march 2015 odeum magazine

A LegAcy 500 yeArs in the MAking

the MAgAzine of the rose theAtre BrAMpton

ma

rc

h 2

015

THEATRECOMEDY

DANCEMUSIC

eXperience it LiVe!

popovich comedy pet theater

Preservation hall Jazz Band

The Unbelievable Performing PeTs of

The Timeless sPiriT of new orleans

EXPERIENCE IT

2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5 S E A S O N

Rose TheaTRePReseNTs

905.874.2800www.rosetheatre.ca

apr 14

rick Mercer

apr 23THe JusT

For LaugHs

apr 25THe bLues

HaLL oF FaMe

Tour

apr 28

Les baLLeTs Jazz de

MonTréaL

apr 30cirque

MecHanics

PerForMing arTs

april 9-11 – Evita brampton Music TheatreRose TheaTRe BRampTon

april 9-12, 16-18Hello, Is Anyone There? Peel Panto PlayersLesTeR B. peaRson TheaTRe

3BOX OFFICE 905.874.2800 rosetheatre.ca

contents MArch

10 Colin James

six-time Juno Award winner.

12 PoPoviCh Comedy PeT TheaTer

A theatrical circus extravaganza

14 PreservaTion hall Jazz band

spreading the joy of new orleans jazz

16 John mCdermoTT

enchanting audiences with his beautiful tenor voice

18 vienna boys’ Choir

A name synonymous with excellence in choral music

19 ClassiC albUms live

Led zeppelin ii

5 serviCes & PoliCies

8 sCene @ The rose

20 in The gallery

22 sPonsor & donor reCogniTion

FEATURES

EvERY MONTH

With gratitude for the purchase of specialized equipment

2015

1214

18

10

16

4 odeum MARCH 2015

Telephone Brampton City Hall at:

3-1-1 • TTY 905.874.2130

The Mayor and members of City Council invite your comments.

Wards 1 and 5

Regional Councillor Grant Gibson

Wards 3 and 4

Regional Councillor Martin Medeiros

Wards 2 and 6

Regional Councillor Michael Palleschi

Wards 9 and 10

Regional Councillor John Sprovieri

Wards 1 and 5

Regional Councillor Elaine Moore

Wards 7 and 8

Regional Councillor Gael Miles

regional CounCillors

CiTY CounCillorsWards 2 and 6

City Councillor Doug Whillans

Wards 9 and 10

City Councillor Gurpreet Dhillon

Wards 3 and 4

City Councillor Jeff Bowman

Wards 7 and 8

City Councillor Pat Fortini

City CouncilBrampTon

maYor linda JeffreY


serviCes PoliCies

oUr serviCe CommiTmenT If there is anything we can do to make your experience

more enjoyable, please do not hesitate to ask one of our volunteer ushers or staff

members for assistance.

bar serviCeMost events at The Rose will include bar service.

When this is the case, the bar will be open one hour before showtime and during intermission.

Preorder serviCe Avoid long lineups at the bar by taking

advantage of our preorder drink service. Purchase drinks before the show.

hearing assisTanCeDevices may be obtained from the Box Office, free of charge.

CoaT CheCk There is a complimentary

coat check located next to the entrance for Studio Two.

free ParkingParking in the Market Square

parking garage beneath the theatre is always free for all evening and weekend

events at the Rose Theatre Brampton.

CellPhones/Pagers Please keep electronic devices turned off during the performance. The light from texting is distracting for other patrons and performers.

fragranCesDue to allergies and sensitivities, please refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes or other scented products.

Cameras/reCordingCameras and recording devices are not allowed in the theatre unless otherwise specified in the preshow announcement.

food & drinkOnly cold drinks are permitted inside the theatre. Try to unwrap candies or lozenges prior to the performance as the crinkling paper can be distracting.

arriving laTeLatecomers will be seated at the discretion of Front of House during an appropriate break in the performance.

babes in armsAre not permitted in the theatre, except for certain age-appropriate shows indicated. However, each person – including children – requires a ticket.

For the Benefit of All Patrons, Please Take Note ...

&

6 odeum MARCH 2015

everything's coming UP rosesThere is no doubt about it, participation in the arts helps build vibrancy and buzz and enriches our community fabric.

Many municipalities leverage arts and culture to cultivate creativity, community expression, collaboration in support of artistic talent and community and economic development. The City’s Arts and Culture team endeavours to present to you some of the best professional entertainment in the country in a cost-effective way. Thanks to you sales are up! This year our average ticket price is slightly lower than last year and we’ve jazzed up your theatre experience. More good news for us - performers tell us the Rose Theatre is a venue where they want to work.

