News

  • Brock University Choirs and Brock Music Alumni – Finale

    Brock University Choirs and Music Alumni join conductor Harris Loewen in his farewell concert, “Finale”

    Saturday, April 1, 2017 marks the end of Dr. Harris Loewen’s career as conductor of the Brock University Choirs with a festive concert appropriately titled “Finale!”  The current men’s, women’s and mixed choirs will be joined on stage by 50 Music alumni, the Walker String Quartet and other guest artists to celebrate his 30 years of choral music-making at Brock University.

    The Department of Music invites all Music alumni and former choristers to attend this musical event, held in Cairns Recital Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.   Additional activities for alumni are planned for the weekend, including social events and tours of the new Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts building.

    Joining the choirs and Music alumni on stage will be the recently established Walker String Quartet (WSQ), along with guest artists Fil Stasiak (double bass) and Devon Fornelli (percussion). The WSQ is a professional ensemble completing its first year as quartet-in-residence with the Department of Music.

    The concert program will feature a variety of repertoire, opening with Vivaldi’s “Magnificat,” which Loewen first performed with the choirs in his debut concert at Brock University in the fall of 1987.  Several new works written by colleague Dr. Matthew Royal will also receive their premiere performance.  This continues the tradition that Loewen has established throughout his career, in both concerts and recordings, as a champion of choral music by Niagara composers.

    Loewen has also been active as a community choral conductor throughout Southern Ontario, founding both the Niagara Vocal Ensemble (1991-2011) and Avanti Chamber Singers (2006) locally.  With these ensembles he has recorded five albums in the “Voices of Niagara” CD series, documenting the choral works of area composers.  He has also been active as a baritone soloist, performing in both classical and jazz styles, as well as an arranger, choral composer and choral clinician. Several of his choral arrangements and original works are now being published by Cypress Choral Music.

    Loewen states, “I have been privileged with an extremely rewarding career at Brock University.  I have enjoyed my students, had good collegial relations, and fulfilling opportunities to serve the university and community.  Most of all, I have loved the experience of making music, whether as a choral conductor, singer, clinician or composer.  I really can’t imagine having done anything else! ”

    The Viva Voce! Choral Series, presented by the Department of Music, is a key part of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts’ mandate in building connections between the community and Brock University.

    Join us for this choral celebration on Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m., held at Cairns Recital Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, 250 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $5 for the eyeGo program. They are available from the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Box Office: 905.688.0722 or Long Distance Toll Free: 1.855.515.0722; online: firstontariopac.ca.

    For more information contact:
    Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts
    T: 905-688-5550, x4765 | E: [email protected] | W: brocku.ca/miwsfpa

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    Categories: Events, Media Releases, News, Viva Voce Choral Series

  • The Avanti Chamber Singers host “Light and Dark,” a cross-border choral exchange with the Harmonia Singers of Buffalo, N.Y.

    On Saturday, February 18, 2017, the Avanti Chamber Singers will host the Harmonia Singers of Buffalo, N.Y. in a first-time joint concert for these two respected chamber choirs. The evening program features a captivating variety of choral repertoire on the theme of “Light and Dark,” including classical works as well as popular songs.

    The concert concludes with a nod to Black History Month. Robert Pacillo, conductor of the Harmonia Singers, will lead the combined choirs in Moses Hogan’s arrangement of “Walk Together Children.” Avanti’s conductor, Harris Loewen, will lead the ensembles in a premiere performance of his own “On My Way to Canada,” a new setting of abolitionist Joshua McCarter Simpson’s 19th century poem.

    This program also includes 19th century works by Brahms and Dvořák, as well as 20th century pieces by Houston Bright (Stars are with the Voyager), Canadian composer Stephen Chatman (On the Beach at Night), Lloyd Pfautsch (Stars). Rounding out the performances are choral arrangements from the Great American Songbook, including Hoagy Carmichael’s “Star Dust.”

    Harmonia Singers, founded by conductor Pacillo in 2005, is a semi-professional ensemble based in Buffalo, N.Y. They are active in presenting concerts and educational workshops in New York state, but have also made several forays across the border, previously performing in Niagara-on-the-Lake as part of Music Niagara’s concert line-up.

    The Viva Voce Choral Series, presented by the Department of Music, is a key part of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts’ mandate in building connections between the community and Brock University.

