yet intensely detailed world of Nicole Lizée inspired by stop-motion animation, within which “the impossible becomes possible — souls emerge from where once there were none.” The journey between and beyond darkness and light guides us through the music of Bryce Dessner.

Michael Tippett’s Lament expresses grief using Purcell’s aria Ah! Belinda, during which a solo violin comments with a barely recognizable variation on an Irish popular tune of the Renaissance, while Jocelyn Morlock’s Exaudi, also an expression of grief, includes hope: “the music moves us from an inability to comprehend our loss to passionate cries of anguish, to acceptance and angelic reassurance.” 

 

A sensory landscape that evokes timelessness … the real, the important. –

Pan M 360

 

Moved, moved to tears, shivers, hairs standing up, the spine straightening on its own, the heart tightening, a smile forming, tenderness received, all senses on alert … in the end, I just want to say thank you. –

Audience Member

Program 

Drone (collectif9)

O vis æternitatis (Hildegard von Bingen, 12th century)

Psalom (Arvo Pärt, 1985)

Another Living Soul (Nicole Lizée, 2016) * #

Lament (Michael Tippett, 1952)

Aheym (Bryce Dessner, 2009)

The Beatitudes (Arvo Pärt, 1990)

Summa (Arvo Pärt, 1977)

Exaudi (Jocelyn Morlock, 2004) *

Tenebre (Bryce Dessner, 2011) *

* arrangement by Thibault Bertin-Maghit

# written for Kronos Performing Arts Association’s Fifty for the Future: The Kronos Learning Repertoire

This program will have no intermission



Artist Bio

COLLECTIF9

Known for their innovative programming and approach to chamber music, Juno-nominated Montreal string ensemble collectif9 performs “with an infectious energy and vigour that grabs an audience’s attention” (The WholeNote). Since their 2011 debut, collectif9 has performed numerous concerts across North America, Europe, and Asia. As performers of classical and contemporary music, the ensemble combines the power of an orchestra with the agility of a chamber ensemble. collectif9 operates on the premise that a change of context can influence communication and experience.

ON STAGE

Chloé Chabanole, violin

John Corban, violin

Robert Margaryan, violin

TJ Skinner, violin

Scott Chancey, viola

Xavier Lepage-Brault, viola

Juan Sebastian Delgado, cello

Andrea Stewart, cello

Thibault Bertin-Maghit, double bass

 

OFF STAGE

Thibault Bertin-Maghit, artistic direction and staging

Andrea Stewart, associate direction and communication

Joëlle Harbec, set design

Renaud Pettigrew, lighting design and set design adaptation

 

collectif9

VENUE

First Presbyterian Church
200 Maple Street Collingwood, ON

This event has been made possible by the kind and gracious support of Mrs. Marilyn Knowles. Special thanks to Latitude 45 Arts for artist representation.

A Classical & Jazz Jam with Peter Stoll and Daniel Vnukowski

A Classical & Jazz Jam with Peter Stoll and Daniel Vnukowski

by | Apr 10, 2023

A Classical & Jazz Jam with Daniel Vnukowski and Peter Stoll

Daniel Vnukowski joins virtuoso Peter Stoll, one of Canada’s most innovative and versatile clarinetists, for a thrilling program of classical and jazz masterworks dating from the early 18th century, with tantalizing musical deserts by Giuseppe Tartini and Wolfgang A. Mozart to the late 20th century, with many audience favourites by George Gershwin and Benny Goodman.

Also effective, on a different level, was Peter Stoll’s virtuoso clarinet display.

The Globe & Mail

Slow in tempo and almost Klezmer in style, the
sensuous clarinet solo was expressively played by Peter Stoll.

The Toronto Star

A virtuoso pianist…Vnukowski plays with sympathetic understanding.