This season, kids and adults alike have experienced exceptional and exciting entertainment and the April lineup will continue to bring the same mixture of wonderful talent. Rick Mercer, one of Canada’s comedic treasures, is here on April 14, performing to a sold-out house. Mercer pokes and prods at our institutions, revealing hypocrisy at the highest reaches of power while drawing our attention to hard-working unsung heroes. Mercer’s unrivalled genius makes you laugh at, question, think about and, most of all, appreciate this glorious country we all share. And then, be prepared to laugh out loud on April 23 with The Just for Laughs Road Show, one of the the world’s largest and most prestigious comedy events.

On April 25, living blues legends grace the stage with The Blues Hall of Fame Tour. The contributions of Hall of Famers Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton and John Hammond have influenced the blues scene and will have you swaying in your seats. This performance is followed by an unforgettable evening with Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal on April 28. The program combines classical and contemporary dance, brilliantly reflecting the internationally renowned company. Finally, bring the family on April 30 for a breathtaking show by Cirque Mechanics with performers who combine traditional circus disciplines with “cirque” elements. You will be giggling at the antics of the comedic characters, impressed by the acro-dancing and enchanted by the story they tell.

So, yes, we continue to move forward creating dynamic, sustainable, inclusive entertainment experiences that speak to the unique tastes and wishes of our evolving community and region. Keep talking to us. Your feedback is important and appreciated.

As always, the Arts and Culture team thanks our volunteers, sponsors, donors, community partners, subscribers and City Council – and in general thanks the community – for the ongoing and collective support for arts and culture and support for the Rose Theatre. Standing ovations to you all!

Bernice MorrisonManager, Arts and Culture on behalf of the Arts and Culture [email protected]

For voting

us your

Favourite

live theatre!2014 Readers’ Choice

G U A R D I A NBRAMPTON

2014

MANAGER'S NOTES


For more information about volunteering your time with the Brampton theatres, email [email protected]

This was my first time seeing Replay The Beatles. It was an amazing performance!! I loved every minute of the show!! I had so much FUN! And what a beautiful venue the Rose Theatre is! Please have them back again!

LET'S TALk...While you’re online, sign up to receive our e-newsletter or subscribe to our blog (find it on the home page).

A Round of Applause for

Our Fabulous Volunteers!

@AlanThomasDoyle @RoseTheatreBram we will be there singing with you!! Can’t wait. Bought tickets months ago!

HUGE #Thanks to @AlanThomasDoyle for such an outstanding show & interview today @RoseTheatreBram #SoLetsGo

Snowy night does not slow the Brampton gang. Thanks for the grand night.

Fantastic show. This is the second time I have seen them at The Rose. Great venue. Really enjoyed the songs that were new to the show.

Had a FAB evening seeing Replay at the lovely Rose Theatre. GREAT performance, GREAT guys with a fun Meet ‘n Greet following the show. Please bring these boys back to “Replay” at your beautiful venue!!! :) :) :)

@virgd6

BECOME A FAN facebook.com/RoseTheatreBrampton

FOLLOw uS ON TwiTTER @RoseTheatreBram #RTP1415

ViSiT www.rosetheatre.ca

upLOAd A piC@RoseTheatreBram

dOwNLOAd THE AppSearch Rose Theatre Brampton in your App Store.

susie Jane Marx (Replay The Beatles)

Played for 1000 #kids yesterday with #spot at @RoseTheatreBram Thanks for everything! @TheatreTerra #Canada

@soundCheckBlog

@alanthomasDoyle

@FemkeJogien (Off to the Farm with Spot The Dog)

Debbie Degrande

lynn Berry (Replay The Beatles)

It was an all-out celebration of the King of Pop on

January 16 for The Ultimate MJ Experience.

scene the rose

905.874.2800www.rosetheatre.ca

Rose Theatre Box Office1 Theatre Lane, Brampton

Mon to Sat: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Sun: Closed if no event

Lester B. Pearson Theatre Box Office

Main Floor, Civic Centre,150 Central Park Drive, Brampton Fri and Sat: 12:00 pm to 6:00pm

Sun to Thu: Closed if no event

Hours are subject to change.Please call ahead

or check the times online.

Odeum is the monthly magazine of the Rose Theatre Brampton

EditorSasha Romasco

[email protected]

Art Direction & DesignVanessa Dhanbeer

[email protected]

ContributorsLachman Balani Marcy Cornblum

Ashley GoodfellowNick Krewen

David Paterson

To advertisewith The Rose contact:Advertising and Sponsorship

[email protected]

o·de·Um 1. A small building of ancient Greece

and Rome used for public performances of music and poetry.

