Thanks for the good info Joe
I plead guilty to omitting a key couple from list of attendees-- Joe and Anne's daughter and her husband will also be joining us --- Katie & Jeremiah Gassensmith. Joe advised that Jeremiah is a big fan of Philip Glass and Katie was with us both Brooklyn and New York Event.
On the Eric Idle piece -- I understand it will also be showing Sunday and Monday... reads like it will be sort of a continuation of Monty's "Life of Brian" --- hilarious I am sure.
Do suggest booking hotel fairly promptly -- the hotel advises that it has in the past sold out during the Toronto Film Festival.
Toronto gathering
Another plug for the Philip Glass premier… Anjani writes on her website:
bravo!
I am so glad to hear that Dominique Plaisant will be performing soprano duties in Phillip Glass’ Book of Longing, a new work for four voices based on the poetry of Leonard Cohen. Not only is Dominique a phenomenal singer with a four octave range, she’s also a very dear friend from the old days in NYC.
http://www.anjani-music.com/news.html
The reasons for coming to Toronto keep increasing!
bravo!
I am so glad to hear that Dominique Plaisant will be performing soprano duties in Phillip Glass’ Book of Longing, a new work for four voices based on the poetry of Leonard Cohen. Not only is Dominique a phenomenal singer with a four octave range, she’s also a very dear friend from the old days in NYC.
http://www.anjani-music.com/news.html
The reasons for coming to Toronto keep increasing!
I checked out the Delta Chelsea - Ulp!
May I suggest the Toronto Downtown Holiday Inn Express - I just booked a room, it's on Lombard Street, about 2 blocks from Yonge St. and Queen St. where the Elgin Theatre is, and more reasonable.
But like Dick said, book soon, the first hotel I checked out was booked!
I'm staying May 31st until June 5th - but maybe I'll add a day, not sure yet.
Where is the Eric Idle play?
This is exciting! Can't wait!
evelyn
May I suggest the Toronto Downtown Holiday Inn Express - I just booked a room, it's on Lombard Street, about 2 blocks from Yonge St. and Queen St. where the Elgin Theatre is, and more reasonable.
But like Dick said, book soon, the first hotel I checked out was booked!
I'm staying May 31st until June 5th - but maybe I'll add a day, not sure yet.
Where is the Eric Idle play?
This is exciting! Can't wait!
evelyn
post deleted
Last edited by John K. on Fri May 04, 2007 1:51 am, edited 1 time in total.
I love to speak with John
He's a pundit and a fraud
He's a lazy banker living in a suit
http://www.johnkloberdanz.com
He's a pundit and a fraud
He's a lazy banker living in a suit
http://www.johnkloberdanz.com
Think the rates may have gone up at Delta... sorry about that --
Here is new release from the festival showing scheduled attractions...
February 18, 2007 Luminato channels Glenn Gould and Irving Layton for an arts festival in June
By JOHN COULBOURN
Talk about waking the dead.
Deceased though they may be, pianist Glenn Gould and poet Irving Layton will still play their part in Luminato, the lively multi-disciplinary arts festival that aims to take Toronto by storm, June 1 through 10. Gould -- or at least, his spirit -- will be invoked by actor Ted Dykstra in a new play by filmmaker John McGreevy, titled An Evening With Glenn Gould, running June 3 though 10 at the Young Centre For The Performing Arts.
The Young Centre will also be the performance home for the world premiere of Irving Invectus, a "multi-disciplinary rumination" on the life and work of the late Irving Layton. Kennth Walsh stars as the controversial poet in a new work from Jason Sherman and it too runs from June 3 through 10.
A few other Luminato events of interest to fans of theatre, opera and dance include: - Philip Glass's Book Of Longing, based on a collection of poems by Leonard Cohen, at the Elgin Theatre, June 1 thourgh 3.
- Cuban choreographer Lizt Alfonso's Vida!, performed by Havana's Danza Cuba, at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, June 1 through 10.
