Featured Artists 2023-2024 Season
Sarahí Cardenas
Originally from Saltillo, México. Sarahí started her dance training at the age of eleven. She learned the foundations of ballet at Escuela Superior de Música y Danza de Monterrey. She also completed a year at The Rock School of Dance Education in Philadelphia, PA (USA) before graduating from high school. Since 2007, both the Ballet Metropolitano de Monterrey and Ballet de Monterrey included Sarahí in their corps de ballet. She gained professional experience dancing in many classical ballets like Swan Lake, Giselle, La Bayadere, Don Quixote and The Nutcracker, to name a few. Neoclassical works like Diving into the Lilacs by Yuri Possokhov, Bruch Violin Concerto by Clark Tippet and Symphony in C and Western Symphony by George Balanchine. Modern dance works include Desdemona in José Limon’s The Moors Pavane. She was fortunate to train with renowned teachers and perform both as a soloist and principal dancer. Sarahí joined Canada’s Ballet Jörgen for the 2015-2016 season. In September 2019, Sarahi had the opportunity to join The Canadian Opera Company’s ensemble as a dancer in their production of Rusalka and later on La Traviata in 2022. Sarahi completed her 200hr yoga teacher training in 2020 and Progressing Ballet Technique Certificate in 2021. Sarahí is currently a part of the Faculty at George Brown College, York University and InStudio. Sarahí co-founded The Fifth Dance, a drop-in dance studio in Toronto in 2019.
Patricia Shirley
Patricia Shirley is a gifted and incredibly stealth craftswoman whose inclusive fan base will attest to her vocal ability that knows no end and whose voice is simply a force of nature. Her 20+ year career includes an extensive and coveted discography, not simply a catalogue, but an exhaustive and enviable body of work boasting guest appearances on 18 CDs since 2004 alone.
A singers, singer, Patricia is revered in the gospel music scene, celebrated in both secular and stage work and has made vocal performance its own form of athleticism, with her ability to leave audiences in awe. Hers is a journey of rarity, having shared the stage with gospel greats, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary and CeCe Winans, Sharon Riley and The Faith Chorale, Toronto Mass Choir. Rythm and Blues artist's Mariah Carey Toronto's own Drake and mogul Pharrell Williams. A collaborator, mentor, ally and coach she has paved the way for countless others and she is poised to take her career into its legacy chapter as producer, arranger and writer, placing ministry at the center and her heart for God as her compass. This genius is everything, wife, mother, daughter, friend Social Worker and an Associate Pastor... Patricia’s voice will leave you captivated and the power in her voice will lift you to heights unimaginable moving you to your core.
A singers, singer, Patricia is revered in the gospel music scene, celebrated in both secular and stage work and has made vocal performance its own form of athleticism, with her ability to leave audiences in awe. Hers is a journey of rarity, having shared the stage with gospel greats, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary and CeCe Winans, Sharon Riley and The Faith Chorale, Toronto Mass Choir. Rythm and Blues artist's Mariah Carey Toronto's own Drake and mogul Pharrell Williams. A collaborator, mentor, ally and coach she has paved the way for countless others and she is poised to take her career into its legacy chapter as producer, arranger and writer, placing ministry at the center and her heart for God as her compass. This genius is everything, wife, mother, daughter, friend Social Worker and an Associate Pastor... Patricia’s voice will leave you captivated and the power in her voice will lift you to heights unimaginable moving you to your core.
The Toronto Victorian Carolers
The Toronto Victorian Carolers are the original Christmas Carolers in Toronto, with over 30 years experience and hundreds of performances throughout the GTA. They have also recently been recorded and featured singing LIVE in a number of TV movies.
Experience the magic of festive live music with beautiful 4-part vocal harmony performed by a quartet of accomplished professional a cappella singers, dressed in Victorian costume. It's the classic Yuletide sound....with a Yesteryear look.
Singing all the songs of the season, classic Christmas Carols and popular holiday melodies from secular to sacred from their large repertoire of over 100 classic songs.
Experience the magic of festive live music with beautiful 4-part vocal harmony performed by a quartet of accomplished professional a cappella singers, dressed in Victorian costume. It's the classic Yuletide sound....with a Yesteryear look.
Singing all the songs of the season, classic Christmas Carols and popular holiday melodies from secular to sacred from their large repertoire of over 100 classic songs.