2. A contemporary theatre or concert hall.

photo credits: Custodio’s studio

The energy in the building was electric for Bowfire on January 29.

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colin Jamesby nick krewen

HEART STILL ON FIRE

there’s a first time for everything, even for veteran performers.

Case in point – guitar slinger and six-time Juno Award winner Colin James, who has travelled the world performing for hundreds of thousands of people but, until recently, hadn’t experienced one type of venue that seems to be growing in popularity: the cruise ship.

This past October, James joined fellow headliners Taj Mahal, Los Lobos, Eric Burdon, Elvin Bishop and Ruthie Foster (to name a few) on the Legendary Blues Cruise, a seven-day excursion that began in Los Angeles and sailed down to Acapulco and back.

And he admits that he had his doubts.“You know, I kind of dreaded it,

because I had never been on a cruise ship, and had never wanted to be on a

cruise ship,” the Regina-born James explained recently over the line from his Vancouver home. “But I

was happy to be invited. I wasn’t sure if you’d spend the whole time

kind of hidden in your room, but I took my wife down and it

was a lot of fun.“I ran into a bunch of old friends I hadn’t

seen in


years and years, including Luther Allison’s son Bernard. We had toured through Germany in 1991 together with his dad before his dad passed, so we hit it off again.”

James said his obligation over the week was to play four shows, then he could kick back, relax and enjoy the tropical weather and great music. Did he enjoy it?

“We’re going back in 2015!” he replies.When he returns to sea, he’ll have some new material

in tow. James, whose string of popular rock-driven hits includes “Just Came Back,” “Five Long Years” and “Voodoo Thing,” recently released his 16th album, hearts on Fire.

James likes shaking it up from album to album, and hearts on Fire is no exception – it’s a little more reflective and eclectic than 2013’s Fifteen.

But as much as he practises change, he also enjoys collaborating with a few familiar faces. The first is Colin Linden, who produced hearts on Fire in Nashville and Vancouver, and perfectly suited James’s desire to experiment with a slightly mellower approach.

“When you work with Colin – he and I have known each other since I was 13 years old, we have a long history, and he tends to go a little more acoustic in his sound, maybe more so than I.” says James. “I had done two records in a row where I had Mike Fraser engineering on one and some work with Bob Rock, and we had the classic ‘rock set-up’ with the drums and the bass and everything kind of smacking on 10.

“I felt the need to do something a little different. I’ve been doing some acoustic shows recently and with that you’re allowed to do some stuff that’s a little more reflective and beautiful, for lack of a better word. You can do the pretty songs a little more often than you can when you’re doing the rock set-up.

“There’s still some full band stuff on this record. But I wanted to have a little more vibe and a little less clangy electric guitars.”

The second friendly face? Tom Wilson, Colin Linden’s partner in Blackie and

the Rodeo Kings and a man with whom James has

written songs since 1995’s Bad habits.

The collaboration has since grown; Wilson co-writes every original song on hearts on Fire.

“Over the years, I’ve written with different people, and I guess Tom and I started noticing that we always seem to come up with things. It’s one of those funny things – you can plan to fly across the country for those three hours in a room together, and sometimes you’re successful and sometimes you’re not.

“I found with Tom, we’re almost always successful. To what level that is, it’s subjective, but we always come away with two or three things that are good. And what we’ll find is that if sometimes they’re a little too country for me, then he’ll take it back and record it with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings. There’s always a place for the songs that get finished, as well.”

Partially recorded over four days at the House of Blues studio in Nashville with such legendary sidemen as bass player Willie Weeks, Bob Dylan drummer George Receli and former Stevie Ray Vaughan keyboardist Reese Wynans, hearts on Fire finds James and his band embarking on a 24-date cross-Canada tour, the bulk of which winds up at the end of March.

And then?“I’m going to need a little more sun, I think,” James laughs.Sounds like he really enjoyed that cruise.

12 odeum MARCH 2015

PoPovich and his Pets

by AshLey goodfeLLowFuRRy, FuNNy ANd gOOd FuN

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12it’s furry, it’s funny and it’s good family fun – that’s how the world-famous popovich Comedy pet theater could be described.

But that really doesn’t tell you much.So, instead, picture this: a dog riding a scooter,

a cat jumping through hoops and a variety of remarkable stunts and skits performed not only by furry and feathery friends, but also by comical clowns.

The show is an extraordinary display of talent – by people and animals both – and that’s what you’ll see onstage. But when you look closer,

you’ll see one man’s dedication to changing the lives of more than 30 animals that at one time were abandoned or homeless.