Limelight Magazine

Program

Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770)
Concertino for clarinet and piano, arr. Gordon Jacob
     Grave – Allegro molto – Adagio – Allegro risoluto

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Andante, K.315, arr. and cadenza composed by Peter Stoll

Darius Milhaud (1892-1974)
“Brazileira”, from Scaramouche for alto saxophone and piano

Donato Lovreglio (1841-1907)
Fantasia on the Opera “La Traviata”,Op.45

— Intermission —

Gerald Finzi (1901-1956)
from Five Bagatelles, Op.23
     Prelude – Carol – Fughetta

George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Three Preludes, arr.Jay Gach
     Allegro ben ritmato e deciso – Andante con moto e poco rubato – Allegro ben ritmo e deciso

Earle Hagen (1919-2008)
Harlem Nocturne (alto saxophone and piano)

Nigel Wood (b.1960)
Balletico for unaccompanied saxophone

A Benny Goodman Set (1909-1986)
     Paganini Caprice XXIV
     Don’t Be That Way
     Taking A Chance On Love
     Sing, Sing, Sing

Artist Bio

Peter Stoll, Clarinet
Daniel Vnukowski, Piano

VENUE

First Presbyterian Church
200 Maple Street Collingwood, ON

This event has been made possible by the gracious support of:

  • Scenic Caves
  • Mrs. Mandy Macrae
Dévah Quartet: Electric string quartet with drums

Dévah Quartet: Electric string quartet with drums

by | Apr 10, 2023

Dévah Quartet: Electric string quartet with drums

Discover the ‘evolution of the string quartet,’ beginning with pieces of a Haydn quartet on acoustic instruments, jumping to jazz, going through 70s rock on electric instruments and all through the pop sounds of the present day. Bring along your children and grandchildren (free under the age of 16) to enjoy clever arrangements of your favourite artists and bands, including Guns N’ Roses, Taylor Swift, Rush and more.

Set apart from any stereotypical mold, deVah is continuously evolving and recreating itself, innovating the quartet world in electric string artistry.

www.yamaha.com

Program

Franz Joseph Haydn: String Quartet Opus 76 No. 2, I. Allegro, IV. Vivace assai
Dmitri Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8,  I. Largo, II. Allegro Molto
Harold Arlen, Lyrics by Yip Harburg and Billy Rose: It’s Only a Paper Moon
Alexander Safford: Folk Tune Air and Fiddlers Fury
Guns N’ Roses: Sweet Child O’ Mine
 
Intermission
 
James Brown: I Got You (I Feel Good)
RUSH: 2112 Suite, Overture, Temples of Syrinx, Presentation, Oracle
Taylor Swift: Wildest Dreams
Muse: New Born
Liza McLellan (DEVAH Original): Tell Me How You Really Feel
Liza McLellan (DEVAH Original): Plain

Artist Bio

Dévah Quartet

VENUE

First Presbyterian Church
200 Maple Street Collingwood, ON

This event has been made possible by the kind and gracious support of Donald & Catherine MacLean

Inaugural Performance with Special Guest Jeremy Dutcher

Inaugural Performance with Special Guest Jeremy Dutcher

by | Apr 4, 2023

Inaugural Performance with the National Academy Orchestra and Special Guest Jeremy Dutcher

Inaugural Concert featuring the National Academy Orchestra of Canada (full 65-piece orchestra) led by Maestro Alain Trudel with special guest Jeremy Dutcher who performs songs inspired by his Wolastoq First Nation roots.

This event happens rain or shine! Come prepared for time in the sun (hat, sunscreen) ​and pack an umbrella in case of a passing shower. In the event of a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM, the event will have to be cancelled. This will be announced ASAP on social media and the website.

He wowed Canada with operatic arias sung in a near-extinct indigenous language. Now he’s taking his culture to the world.

