Anything Goes

The Cole Porter songbook

Sunday, January 12, 3PM & Tuesday, January 14, 8PM
Trinity St. Paul's Centre

For Immediate Release – Toronto, December 16, 2013: Toronto's Talisker Players kick off the New Year in style with Anything Goes, a high-spirited production of the Cole Porter song-book, Sunday, January 12, 3PM, and Tuesday, January 14, 8PM, at the newly renovated Trinity St. Paul's Centre.

The songs and musicals of Cole Porter defined sophistication in the 1930s and 40s. His work embodies a combination of haute couture elegance and world-weary cynicism that was the hallmark of high society at the time. But his songs are more than that, and the composer himself is a paradox – both a social satirist, and an incurable optimist. Anything Goes celebrates both his dazzling lyrics and his unforgettable melodies, in new arrangements for two singers and string quartet by acclaimed composer/arranger Laura Jones.

Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Enns Modolo and tenor Bud Roach, two captivating young vocal artists, share the stage with Talisker Players quartet. Both singers bring their charisma to this entertaining programme, which includes nearly two dozen of Coward's best-loved songs, including such enduring classics as I Get a Kick Out of You, Let's Do It, Night and Day, Easy to Love, It's De-Lovely – and of course the title song.

Tenor Bud Roach makes a return appearance with Talisker Players, following his success in Mad Dogs and Englishmen, the 2012-13 programme of Noël Coward songs. His "beautiful lyric tenor" (Globe & Mail), musical understanding and dramatic flair have quickly established him as an important new presence on the vocal scene in this country and beyond. Highly regarded for his understanding of early music styles, Mr. Roach is also recognized for his compelling performances of contemporary repertoire. He also has a strong interest in the light music of the early 20th century. His recording of Alessandro Gandi's third volume of arias was recently released on the Musica Omnia label.

Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Enns Modolo, also a favourite with Talisker Players audiences, has won acclaim across the country for her clear, unaffected voice and expressive singing. On the concert stage, she has appeared as a featured soloist with numerous groups. She is also building a stellar reputation on the opera stage. The 2013/14 season includes performances with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, the Grand River Chorus, the London Fanshawe Chorus, and Spiritus Ensemble. She is also engaged for several solo recitals with lutenist Magdalena Tomsinska and pianist Lorin Shalanko.

Anything Goes
The Cole Porter songbook

Jennifer Enns Modolo, soprano, Bud Roach, tenor
Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 3 PM & Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 8 PM
Trinity St. Paul's Centre, 427 Bloor Street West

TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets: $35 / $25 (seniors) / $15 (students, un(der)employed)
Box office: 416-978-8849

Email: words.music@taliskerplayers.ca
Information: 416-466-1800
www.taliskerplayers.ca

Talisker Players Chamber Music offers one of the most imaginative and exciting concert series in Toronto. In collaboration with some of Canada’s finest young singers, Talisker Players present the rarely-heard repertoire for voice and chamber ensemble. Their unique programming includes readings that illuminate the music and delight audiences with a stimulating, theatrical concert experience. The music, engaging and varied, includes both celebrated works and unknown gems from all styles and periods, with a strong presence of Canadian compositions.

Talisker Players Upcoming Events

Creature to Creature: Sunday, March 16 at 3:30 pm & Tuesday, March 18 at 8 pm
A 21st century bestiary, featuring Norine Burgess, mezzo soprano, Geoffrey Sirett, baritone,
Ross Manson, actor/reader

A Poet's Love: Tuesday, May 27 & Wednesday, May 28 at 8 pm
The joys and sorrows of love deeply felt, featuring Alexander Dobson, baritone,
Stewart Arnott, actor/reader

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Media contact:

Francine Labelle/flINK
416 654-4406 labellefrancine@rogers.com

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