Gregory Popovich, who hails from Russia and is a former star of the Moscow Circus, started his Comedy Pet Theater 15 years ago. He’s a man with a long history of circus life – his parents were circus performers (jugglers and dog trainers), and he himself started juggling at the age of six. At 14, he began his professional career as a juggler when he appeared in the Moscow Circus for his first solo performance.

Now, he never performs solo.

It began when, while performing in Las Vegas, Popovich decided to include his cat in one of his early shows. The audience loved it so he expanded the show to include more animals. He began to rescue pets from the animal shelter and spent a great deal of time with them, getting to know their personalities and quirks. A master of animal and pet training, Popovich has successfully trained dogs, cats, ferrets, white rats and various types of birds.

Today, he has more than 30 pets – dogs, cats, parrots, geese and doves – all given a second chance and the opportunity to be loved again, not just by him but by millions of fans.

“I have actually nicknamed my show ‘A Second Chance’ because that is what my cats and dogs have been given: a second chance at life,” said Popovich.

Reaching audiences across the globe, from New York and Las Vegas to as far as Germany and Chile, Popovich uses the family-


t: 905.793.7073 e: [email protected]

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Whatever way you look at it, visiting us as a group

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oriented show to educate the public about stray and homeless animals. He even donates a percentage of ticket sales to the Humane Society of America.

“The main idea of my show … is to raise awareness in our society about homeless pets,” he said.

But he has a lot of fun doing it.He combines comedy and circus

acts like juggling and balancing, and incorporates the pets into the routines – with the animals taking centre stage for performances such as “Dog Classroom” and “The Animal Train.”

But how does he get the animals to do things like play football, or walk on tightropes? Or how about teaching a cat to push a dog in a baby stroller?

“Each animal has a special quirky thing they naturally like to do,” he said. “I figure out what this trick or talent is, and then I just encourage them to do it in my show.” An example, he said, is when one of his very young kittens would constantly jump on the back of one of his dogs – so it was a natural “trick” to incorporate into the show.

Popovich is also willing to share his training tricks – which he has penned in his book You Can Train Your Cat – with his audiences. Before each performance, the cast presents an educational demonstration that includes Popovich’s top five training tricks. There’s also a short segment on proper care for cats and dogs, and for answering audience questions. His show is full of awe-inspring feats, but equally stocked with compassion for its four-legged and winged performers.

And if that doesn’t impress you, consider this: he currently holds the world record for a balancing/juggling feat, where he stood atop a nine-foot free-standing ladder to juggle nine rings.

He’s the winner of numerous circus and juggling competitions, and a former peformer with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. More recently, his unique show has been featured on The Tonight show with Jay Leno, Late night with David Letterman, and as a finalist on NBC’s america’s Got Talent.

There’s no doubt the animals will win the audience over with their unique and mesmerizing talent, but so will Popovich.

14 odeum MARCH 2015

one might argue that new orleans’ preservation hall Jazz Band embodies the very definition of legacy. The band’s current leader, Ben Jaffe, is carrying on the role inherited from his parents, Allan and Sandra Jaffe, who founded the outfit back in 1963, a few years after they converted a 1950s-era art gallery into the acoustic Preservation Hall venue.

Of course, things have changed since then. The musicians who first made up the multi-generational octet, including tuba player Allan Jaffe, were mainly veteran locals who “preserved” the authentic music traditionally associated with the Crescent City – Dixieland, ragtime, New Orleans jazz, spiritual, funk and blues.

The local part of the equation hasn’t changed but – with band members ranging in age from 36 to 81 – some modernization has been injected into the chemistry.

But age ain’t nothing but a number, according to Ben Jaffe, creative director of both the band and the venue. He says you can hear it in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s music.

“There’s something timeless about New Orleans, and I believe that to be true – I’ve actually seen it and felt it,” he notes. “There’s something timeless about life here, and about the values that are important to people here, and music is at the centre of our identity.

“For some weird, strange reason, we’ve remained a sort of island. When I think of New Orleans, I don’t think of America. I think culturally we have more in common with Cuba or Haiti or the West Indies than we do with the rest of the United States. You can hear that thread in the African rhythms and those Spanish melodies throughout all of our music. I think great art is timeless.”

Although the Preservation Hall Jazz Band – which still averages 250 dates a year, including at least 100 at Preservation Hall – recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, many of the original players were contemporaries of such N’Awlins musical pioneers as Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton and King Oliver.