    Join us for an evening of superb music on Saturday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m., held at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 278 Parnell, St. Catharines. Admission at the door is $25 for adults; $20 for seniors & students; $5 for the eyeGo program for high school students. A $5 discount is available for advance tickets (excluding eyeGO) and can be purchased at two St. Catharines locations: BookSmart (Scott & Vine Plaza) and Thorold Music (Glendale Avenue).

    For more information contact: Marie Balsom
    Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts
    T: 905-688-5550, ext. 4765 | E: [email protected] | W: www.brocku.ca/miwsfpa

     

     

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    Categories: Events, Media Releases, News, Viva Voce Choral Series

  • Student Funding Opportunity: The Geritol Follies Bursary Fund

    hamiltoncommunityfoundationFuture students: Looking for scholarships and funding opportunities? The Geritol Follies Bursary Fund provides an opportunity for students of voice, drama, dance or a musical instrument to apply for a performing arts bursary to develop their talent and pursue their career goals.

    Who can apply?

    If you have graduated from a publicly-funded high school in Hamilton or Burlington, Ontario and have been accepted or are already enrolled in a performing arts program in a college, university, or institute in Canada or the United States, you can apply. You will need to show why you need financial assistance.

    How can the bursary help?

    The bursary can be used to assist with tuition and related expenses, and you can apply to the Geritol Follies Bursary Fund to support your studies at a college, university or institute. Talented and promising students with demonstrated financial need have been awarded annual amounts averaging $1,000 – $2,000 per academic year.

    How to apply:

    You can download the application form from the website of the Hamilton Community Foundation, where you can learn more about this bursary fund.

    Deadline for applications:

    February 15, 2017

    For more information contact:

    Hamilton Community Foundation,
    120 King St. W. Suite 700,
    Hamilton ON L8P 4V2

    Phone: 905-523-5600 / Email: [email protected]

    And for more information on student awards, scholarships, bursaries and other funding and financial aid options available to future students at Brock, visit brocku.ca/safa.

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    Categories: Announcements, News

  • TVCogeco features the University Wind Ensemble in “The Sounds of Music”

    The University Wind Ensemble was featured on TVCogeco for their the holiday concert, The Sounds of Music, on stage in Partridge Hall. Have a look at the video below:

     

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    Categories: Events, In the Media, News, The University Wind Ensemble

  • Brock Music students featured in the Niagara Calendar

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    This week, The Niagara Calendar features a photo of two of our guitar students: Gavino Oresta and Eric Godfree! Be sure to come out next Tuesday@Noon to listen to our guitar and piano students in our last recital in the Fall 2016 academic term.

     

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    Categories: In the Media, News

  • Music@Noon on TVCogeco

    Curious about our free RBC Foundation Music@Noon series? TVCogeco has profiled our lunchtime recital series in the video below:

     

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    Categories: Current Students, Future Students, In the Media, News

  • Guitar Extravaganza draws packed house

    (Source: The Brock News, Tuesday, October 25, 2016 | by )

    It was a full house at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre for Guitar Extravaganza II Saturday night. Fifty guitarists, including Brock University music students, alumni and faculty, as well as guitarists from Hamilton and Niagara region, joined together to celebrate the instrument. The evening featured solo and duet performances and concluded with the musicians coming together as The Mighty Niagara Guitar Orchestra to perform a special piece. Composed and conducted by Brock instructor Timothy Phelan, Fantasia para una dama was performed with renowned Canadian guitar virtuoso Emma Rush for the first time in North America.

    This is the second year for the Guitar Extravaganza. The event was organized by Brock University Department of Music, with support from the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

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    Categories: Events, In the Media, News, Special Events

  • Plan your future now! Ontario Universities’ Fair is September 23-25, 2016

    Plan your future now! If you’re thinking about attending Brock University and any of the four programs of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, don’t miss the Ontario Universities’ Fair!

    The OUF is September 23-25, 2016, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and admission is free.

    You can talk personally with students, professors and senior university reps, get answers about programs, admission requirements, student life and much more. Don’t miss out on the largest educational fair in Canada!

    Check out the Facebook event page or go to the Ontario Universities’ Fair website.

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    Categories: Announcements, Future Students, News

  • The Viva Voce! Choral Series presents Avanti Chamber Singers – Water Music: Of Rain, River and Sea

    The Avanti Chamber Singers celebrate spring and the conclusion of their 10th Anniversary Season with “Water Music: Songs of Rain, River and Sea”

    On Saturday, April 30, 2016, the Avanti Chamber Singers (ACS) present a beautiful and varied evening of original choral works and arrangements on the subject of water in all its forms. The audience will hear classical works, spirituals, folk songs and selections from the “Great American Songbook.”