- Opera LUNA, featuring a roster of Canadian opera talent that includes Russell Braun, Richard Margison, Adrianne Pieczonka, Isabel Bayrakdarian, Robert Pomakov and a host of others, accompanied by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Canadian Opera Company Chorus, conducted by Giordano Bellincampi, at Roy Thomson Hall, June 8.
- A new work from Roseneath Theatre in which playwright Drew Hayden Taylor collaborates with Greg Banks to create a play about two First Nations children whose lives are transformed when a Spirit Horse appears in their Calgary apartment. Titled Spirit Horse, it runs at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, June 4 and 5.
- Factory Theatre rounds out their double bill of George F. Walker's Better Living and Escape From Happiness, with an exploration of Tough!, Walker's only work for young people, the latter featuring an ensemble of nine to 12 actors, rotating though Tough!'s three roles, at the Factory Theatre, June 1 through 10.
- Eric Idle reteams with John Du Prez (his collaborator on Spamalot) for the world premiere of Not The Messiah (He's A Very Naughty Boy), "an original, light hearted oratorio inspired by Monty Python's Life of Brian, performed with a narrator, guest soloists, the TSO and choir at Roy Thomson Hall, June 1 through 4.
- A reprise of the breathtaking Constantinople, by Christos Hatzis and Gryphon Trio, slated to run at the Bluma Appel Theatre, June 7 through 9.
- A host of New World Stage events, previously announced by Harbourfront, blending the best in international dance (Shen Wei Dance Arts, Premiere Dance Theatre) with the very cutting edge of international theatre (Australia's Back Home, a site specific theatre piece about the reunion of four old friends that will play in selected backyards.)
Tickets for all events will be available sometime in March through Ticketmaster. For further info, visit luminato.com.
Here is new release from the festival showing scheduled attractions...
February 18, 2007 Luminato channels Glenn Gould and Irving Layton for an arts festival in June
By JOHN COULBOURN
Talk about waking the dead.
Deceased though they may be, pianist Glenn Gould and poet Irving Layton will still play their part in Luminato, the lively multi-disciplinary arts festival that aims to take Toronto by storm, June 1 through 10. Gould -- or at least, his spirit -- will be invoked by actor Ted Dykstra in a new play by filmmaker John McGreevy, titled An Evening With Glenn Gould, running June 3 though 10 at the Young Centre For The Performing Arts.
The Young Centre will also be the performance home for the world premiere of Irving Invectus, a "multi-disciplinary rumination" on the life and work of the late Irving Layton. Kennth Walsh stars as the controversial poet in a new work from Jason Sherman and it too runs from June 3 through 10.
A few other Luminato events of interest to fans of theatre, opera and dance include: - Philip Glass's Book Of Longing, based on a collection of poems by Leonard Cohen, at the Elgin Theatre, June 1 thourgh 3.
- Cuban choreographer Lizt Alfonso's Vida!, performed by Havana's Danza Cuba, at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, June 1 through 10.
- Opera LUNA, featuring a roster of Canadian opera talent that includes Russell Braun, Richard Margison, Adrianne Pieczonka, Isabel Bayrakdarian, Robert Pomakov and a host of others, accompanied by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Canadian Opera Company Chorus, conducted by Giordano Bellincampi, at Roy Thomson Hall, June 8.
- A new work from Roseneath Theatre in which playwright Drew Hayden Taylor collaborates with Greg Banks to create a play about two First Nations children whose lives are transformed when a Spirit Horse appears in their Calgary apartment. Titled Spirit Horse, it runs at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People, June 4 and 5.
- Factory Theatre rounds out their double bill of George F. Walker's Better Living and Escape From Happiness, with an exploration of Tough!, Walker's only work for young people, the latter featuring an ensemble of nine to 12 actors, rotating though Tough!'s three roles, at the Factory Theatre, June 1 through 10.