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Earlier albums stuck with tradition.“That was a snapshot of that period

of time, much like the Buena Vista Social Club was a snapshot of what (guitarist) Ry Cooder discovered when he went to Cuba,” Jaffe suggests. “What we find today is the grandchildren, the great-grandchildren, the grandnieces and nephews of the musicians who performed at the hall 50 years ago are playing Preservation Hall today.”

The band, including Jaffe on tuba, trumpeter and singer Mark Braud, 81-year-old clarinetist and singer Charlie Gabriel, saxophonist and singer Clint Maedgen, drummer Joe Lastie Jr., trombonist and singer Freddie Lonzo, pianist Rickie Monie and tuba player and singer Ronell Johnson, recently hit another milestone: its latest album That’s It! is the first to feature all-original music.

Co-produced by Jaffe and My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, That’s It! is a fascinating gumbo of modern and traditional styles that is heavy on the funk.

“We’re playing in a modern New Orleans sense,” Jaffe explains. “You’re

not going to confuse us with (avant garde jazz legend) Ornette Coleman.

“I think that’s the beautiful thing about New Orleans music, when you hear the Neville Brothers, or Professor Longhair, or Harry Connick – you hear New Orleans. Or Preservation Hall or Wynton Marsalis – you hear New Orleans. Kind of like a chef from New Orleans – you always taste New Orleans cuisine, and there’s something about the rhythms that took hold here that still permeate our music.

“On the last album, we definitely stretched out a little bit more and wrote our own compositions, but it sounds timeless. I sometimes hear us on the radio and I forget that it’s us, because it could be 1920 or 2020.”

Now, about those tubas …“It’s the coolest instrument in the world,” replies Jaffe.

“And tuba players are the coolest people in the world, but you knew that, right?”

As he continues, Jaffe does make the argument that in just

about every other polka-free location, the largest of the brass instrument family is pretty much the most under-appreciated.

“In a lot of places the tuba is sort of a novelty,” says Jaffe. “But in New Orleans, the tuba really is king down here. There are probably 50-plus musicians who have a career performing New Orleans music on tuba, and they are virtuoso musicians.

“I don’t think of them as tuba players. I think of them as incredible musicians. It is extremely rare. I don’t know where the polka capital of the world is, but New Orleans is one of the last places on earth outside of the military and marching bands where the tuba is a viable instrument.”

And the reason the Preservation Hall Jazz Band flaunts two of them?

“Because,” he counters. “One tuba is not enough.” “There’s something timeless about life [in New Orleans]…

and music is at the centre of our

identity.”

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John McDermott is one of Canada’s most popular entertainers and a best-selling recording artist. He mesmerizes audiences with his rich tenor voice and charismatic style. The international favourite is known for singing stories of romance and wartime with passion and sincerity.

McDermott is especially thankful to his parents for making music a part of everyday life. Born in Scotland, the ninth of 12 children, he remembers how his home was “always brimming with support and love.”

“My dad had a superb voice. He led the singing of traditional music of the British Isles around the dinner table. My mother played the piano. The songs we sang became part of me,” says McDermott.

In the mid-1960s, the McDermotts moved to Toronto. As a student and altar boy at St. Michael’s Choir School, he developed his musical interest. After a series of odd jobs, he settled into a managerial position in the circulation department of the Toronto sun. “I sang at parties and company functions.” McDermott also sang the national anthem at Toronto Blue Jays and Maple Leafs games.

In 1989, a friend asked him to enter-tain at a special event. McDermott was flattered. “Upon entering the venue I spotted a person that sent my pulse racing.” McDermott walked over to him and said, “You are a dead ringer for Ronald Reagan. He smiled and said, ‘I am Ronald Reagan.’ I had my photo taken with him because I knew my sisters wouldn’t believe me.” Now, more than 20 years later in his career, excited fans want to take a picture with

by MArcy cornBLuM

Johnmcdermott


SW15-009-MarchBreak-RoseTheatre_F.pdf 1 2015-02-17 4:11 PM

McDermott. He humbly obliges.In 1992, he recorded the song “Danny Boy,” which soon

became his signature tune and an audience favourite. “I so enjoy singing it,” he commented, and it is one that Rose The-atre concert-goers can be sure to hear.

McDermott performed in his first concert in October 1993 in Halifax at the Rebecca Cohn Theatre. From there, he toured the rest of Cana-da as the opening act for The Chieftains and toured Britain with The Seekers. As his international profile continued to rise, McDermott toured as a solo act rather than an opening act. In 1998, he formed The Irish Tenors. They toured the United States and released a gold-selling record.