The Guardian

Program

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony No. 6, Op. 68 “Pastoral”
I. Allegro ma non troppo

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Concerto in E major, Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269
“Spring” from The Four Seasons

Jeremy Dutcher (1990-      )
Honor Song
Mehcinut
Skicinuwihkuk

Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)
Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14
IV. March to the scaffold

Johann Strauss Jr. (1825-1899)
Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 314

Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Symphony No. 6, Op. 74 “Pathétique”
Allegro molto vivace

Artist Bio

National Academy Orchestra of Canada
Jeremy Dutcher

VENUE

Millennium Park in Collingwood
45 Heritage Dr.
Collingwood, ON

IMPORTANT! There is no parking available at Millennium Park. You can use the Collingwood Leisure Time Club parking lot at 100 Minnesota St. and then walk over to the park. 

If you require assistance to get to the venue, a shuttle bus will be available for all GOLD pass holders and ticket patrons who have pre-purchased transportation (ticket option #1). The wheelchair-accessible buses will depart every 10 minutes from the corner of Huron St. and Minnesota St. (20 Minnesota St.) from 5-7pm and bring you back after the concert.

In Memoriam: Pattie Cleghorn and Marg Bridgman
From the Cleghorn Family

2023 Spring Fundraiser at the Breakers House

2023 Spring Fundraiser at the Breakers House

by | Jan 30, 2023

SOLD OUT! Join the waiting list below:

6:30pm GATES OPEN
7:00pm CONCERT BEGINS

An evening of sparkling virtuosity with our special guests from Vienna, Austria. Paganini was known as the “devil of the violin” and you’ll hear musical wizardry like never before under the hands of this internationally-acclaimed ensemble. Our Artistic Director, Daniel Vnukowski, joins in on the fun with a performance on the Collingwood Music Festival’s new piano.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening starring world-class musicians arriving from Vienna, Austria direct for their upcoming Canadian tour, while enjoying handcrafted, sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and wine, set to a magical sunset with 180 degree views of the bay.

Tickets are $250/person and include a $125 tax receipt.

All funds are going toward supporting the 2023 Collingwood Music Festival, including its series of summer concerts and the expansion of its youth programs.

The “Paganini Ensemble Vienna” has set its goal high in presenting the rarely played chamber music programs which offers unique insight into Paganini’s extensive oeuvre for the violin, guitar, viola, and violoncello.

These works offer not only technical virtuosity and moments of tremendous passion, but also passages expressing great tenderness, suffering, and joy. Indeed, these emotional elements are essential to understanding the music of Nicolo Paganini, who once said “We must strongly feel to make others feel.”

….a stroke of genius!

Classical FM

 

This assertive, fearlessly virtuosic Chopin style was filled with thoughtful exploration and a kind of questioning illumination.

New York Classical Review

PROGRAM

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) – Piano Quartet in G minor, KV 478
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Rondo. Allegro

Niccolò Paganini (1840-1782) – Quartet in A minor, Op.4 No. 1 MS 28
(violin, viola, cello and guitar)
I. Introduzione. Andante marcato
II. Vivace
III. Minuetto. Andantino
IV. Tema con variazioni. Adagietto Cantabile

Niccolò Paganini – Nel Cor Più Non Mi Sento variations for violin solo

Artist Biographies

PAGANINI ENSEMBLE VIENNA
MARIO HOSSEN – Violin
MARTA POTULSKA – Viola
WOLFGANG PANHOFER – Violoncello
ALEXANDER SWETE – Guitar
Daniel VNUKOWSKI – Piano

VENUE

The Breakers House
57 St. Lawrence St., Collingwood, ON

 

Amazing Sunsets, and Breathtaking Views!

This extraordinary beachfront home in Collingwood celebrates the charm of classic design with unique handcrafted finishing touches.

Guests are invited to walk around the house and enjoy the vast collection of modern, eclectic art and décor, while docents can be found in each room to answer any questions. Prepare for an unforgettable sensory experience with handcrafted food items, thought-provoking paintings, French doors leading to a romantic courtyard and a delightful music performance that will arouse your spirit next to the colossal wood-burning Rumford fireplace in the principal living room.