- Eric Idle reteams with John Du Prez (his collaborator on Spamalot) for the world premiere of Not The Messiah (He's A Very Naughty Boy), "an original, light hearted oratorio inspired by Monty Python's Life of Brian, performed with a narrator, guest soloists, the TSO and choir at Roy Thomson Hall, June 1 through 4.
- A reprise of the breathtaking Constantinople, by Christos Hatzis and Gryphon Trio, slated to run at the Bluma Appel Theatre, June 7 through 9.
- A host of New World Stage events, previously announced by Harbourfront, blending the best in international dance (Shen Wei Dance Arts, Premiere Dance Theatre) with the very cutting edge of international theatre (Australia's Back Home, a site specific theatre piece about the reunion of four old friends that will play in selected backyards.)
Tickets for all events will be available sometime in March through Ticketmaster. For further info, visit luminato.com.
This is a big city, there are a lot of hotels. But this is a huge event for the city so there will be a lot of people wanting the rooms! I am afraid I can't tell you what are the best hotels, but you seem to have done a pretty good job selecting resonable ones downtown right now. This is a freakishly expensive city at times, but such is life.
I will try to think of some decent restaurants and bars that are around the area, and I will post them for you soon.
I will try to think of some decent restaurants and bars that are around the area, and I will post them for you soon.
For anyone travelling on a budget I have found decent rooms all around the world by using http://www.hostelworld.com
The site also gives small hotels and guesthouses as well as hostel rooms, and in Toronto highlights University Residence rooms too.
Sorry I can't join you all.
Margaret
The site also gives small hotels and guesthouses as well as hostel rooms, and in Toronto highlights University Residence rooms too.
Sorry I can't join you all.
Margaret
post deleted
Last edited by John K. on Fri May 04, 2007 1:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
I love to speak with John
He's a pundit and a fraud
He's a lazy banker living in a suit
http://www.johnkloberdanz.com
He's a pundit and a fraud
He's a lazy banker living in a suit
http://www.johnkloberdanz.com
Though I think more people would prefer to stay in hotels, and as I said there are a lot of hotels, here is the link to the U of T Student housing Summer Residence page:
http://link.library.utoronto.ca/Student ... category=2
http://link.library.utoronto.ca/Student ... category=2
Thanks for suggestions Anne and Margaret!
Keep that resolve Ania – counting down to a BIG HUG!
Another update on our opportunities:
The best bookseller for Cohen books -- Inno Dubelaar – resides in Toronto. He will join us at the hotel sometime during our visit. Plans to have a small display in someone’s room or convenient public area.
AND.. you can note any missing Cohen items that you want and email Inno starting right now! If he has them, or can find them for you, you can arrange to pick them up in Toronto and save postal costs. Inno has first editions and reading copies, and many magazines and books with materials of interest to Cohen fans/collectors.
Email your wants to Inno at inno@dubelaar.net
Come on London-goers, and forum viewers who haven’t decided …. Give this a little more thought: Glass work will be the first ever; something on Layton — plus non-Cohen stuff – Eric Idle, Atom Egoyan, street art, museums. And the best vacation companions anywhere – Leonard Cohen fans.
Updated Toronto Cohen group Participant List
Elizabeth Bacon-Smith
Jack Bowerman
Inno Dubelaar – Guest - Cohen Books and Magazines
Katie & Jeremiah Gassensmith.
James Greenspan
John Kloberdanz
Marie Mazur
Stan and Sally Michalski
Ania Nowakowska
Zachary Oberzan
Eva Poola (likely)
Harry and Arlene Rasky – Guests for Dinner/Brunch and maybe a movie
Vern and Sue Silver
Shirley Spencer
Dick and Linda Straub
Joe and Anne Way
Evelyn Stein
Keep that resolve Ania – counting down to a BIG HUG!
Another update on our opportunities:
The best bookseller for Cohen books -- Inno Dubelaar – resides in Toronto. He will join us at the hotel sometime during our visit. Plans to have a small display in someone’s room or convenient public area.