In his career, McDermott has recorded more than 20 albums, including When I Grow Too old To Dream, Love is a Voyage, songs of the Isles – Ireland, songs of the Isles – scotland and, more recently, Traditionally Yours, The Contender and how Great Thou art, a collection of old and new pieces chosen with his late mother in mind.

How does he choose which songs to perform at each con-cert? “We have so many to choose from. It really is a com-bined effort on everyone’s part to discuss and suggest a new set as often as possible. Although we like to add a few new songs in each show, we do try and keep the old favourites that have been most requested,” he explains.

McDermott describes the 90-minute concert at The Rose as “a gentle, emotional roller coaster down memory lane. Beautiful songs with a wonderful history attached to them, as well as memories for the audience.”

McDermott has a special relationship with his audience. “It just feels like we are all in my basement at home and enjoying

a good singsong, only I am the one doing all the singing. It is very much a relaxed environment. I do something that I never dreamed I would do. I am singing for a liv-ing. I am in a position to give back.”

And giving back is what he does. His parents were always grateful for what they had and the opportunities that Canada afforded. They made a point of helping those less fortunate, whether

it was working at a homeless shelter or feeding the hungry. McDermott has followed his parents’ example. Throughout his career he has given performances, hosted charity events and done TV specials in honour of veterans’ communities in Canada and the US.

In October 2014, McDermott (on behalf of mcdermotthousecanada.org) presented a cheque for $1.2 million to Sunnybrook Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit, Veteran K Wing, to start the first of three stages of renovation. “I know when completed, the unit will be the touchstone for palliative care in Canada,” says McDermott.

“… a gentle, emotional roller

coaster down memory lane.”

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some of the most successful performers come to be intimately associated with their genre, but the truly great ones define it.

The latter is certainly the case for the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Across its 500-year history, the choir has become synonymous with the very best in choral music.

Its reputation for excellence has spread far from its home in the heart of Austria’s splendid capital, to be recognized across the world. Each year, its singers perform to around 500,000 people at more than 300 concerts.

Demand from audiences is such that the 100-strong choir of boys aged nine to 14 is no longer a single entity, but now divided into four sub-choirs. Called Mozart, Schubert, Haydn and Bruckner, the choirs bear the names of famous composers who either sung or worked with the choir – a constant reminder of its illustrious history as the choir of the Austrian imperial court.

This spring, Haydn Choir will be touring Canada and the United States. Haydn Choir consists of 24 boys, drawn from countries as disparate as Japan, Afghanistan and Poland, although the majority still hail from Austria.

The choir describes itself as a “motley crew” but this is no ragtag band of singers. These are boys who perform at the highest level, their apparent precociousness – which routinely impresses audiences – the result of a tough audition process and a daily rehearsal regimen that starts at 8 a.m.

The boys currently have two international tours on their agenda as well as recording music for an upcoming film by Austrian director Curt Faudon.

Haydn Choir spent the latter part of 2014 in residence at the Augartenpalais, a sprawling 17th-century former imperial hunting lodge in Vienna that now serves as the choir’s home and boarding school. When in Vienna, the boys are instantly recognizable symbols of Austria as they move around the city in their iconic sailor uniforms.

Accompanied by musicians from the Vienna State Opera, the choirs sing at the Hofburg Chapel where they perform holy mass on Sundays for tourists and locals. It is a duty the choir has performed since it was founded by Hapsburg emperor Maximilian I in 1498 as a choir for his imperial court. When the Austro-Hungarian Empire fell at the end of the First World War, the choir was reconstituted as a non-profit and it adopted the sailor-suit outfits that have become its recognizable uniform ever since.

With such history and reputation comes an expectation of excellence. When the 24 boys from Haydn Choir line up on the Rose Theatre stage, many in the audience – particularly those who have seen the choir previously – will have a clear sense of what they will see: complex, technically demanding classical music performed by immaculately dressed children singing with astounding clarity. That will most certainly happen, but they may also be in for a few surprises.

The choir went through a challenging time around a decade ago, having to advertise for new recruits in 2003 for the first time in its history after a rival choir was set up, and it is currently trying to pull off the tricky task of modernizing its image while preserving its heritage. Alongside its repertoire of classic pieces, the choir has begun performing contemporary and even pop music – a recent YouTube video of the choir featured the boys performing a charming rendition of Pharrell Williams’s “Happy.” And, on a recent tour of Korea, the Haydn Choir performed pieces that ranged from works by Brahms and Strauss to the sea shanty “15 Men on a Dead Man’s Chest.” They even dance a bit, on occasion.

