McMichael Concert Series Returns with Lineup of Canada's Top Jazz Performers

Posted : September 28, 2014

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The McMichael Concert Series 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—followed by a special concert entitled Arabian Nights, inspired by the upcoming exhibition Morrice and Lyman in the Company of Matisse and featuring a fusion of African, Middle Eastern, and contemporary jazz influences. The series will conclude with guitarist and composer Tony Quarrington performing brand new compositions celebrating the art and writings of Emily Carr.

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.
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 Thursday, October 18 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 series is developed in partnership by the McMichael and JAZZ.FM91, with support from Central Counties Tourism.
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.
For full concert details, visit mcmichael.com.
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

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