AND.. you can note any missing Cohen items that you want and email Inno starting right now! If he has them, or can find them for you, you can arrange to pick them up in Toronto and save postal costs. Inno has first editions and reading copies, and many magazines and books with materials of interest to Cohen fans/collectors.
Email your wants to Inno at inno@dubelaar.net
Come on London-goers, and forum viewers who haven’t decided …. Give this a little more thought: Glass work will be the first ever; something on Layton — plus non-Cohen stuff – Eric Idle, Atom Egoyan, street art, museums. And the best vacation companions anywhere – Leonard Cohen fans.
Updated Toronto Cohen group Participant List
Elizabeth Bacon-Smith
Jack Bowerman
Inno Dubelaar – Guest - Cohen Books and Magazines
Katie & Jeremiah Gassensmith.
James Greenspan
John Kloberdanz
Marie Mazur
Stan and Sally Michalski
Ania Nowakowska
Zachary Oberzan
Eva Poola (likely)
Harry and Arlene Rasky – Guests for Dinner/Brunch and maybe a movie
Vern and Sue Silver
Shirley Spencer
Dick and Linda Straub
Joe and Anne Way
Evelyn Stein
Interview with Glass
http://www.dailynews.com/entertainment/ci_5249649
Glass works
The 'Notes'-worthy career of Oscar nominee Philip Glass
By Rob Lowman, Entertainment EditorU-Entertainment
Article Last Updated:02/18/2007 12:04:57 AM PST
When I tell Philip Glass about a film critic who watched a movie thinking he was listening to an annoying Philip Glass score, only to find out it wasn't, he laughs hardily.
After all, the prolific composer is aware that people sort of know his stuff, but then again, most aren't sure what they know. "For some people, I can be annoying without having written the music," says the 70-year-old composer, with a touch of irony. Nevertheless, the well-respected Glass is nominated for the third time for an Oscar. This time for "Notes on a Scandal."
But as is always the case with Glass, that was yesterday and he's looking forward to his many projects. One with legendary poet/songwriter Leonard Cohen, another an opera called "Appomattox."
Here's Glass on a number of subjects, including the film industry, the Civil War and racism.
On the other Oscar nominees: "At this point, all the other nominees are younger than me. Elmer Bernstein's gone. Hank Mancini's gone. They all come to meet me and say, ëI heard a piece by you in my 20s ... .' But I find the musical community out here much nicer than the East Coast."
On awards: "The workings of these award processes are so obscure. I just don't know if we will ever know how these things happen."
On his influence: "I guess I've had an impact on film music — not that I write traditional film music. It's kind of an anomaly. ... To be frank, I tend not to like people who sound like me, because what's the point? You don't copyright style. I didn't invent an arpeggio."
Who does he like: "There's a lot of younger composers who I like, like Danny Elfman and Thomas Newman."
On musical changes: "Younger composers are very interested in writing film music now, whereas 20 years ago it was considered not so correct. That's not true anymore. Think of the people from the concert world like John Corigliano ("The Red Violin") and Tan Dun ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") — both have won Oscars ... I think of myself as being part of a younger generation though certainly not chronologically. "Our interest is in changing the status of music in the world of film. As composers, we understand that so much of the emotional content of a film is determined by the music. A producer once told me he can control a film with the music, and I think composers are flexing their muscles."
What draws him to films like "The Illusionist" or "Notes on a Scandal": "In smaller films you get more creative latitude. While working on "The Illusionist" with the director, Neil Burger, it was just me and him. ... When I read the script for "Notes on a Scandal," I thought, 'I can have something musically to say in this.' "
On his collaboration with Leonard Cohen: "I met him in Los Angeles about seven years ago and he read me some poems ... . We decided to make an evening of music based on his poems in ëThe Book of Longing.' Then he went into the (Buddhist) monastery for a number of years. When I heard he was back, I e-mailed him and I got a reply in 20 minutes. I loved that. ... We got back to where we were. The show opens June 1 in Toronto ... and we have eight places to go."