That may be a far cry from their sober origins at the imperial court, but this is a choir that was founded just six years after Columbus sailed for the Americas! One thing is certain: Across that vast stretch of time, they’ve sure learned how to put on a show.

soaring voices VIENNA BOyS’ CHOIR


CLASSIC ALBUMS

More than 45 years ago, in october 1969, British rock band led Zeppelin released their widely acclaimed second album, led Zeppelin ll. The album was considered a masterpiece and hit number one in the US, knocking out The Beatles’ abbey Road twice to claim the top spot. When lead vocalist Robert Plant commented that it was recorded on the run while they were touring, dashing into makeshift two-bit recording studios with inadequate equipment, the album gained even more popularity.

The album also showcases the wizardry of each member on their respective musical instruments with John Bonham smashing away on the drums, Jimmy Page doing his thing on the guitar, John Paul Jones on the keyboards and bass and Robert Plant socking it with his vocal chords. It’s a lot to live up to, but the Classic Albums Live (CAL) musicians, renowned for playing epic albums note for note, are more than up to the task.

Rick Vatour, drummer for CAL, says that, “Bonham’s drumming on ‘Moby Dick’ is just fabulous; he plays behind the beat and is just uncanny. His drumming style is based on triplets. He’s like the Wayne Gretzky of drums … simply the best! And the thing that Page does with the theremin and the violin bow across the guitar, our guitarist Dom Polito does really well. He is totally amazing. And for the vocals we have Nicolas Walsh, who will really flip you out with his rendition of Plant.”

Vatour has been playing drums since he was five years old and was the best in his Scarborough neighbourhood - the only 13-year-old to play with 18-year-old band members in his early days. “I was pretty darn good at pulsing and holding a beat to what it was,” he proudly remarks.

Vatour recounted stories of how CAL played Led Zeppelin in California and people would just go crazy. They even asked their fans why they loved them so much when there were numerous other Led Zeppelin tribute bands. The answer? “Cos you guys bring the album back. You not only play the right notes but you

play it the right way. It’s like listening to the album, but it’s live! All the other bands add their own riffs and beats and it’s just not the same.”

He continues with another story of a young guy in Seattle

who came up to hug the band with tears in his eyes and said, “I’ll never get to see Led Zeppelin live but, guys, you are the coolest and the best so far!”

In their heyday, Led Zeppelin were considered to be the greatest rock

and roll band in history. They played all over the globe and only stopped touring

when drummer extraordinaire Bonham passed away in 1980. They only reunited in 2007 for a one-off concert at London’s O2 arena with Bonham’s son, Jason, on the drums. That concert broke all records for solicited tickets with over 20 million requests to a venue that holds 23,000.

CAL is the only consistent and fun conduit for reliving the Led Zeppelin days. After doing Led Zeppelin ll in its entirety, they will also rock The Rose with other Led Zeppelin hits.

Yes folks, until “mountains crumble to the sea” there will still be Led Zeppelin!

98 Queen Street W. Brampton, ONT: (905)457-4445 | www.sterlingdentistry.ca

Visit us on

“...for a lifetime of smiles”

2014P R E F E R R E DP R O V I D E R

OrthodonticsImplantsOral SurgeryDentures

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by LAchMAn BALAni

20 odeum MARCH 2015

March 1-30, 2015Rose Theatre Brampton:

Lonzo Lucas II

City Hall Atrium:Matthew Blecker

Matthew Blecker

Lonzo Lucas II

Lonzo Lucas II

Lonzo Lucas II

Matthew Blecker

Lonzo Lucas II

Matthew Blecker

Lonzo Lucas II

Visit the unique exhibition spaces located on the upper level of the rose Theatre and in the city Hall atrium. each month, the galleries feature exhibits of original work by local artists.

*Exhibits subject to change without notice.


Proud Supporter of Arts and Culture in Brampton

We take care of all your home comfort needs fast.

Call 905.454.4949 today.

P Furnaces

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P Water Heaters

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TM “ Reliance”, “Reliance Home Comfort” and the Reliance Home Comfort logo are trademarks of Reliance Comfort Limited Partnership.

