Puttin' on the Ritz

There's no business like show business with the Talisker Players in Puttin' on the Ritz

Sunday, January 11, 3:30PM
Tuesday, January 13, 8PM
Trinity St. Paul's Centre

For Immediate Release – Toronto, January 2, 2015: Toronto's Talisker Players travel back to Broadway and old Hollywood as we perform Irving Berlin's classic hits in Puttin' on the Ritz on Sunday, January 11, 3:30PM, and Tuesday, January 13, 8PM, at Trinity St. Paul's Centre.

Talisker Players continue to celebrate the Great American Songbook with a tribute to Irving Berlin's extensive 60 year career. Berlin is widely considered as one of the greatest songwriters in American history as much of his music served as a social barometer for the 20th century. His songs touch on themes of the World Wars, hope in bleak times and good things embodied in the American way of life. Berlin was a self-taught composer and pianist, yet secured nine Academy Award nominations and received a Gold Metal ordered by President Eisenhower. His songs are much of the musical makeup of Broadway and have been performed by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Ethel Waters, and numerous other Hollywood greats. Puttin' on the Ritz pays tribute to this musical voice of the American nation with a selection of favourites from his vast songbook, in exciting arrangements by Talisker Players cellist Laura Jones.

Young vocal artists Whitney O'Hearn and Bud Roach join the Talisker Players for this entertaining programme. Both singers bring their charisma to nearly two dozen of Berlin's best-loved songs, including Anything You Can Do, Top Hat, There's No Business Like Show Business, Cheek to Cheek and the title song.

Tenor Bud Roach makes a return appearance with Talisker Players following his success in last year's Anything Goes programme of Cole Porter 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 Canada and beyond. Highly regarded for his understanding of early music styles, Roach is also recognized for his compelling performances of contemporary repertoire. He has a strong interest in the light music of the early 20th century.

Praised for her "warm and expressive voice, and amazing sense of line," Whitney O'Hearn has already attracted attention in the vocal world. The Ottawa native completed her undergraduate and master's degrees at the University of Ottawa and continues as a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto. She distinguished herself in many operatic roles, including Mère Marie in Poulenc's Les Dialogues des Carmélites, The Sorceress in Purcell's Dido and Aeneas and the title role in Bizet's Carmen, all with the University of Ottawa Opera Company. She has won several awards, including the Frederick-Karam Scholarship, and the University of Ottawa Concerto Competition where she performed Mahler's Songs of a Wayfarer. She has also twice been awarded a place in the National Arts Center's Summer Music Institute young artist programme.

Puttin' on the Ritz
Whitney O'Hearn, mezzo-soprano, Bud Roach, tenor
with the Talisker Players Quartet
Sunday, January 11 at 3:30PM & Tuesday, January 13 at 8:00 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
On a Darkling Plain: Tuesday, March 10 at 8:00PM & Wednesday, March 11 at 8:00PM 
Songs of hope and longing, featuring Ilana Zarankin, soprano, Joel Allison, baritone,
Stewart Arnott, reader
Heroes, Gods & Mortals: Tuesday, May 12 & Wednesday, May 13 at 8:00PM
Encounters with Olympian gods and goddesses, featuring Carla Huhtanen, soprano, Andrea Ludwig, mezzo soprano, Ross Manson, reader

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Media contact:

Alexandra Glass, Media Manager
226-792-4849
a.glass@taliskerplayers.ca

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