On "Appomattox," the opera opening this fall in San Francisco: "When I grew up in Baltimore, it was a segregated city. Then I saw it change. But it didn't really change. Some things changed. I grew up with all the Civil War stuff, and it was clear to me that the issues of the war were never really resolved. The story of the Civil War — the big American story, really — is race. ... I don't think we've solved our problems yet, but what I like about America is that we know we have them compared, to some countries. ... The biggest issue in the world is racism, whether it's in Iraq or Palestine, India, Russia or Pennsylvania. It's the biggest evil."
http://www.dailynews.com/entertainment/ci_5249649
Glass works
The 'Notes'-worthy career of Oscar nominee Philip Glass
By Rob Lowman, Entertainment EditorU-Entertainment
Article Last Updated:02/18/2007 12:04:57 AM PST
When I tell Philip Glass about a film critic who watched a movie thinking he was listening to an annoying Philip Glass score, only to find out it wasn't, he laughs hardily.
After all, the prolific composer is aware that people sort of know his stuff, but then again, most aren't sure what they know. "For some people, I can be annoying without having written the music," says the 70-year-old composer, with a touch of irony. Nevertheless, the well-respected Glass is nominated for the third time for an Oscar. This time for "Notes on a Scandal."
But as is always the case with Glass, that was yesterday and he's looking forward to his many projects. One with legendary poet/songwriter Leonard Cohen, another an opera called "Appomattox."
Here's Glass on a number of subjects, including the film industry, the Civil War and racism.
On the other Oscar nominees: "At this point, all the other nominees are younger than me. Elmer Bernstein's gone. Hank Mancini's gone. They all come to meet me and say, ëI heard a piece by you in my 20s ... .' But I find the musical community out here much nicer than the East Coast."
On awards: "The workings of these award processes are so obscure. I just don't know if we will ever know how these things happen."
On his influence: "I guess I've had an impact on film music — not that I write traditional film music. It's kind of an anomaly. ... To be frank, I tend not to like people who sound like me, because what's the point? You don't copyright style. I didn't invent an arpeggio."
Who does he like: "There's a lot of younger composers who I like, like Danny Elfman and Thomas Newman."
On musical changes: "Younger composers are very interested in writing film music now, whereas 20 years ago it was considered not so correct. That's not true anymore. Think of the people from the concert world like John Corigliano ("The Red Violin") and Tan Dun ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon") — both have won Oscars ... I think of myself as being part of a younger generation though certainly not chronologically. "Our interest is in changing the status of music in the world of film. As composers, we understand that so much of the emotional content of a film is determined by the music. A producer once told me he can control a film with the music, and I think composers are flexing their muscles."
What draws him to films like "The Illusionist" or "Notes on a Scandal": "In smaller films you get more creative latitude. While working on "The Illusionist" with the director, Neil Burger, it was just me and him. ... When I read the script for "Notes on a Scandal," I thought, 'I can have something musically to say in this.' "
On his collaboration with Leonard Cohen: "I met him in Los Angeles about seven years ago and he read me some poems ... . We decided to make an evening of music based on his poems in ëThe Book of Longing.' Then he went into the (Buddhist) monastery for a number of years. When I heard he was back, I e-mailed him and I got a reply in 20 minutes. I loved that. ... We got back to where we were. The show opens June 1 in Toronto ... and we have eight places to go."
On "Appomattox," the opera opening this fall in San Francisco: "When I grew up in Baltimore, it was a segregated city. Then I saw it change. But it didn't really change. Some things changed. I grew up with all the Civil War stuff, and it was clear to me that the issues of the war were never really resolved. The story of the Civil War — the big American story, really — is race. ... I don't think we've solved our problems yet, but what I like about America is that we know we have them compared, to some countries. ... The biggest issue in the world is racism, whether it's in Iraq or Palestine, India, Russia or Pennsylvania. It's the biggest evil."