    The program will feature, symbolically, ten different soloists from the choir. Several multi-talented choristers will also serve as flutists, and the ACS will be joined by guest pianist Karin Di Bella, Chair of the Department of Music at Brock University.

    The variety of composers and arrangers featured in this all-English program include international names (Barber, Copland, Elgar, Holst) as well as a range of Canadians, including those from Ontario (Daley, Telfer, Weaver) and, most importantly, Niagara (John Butler, Matthew Royal). The “Great American Songbook” is represented by well-known songwriters Harold Arlen, Irving Berlin and Henry Mancini.

    Conductor Harris Loewen states, “Water has been a favourite subject and symbol for poets and musicians over the centuries, and seems a fitting focus for a spring concert and a 10th anniversary conclusion. I think audiences will really love letting this beautiful program just flow over them!”

    ACS alumni are encouraged to come and celebrate with us. Please contact the choir through their website (avantichambersingers.com), to arrange for free admission to the concert and reception.

    The Viva Voce Choral Series, presented by the Department of Music is a key part of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts’ mandate in building connections between the community and Brock University.

    Join us for an evening of superb music on Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m., held at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 278 Parnell Rd., St. Catharines. Admission at the door is $25 adults; $20 seniors & students; $5 eyeGo high school program. A $5 discount is available for advance tickets (excluding eyeGo) and can be purchased in St. Catharines at BookSmart (Scott & Vine Plaza) and Thorold Music (Glendale Avenue).

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    For more information contact: Marie Balsom, Communications
    Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts
    T: 905.688.5550, ext. 4765 | E: [email protected] | W: brocku.ca/miwsfpa

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    Categories: Events, Media Releases, News, Viva Voce Choral Series

  • University Wind Ensemble breathes new life into an eclectic mix of classics with “Rhythm of the Night”

    The University Wind Ensemble

    The Brock University Wind Ensemble breathes new life into an eclectic mix of classics on stage at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

    The University Wind Ensemble combines the best of beloved genres in a style that brings audiences together — young and old, classical connoisseurs and roots enthusiasts, jazz aficionados and bluegrass buffs. The theme Rhythm of the Night centres on Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and fuses jazz, classical, and roots music to create a dynamic, genre-bending concert experience. This performance will be held in Partridge Hall at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

    Under the baton of conductor Zoltan Kalman, the University Wind Ensemble features the talents of 60 musicians drawn from Brock University, high schools within the Niagara Region, and the broader music community. This concert includes Kelly Hindrichs, Peter Macdonald, Mary-Anne Pearson, David Pearson, and Graham Young from Hamilton’s Symphony on the Bay, as well as Joanne Romanow from the Burlington Concert Band.

    High school students from the Niagara Region include: Makayla Todd and Todd Morgan from Laura Secord SS (St. Catharines), and Lindsey Cook from E. L. Crossley SS (Pelham).

    The evening program features masterworks of the past and present, including “Manzoni Requiem” by Giuseppe Verdi; “The Year of the Dragon” by Philip Sparke; “Slava!” by Leonard Bernstein; “Sevens” by Samuel Hazo; “Songs of Sailor and Sea” by Robert Smith; “The Bandwagon” by Philip Sparke; “Loch Lomond” by Frank Ticheli; “Suite from Indiana Jones” and from Star Wars, “The Marches” by John Williams; and “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin.

    Kalman states: “The ensemble is thrilled to play in Partridge Hall, a state-of-the-art performance venue at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre! We’re proud to present a repertoire jam-packed with dynamic and contagious rhythm that will surely take your breath away!”

    Such performances from the Department of Music are a key part of the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts’ mandate in building connections between the community and the breadth of talent and creativity at Brock University.

    Join us for Rhythm of the Night on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in Partridge Hall at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are $8 general admission, $5 eyeGo high school program (+HST), and are free to current MIWSFPA students with valid student ID. Purchase tickets through the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Box Office: 905-688-0722; online: firstontariopac.ca; e-mail: [email protected] ; or at the door.

    Did you know there are more than 1,000 parking spots available in nearby parking garages, surface lots and on city streets within a five-minute walk to our address at 15 Artists’ Common? Visit: stcatharines.ca/en/livein/ParkingLotsGarages.asp for a list of parking locations.

    Media Day: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 6 p.m., held in Partridge Hall at the FirstOntario PAC.

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    Categories: Events, Media Releases, News, The University Wind Ensemble