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Central Toronto Branch Newsletter - October 1999Message from the PresidentDear Colleagues, Our 1999-2000 season is well underway, with more exciting events planned in the next few months. I was pleased to see so many of you at our Autumn Tea, held this year at the home of Marjorie Francoz on September 26th. Thank you to Central Branch member Katherine Ramseyer for her pedagogical discussion on Chopin's Polonaise in A+ and to new member Joan O'Mara for her presentation on the Six Romanian Dances by Bartok. We will continue to examine repertoire from the Grade X Syllabus at future general meetings, so be sure to come out and be a part of our pedagogical discussions. Thank you to Fanny Levitan, Mary Mexis and many other Central Branch members who staffed the tables at the Celebration of the Arts weekend at Fairview Mall October 1st-3rd. It is vitally important that we work towards an enhanced public image for the O.R.M.T.A. and increase our professional stature. Your executive welcomes your input concerning our efforts to raise public awareness of our organization. On Sunday, October 17th, O.R.M.T.A members from all over Metro Toronto enjoyed a fascinating workshop presented by Suleman Currim on Chopin as Composer, Pianist and Teacher. Suleman talked about Chopin's technique of perpetual variation in his writing, as well as his chromatic harmony, bel canto melodic style and his views on tempo rubato. Suleman's extensive research on Chopin as a teacher and performer offered a new perspective to teachers today on ways to present this beloved and enduring repertoire. I look forward to hearing from you throughout the year, and seeing you at upcoming events. Sincerely, Maria L. Case, President, Central Toronto Branch Upcoming EventsAuditions & RecitalsPlease consult your Auditions and Recitals Rules and Schedule (in your last mailing) to find application deadlines and locations. We encourage you to prepare your students to perform works by Canadian composers in the Fall Audition. Remember that two special scholarships are awarded annually (the Sir Ernest Macmillan Scholarships) for outstanding performances of Canadian works. We are pleased to announce that Kent McWilliams will adjudicate the Auditions on November 13th, and Peter Zarins will adjudicate the Recital on November 27th. Young Artist Recital The Young Artist Recital featuring pianist Jennifer Orchanian will be held on Sunday November 21st at Euromusic Centre, 2651 John Street in Unionville. Jennifer will present a programme of Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, Debussy and Alexina Louie. (please refer to the flyer from our last mailing) In order to encourage student attendance, the North York and Central Toronto Branches are holding a Review Writing Contest. The winners will receive a scholarship ($35.00 for 12 and under, $45.00 for 13 and older) and will have their reviews published in our winter newsletter. This contest is open to all students of Central Toronto and North York Branch members. Junior Students: maximum one full page, double-spaced, 12-point font, and Senior Students: maximum two full pages, double-spaced, 12-point font. Send reviews to Maria Case, 259 Howland Ave, Toronto M5R 3B7. Deadline: December 15, 1999 Teachers-in-Concert, Sunday, March 5th Convenor Frank Horvat has promised a repeat performance of last year's sensational concert: again, the goal is to involve as many teachers as possible in solos, duos, trios and other chamber combinations. We encourage you to invite your students and their families; to promote student involvement, the executive will once again offer two special scholarships for the best student reviews of the Teachers-in-Concert programme. (One junior scholarship, age 12 and under, and one senior scholarship for 13 and up.) Teachers may submit up to two reviews per studio. Frank will be calling everyone in Central Branch over the next few months to solicit support for the concert, and start making up the programme. Remember, with more teachers involved in the programme, the commitment to perform need not be so daunting. So, start thinking about who you would like to make music with on Sunday, March 5th. (All proceeds go to or scholarship fund.) Other NewsWorkshopsOn Monday, November 1st, The North York Branch presents Ronald Tomarelli in a workshop on "The Alexander Technique". Mr. Tomarelli will be discussing the application of the Alexander Technique to piano teaching and performance. 10AM-2:30PM at Euromusic Centre, 2651 John Street, Unit 8, north of Steeles, west of Woodbine, fee $15.00. Bring your own bag lunch, coffee provided. The Bulletin Board
The sculptures of Central Branch member Odna Brain are featured in an art show Three Points of Viewat the Women's Art Association Gallery, 23 Prince Arthur Ave, October 22-24th. This show also features the photography of the late Jack Brain, as well as works on paper by Mary Lou Payzant. For more information, please contact info@ormtatoronto.org Back to Top  |