Rely on us for your house, so you can enjoy your home.

sponsors & donors

Friends oF the roseEva Andrews • Tamara Brickman • Nancy Coste • Barbara East

Harry Mays & Carole Edgar • Gail Fielder • Karin A. Henderson • William & Margaret Johnston Martin & Sally-Ann Kerman • Bill & Jean Lawrence • Elizabeth & Douglas Potts

Rick & Eileen Soo • Henry & Lucy Verschuren • Don & Heidi Wilker • Florence Wilkinson • Jim & Beverly Wilkinson

oFFicial vehicle sPonsorPolicaro automotive Family

oFFicial design sPonsordr. c. sterling-case, sterling dentistry

sPonsorsbrampton downtown development corporation

brampton cosmetic surgery center and Medical spa Brampton Guardian • Curves Brampton • Jazz FM 91

Langlois Financial Services Inc. • Prouse Dash & Crouch LLP Reliance Home Comfort • The Dusk Team – Richard Dusk & Bonnie Neely

The WORKS Gourmet Burger Bistro Brampton The New AM 740 & The New Classical 96.3

dress circle donorsLois Rice • Gottfried & Brigitte Schwarzer • TransCanada Corporation

aFFiliate donorscharles & Lenore armstrong

Justice nancy kastner & bob Pesant • anelio & antonietta sincovich

associate donorsGerry & Anne Bell • Paul & Dale Caverly • Jan De Grijs • Gordon Edgar • Chris and Michelle Hatch

Barb & Bryan Held • Courtyard by Marriott Brampton • George Elmer Henry Jim & Joanne Horne • Ursula Hopkins • Grete McQuaid • klaus & ingrid sander

The Stephens Family • Francis Sim & Family • Ward Funeral Home

sUPPorting level donorsNoel & Pamela Folkard • Jim & Sandy Henderson • Anne & Don Marion

Ruth Murray & Rollie Phillips • Louise Swinton & Richard Moreal

ROSe TheaTRe aPPlauDS OuR8th anniversary

SPOnSORS & DOnORS

RoseTheatre

22 odeum feBruAry 2015

Rose Theatre’s presentations and programs provide a great opportunity for sponsorships that contain strong value-added benefits for corporate partners of various levels.

The greatest value of the arts is the ability to build bridges across generations and cultures. You have the opportunity to enrich your life, both personally and professionally, by contributing to the impact of arts in your community.

There is no Business like Show Business for Your Business‘‘

‘‘

Help Us Keep Raising The Curtain. Call us today to discuss your

Sponsorship or Donation Opportunities.

Advertising and [email protected]

905.874.2957

The Rose is pleased to welcome our Official Vehicle Sponsor Policaro Automotive Family

Francesco Policaro and Anthony Poole

sponsorship

RoseTheatre

rose theatre

DonationsPlease consider making a tax-deductible gift

to the Rose Theatre Brampton. Your donation brings world-class entertainment to our stage

and it also enriches the whole community. We need your support to remain the vibrant community resource so many

have come to depend on.

When you give to We give BaCk!The Rose,

*Call for more information on the benefits of gifts above $1000.

Official tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount

under Canada Revenue Agency guidelines

Home Delivery or Emailing of Odeum

Magazine

Name Recognition in Odeum Magazine

Advanced ticket purchase opportunity for the Rose Theatre

Presents Season

Commemorative Pin

Permanent recognition on a Sponsor/Donor Anniversary Plaque

Invitation for Two to attend our Sponsor/Donor Appreciation

Reception

Rose Donor$50-$99

Benefits of Donating to the Rose Theatre

Friends ofThe Rose

$100-$249

SupportingLevel

$250-$499

AssociateLevel

$500-$999*

A contribution that will honour the theatre lover in your life for years to come.

reserve your seat noW.

Premium Seats: $1000Orchestra & Mezzanine Seats: $800

Balcony Seats: $500

Every seat dedication includes a tax receipt, commemorative pin, and brass plaque

on the seat of your choice.

Call the BoX oFFiCe anytiMeto Make your Donation:

905.874.2800

save a seatFor soMeone you love.

ELEVATE YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Complete Lexus Price $52,730*Taxes and licensing extra.

Call 1-877-331-1089 today or visit northwestlexus.com

*Complete Lexus price for a 2015 RX is $52,730. Complete Lexus price includes freight and PDI of $1,995, EHF (tires) of $29, EHF (filters)of $1, A/C tax of $100, and OMVIC fee of $5. Taxes, licence, registration (if applicable) and insurance are extra. Factory order may be required. Offers are subject to change without notice. See Northwest Lexus for full details or visit www.northwestlexus.com..

Northwest Lexus is the official vehicle provider of the Rose Theatre and proud sponsor of William Osler Health System Foundation’s One Night * Two Stars * Three Hospitals Benefit Concert on November 22.

2280 Queen Street East, BramptonMinutes from the 407 and Airport Road

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Standard features now include: • Sport appearance package • 19-inch wheels • 12-speaker premium audio system • Backup camera and power tailgate • Heated and ventilated front seats

Introducing the new2015 RX 350 SPORTDESIGN

march 2015 odeum magazine

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