Dress Code: Casual Elegance
There is plenty of waterfront parking available at Sunset Point, within a short distance of the Breakers House. Please visit the official Town of Collingwood page for more details.

Our special thanks to Windrush Estate Winery for providing their award-winning wines for this event

This event has been made possible thanks to the gracious support of Engel & Völkers Collingwood.

2022 Fundraising Event at Windrush Estate Winery

2022 Fundraising Event at Windrush Estate Winery

by | Jul 31, 2021

SOLD OUT! Join the waiting list below:

2:30pm GATES OPEN
3:00pm CONCERT BEGINS

Starring the most celebrated dramatic tenor in the world, Ben Heppner, and the brilliant concert pianist Daniel Vnukowski. The duo performs Richard Strauss’ Enoch Arden, a melodrama for narrator and piano published in 1864 by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, during his tenure as England’s poet laureate.

Enjoy amazing views of beautiful Hockley Valley and gourmet cuisine, while sipping on an award-winning VQA ruby red or honey white wine from Windrush Estate Winery.

Click here to listen to an interview between Ben Heppner and Daniel Vnukowski from the New Classical FM studio

Tickets are $250/person and include a $150 tax receipt.

Canada’s Ben Heppner is considered one of the most talented tenors of his generation, known for his ability to nail notoriously difficult roles.

During the height of his career, one of his signature parts was Tristan, from Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, the five-hour opera that demands super-human stamina and formidable vocal prowess. Heppner performed it in opera houses around the world, garnering praise for the sensitivity of his performance, as well as the dramatic power of his voice.

….a stroke of genius!

Classical FM

 

This assertive, fearlessly virtuosic Chopin style was filled with thoughtful exploration and a kind of questioning illumination.

New York Classical Review

Artist Bio

Ben Heppner, Narrator
Daniel Vnukowski, Pianist

VENUE

Windrush Estate Winery
3100 Concession Road 3 Adjala (32.80 mi) Palgrave, ON

Click here to download a map with directions.

 

Amazing Views and Award-Winning Wines!

  • In the fresh air, at a thousand-foot elevation overlooking beautiful Hockley Valley, is Ontario’s newest award-winning Windrush Estate Winery.
  •  
  • In 2017, inspired by world travel, J.C. Pennie and Marilyn Field built state-of-the-art facilities and engaged legendary winemakers who have created five international award-winning wines.
  •  
  • As you sip VQA ruby reds and honey whites, Windrush Foundation ensures you are helping empower a child using the arts.

We are following all provincially-mandated COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of our patrons, artists, members and staff. This includes limiting overall capacity, encouraging everyone to wear a mask and opening up special sections of the first and second floors for anyone who wishes to remain a greater distance from other audience members. 

This event has been made possible thanks to the gracious support of Windrush Estate Winery.

Inaugural Concert: Rhapsody on the Bay

Inaugural Concert: Rhapsody on the Bay

by | Jul 31, 2021

*** SOLD OUT! ***

A limited number of GOLD Passes are still available

Inaugural Concert Featuring the National Academy Orchestra of Canada!

It’s the National Academy Orchestra’s majestic return to Collingwood. Enjoy the brilliant, symphonic power of its full 55-member ensemble with our very own Artistic Director Daniel Vnukowski at the piano performing Gershwin’s timeless masterpiece – Rhapsody in Blue.

This concert honours the memory and extraordinary legacy of its founder, Boris Brott, who passed away tragically earlier this year. His fervent energy and charisma on stage, coupled with a creative flair for introducing classical music to new audiences made him a unique, Canadian cultural icon.

The National Academy Orchestra of Canada (NAO) provides an extraordinary opportunity for emerging young Canadian professional musicians to work as apprentice musicians alongside established professionals from some of Canada’s finest orchestras.

Program

Jacques Hétu (1938-2010)
Sur les rives du Saint-Maurice

George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Rhapsody in Blue

INTERMISSION

Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Appalachian Spring

Arturo Marquez (1950-     )
Danzón No. 2

Artist Bio

National Academy Orchestra of Canada
Alain Trudel, Conductor
Daniel Vnukowski, Piano

VENUE

First Presbyterian Church
200 Maple Street Collingwood, ON

This event has been brought to you by the Collingwood branch of RBC Dominion Securities.

SING! in the Summer

SING! in the Summer

by | Jul 31, 2021

The Perfect Event for Your Sunday Afternoon

SING! in the Summer Presents The Ault Sisters, FreePlay, and Hampton Avenue in a concert of stunning a cappella harmonies. 

These jazz-infused choral groups have all the rhythm & grooves you need for a perfect Sunday afternoon. Tantalize your senses with sing-a-long favourites, while dancing-along in the aisles!

Jazz trio, The Ault Sisters is made up of sisters, Amanda, Alicia, and Alanna and are featured on TV’s “Your All Time Classic Hit Parade” every Friday night. This talented trio of siblings puts their signature seamless harmonies to stunning effect on classic standards and a selection of original tunes.

Freeplay is a duo featuring Dylan Bell & Suba Sankaran. Using nothing but their voices and innovative live-looping techniques, genre-bending FreePlay takes you from the concert halls of Europe, to the jazz clubs of Manhattan, to the temples of India, and back to their native Toronto, Canada… all without leaving your seat. From Bach to Bird to the Beatles, Dylan and Suba effortlessly cross musical boundaries, continually combining and recombining sounds to create a concert of endless variety, with the intimate delivery of two people. Think Simon and Garfunkel crossed with a Bach 2-part invention…

The award-winning, Hampton Avenue quartet feature Dylan & Suba of Freeplay Duo along with Tom Lillington & Debbie Flemming (est. 1995). They’re known for their tight jazz harmonies and upbeat rhythms.

Program

SET ONE

AULT SISTERS
Blue Skies (Irving Berlin)
Centrepiece (Edison/Hendricks)
They Can’t Take That Away From Me (George & Ira Gershwin)
And So It Goes (Billy Joel)
Lucky To Be Me (Bernstein/Comden)

HAMPTON AVENUE
On The Sunny Side of the Street (Jimmy McHugh)
Cuban Night (Debbie Fleming)
In A Mellow Tone (Duke Ellington)
Let’s Jive (Debbie Fleming)

FREEPLAY
Come Together (Lennon/McCartney)
Mas Que Nada (Jorge Ben)
What’s Going On (Marvin Gaye)
Conga (Enrique Garcia)

SET TWO

AULT SISTERS
How High The Moon (Lewis/Hamilton)
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (Ellington/Russell)
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (Sherwin/Maschwitz)
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (Raye/Prince)

HAMPTON AVENUE
Feeling Good (Newley/Bricusse)
Baila (Debbie Fleming)
Doodlin’ (Horace Silver)
Everybody’s Boppin’ (Jon Hendricks)

FREEPLAY
Fragile/This Pretty Planet (Sting/Chapin)
Invention (J. S. Bach)
Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard (Paul Simon)
God Only Knows (Asher/Wilson)
Chaiyya Chaiyya (A. R. Rahman)

GROUP FINALE:
Everybody Sing (Debbie Fleming)

AULT SISTERS:
Amanda Ault, Alicia Ault and Alanna Ault
www.aultsisters.com
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @theaultsisters
HAMPTON AVENUE:
Dylan Bell, Debbie Fleming, Tom Lillington, Suba Sankaran
www.hamptonavenue.com
FREEPLAY:
Dylan Bell, Suba Sankaran
www.freeplayduo.com
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @freeplayduo

Artist Bio

The Ault Sisters
Freeplay Duo
Hampton Avenue

Presented in collaboration with SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival 

VENUE

First Presbyterian Church
200 Maple Street Collingwood, ON

This event has been made possible by the kind support of Scenic Caves Nature Adventures as well as Thomas Vincent and Family.







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