Andrew Adridge
Andrew Adridge (he/him) is a multidisciplinary artist and arts administrator based in Brampton, Ontario. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto, BMus. Performance (2016), and MM. Opera (2018). Credits at UofT Opera include, Bacchus in Offenbach's Orphée aux enfers (2016), the title role in Don Giovanni (2017), and Sam Jenkins in Gershwin’s Of thee I sing (2018). He has been featured as an ensemble soloist both at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto for Jesse Norman’s Glenn Gould Prize Gala and on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C. Andrew has performed with reputable Canadian companies singing the role of Schaunard in Puccini/Ivany’s La Bohème in Against the Grain Theatre’s Canada-wide touring production, and the baritone role in Soundstreams’ Electric Messiah. Andrew has participated in several young artist programs including The Chautauqua Institution Voice Program, and the Banff Opera program and was a 2018 finalist in Opéra de Montréal’s Auditions Nationales.
He recently made his directorial debut with the Canadian Opera Company and Against the Grain Theatre as the Associate Director on Mozart’s Requiem. He directed the Edmonton Opera Valentine’s Day Gala which premiered on Global TV in February of 2022. Most recently, he has worked on two mainstage Canadian Opera Company shows, Carmen under Joel Ivany and Macbeth under Sir David McVicar. This season, Andrew will perform with Confluence Concerts in their concert Wound turned to light exploring the pandemic compositions of James Rolfe. He is excited to make his debut with the Ontario Pops Orchestra later this March in a concert of opera and crossover music. Outside of his performing, Andrew is the Executive Director of the Toronto Consort and the Co-Founder of the national arts collective Opera InReach.
He recently made his directorial debut with the Canadian Opera Company and Against the Grain Theatre as the Associate Director on Mozart’s Requiem. He directed the Edmonton Opera Valentine’s Day Gala which premiered on Global TV in February of 2022. Most recently, he has worked on two mainstage Canadian Opera Company shows, Carmen under Joel Ivany and Macbeth under Sir David McVicar. This season, Andrew will perform with Confluence Concerts in their concert Wound turned to light exploring the pandemic compositions of James Rolfe. He is excited to make his debut with the Ontario Pops Orchestra later this March in a concert of opera and crossover music. Outside of his performing, Andrew is the Executive Director of the Toronto Consort and the Co-Founder of the national arts collective Opera InReach.
Amahl Arulanandam
With interests from baroque to metal, Toronto cellist Amahl Arulanandam is known for his musical versatility and ability to adapt to many genres. At home in studios, clubs, and halls, Amahl hopes to convey that musical expression is beyond labels. Amahl has wholly embraced the bizarre sounds the cello has to offer and takes special pleasure in playing on areas of the instrument other than the strings.
Aiko Oda
Ms. Oda graduated from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music in Japan and pursued advanced studies from University of Southern California where she studied with Yehuda Gilad and Michele Zukovsky. She has performed with National Ballet of Canada, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company, Orchestra London, Windsor Symphony, Esprit Orchestra, and Toronto Concert Orchestra. She has won young artist competitions and played concertos with Tokyo New City Orchestra, American Youth Symphony and National Academy Orchestra in Canada. In 1997, she attended Hannover University's summer music festival and gave a joint recital in Germany. In 1999, she had a tour to Hong Kong, Japan, United States and Canada with Asian Youth Orchestra.
Featured Artists 2022-2023 Season
Romula Delgado
Romulo Delgado is an operatic tenor, composer, world music multi- instrumentalist, vocal coach and adjudicator. He was a region finalist at the Hans Gabor Belvedere International Opera competition in Vienna, Austria and trained in Toronto at the Royal Conservatory Music. His versatility as a performer has enchanted audiences all over North America and Europe. His operatic roles currently include Pinkerton in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Alfredo in Verdi’s La Traviata, Don Jose in Bizet’s Carmen, The Duke of Mantua in Verdi’s Rigoletto, Edgardo in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, Idomeneo in Mozart’s Idomeneo, Mario Cavaradossi in Puccini’s Tosca, Macduff in Verdi’s Macbeth, Rodolfo in Puccini’s La Boheme and Riccardo in the Canadian premiere of Verdi’s Oberto. Also in demand as a concert tenor soloist, his concert oratorio repertoire includes Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Gounod’s St. Cecilia Mass, Dubois’ the seven last words of Christ, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Handel’s Samson, Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, Verdi’s Requiem and Handel’s Messiah. As a composer, his oratorio: The Cross of Christ had its world premiere under the baton of maestro Denis Mastromonaco. It is based on the seven last words of Christ on the Cross and arranged for four soloists and orchestra.
This moving and powerful oratorio explores the salvific meaning of suffering, the richness of hope, the deepness of faith and the everlasting love of God for humanity. Acclaimed for its cinematic qualities and its rich ethnic musical influences, The Cross of Christ’s music provides the sacred text sublime magnitude and grandeur. As a leading tenor, ultimately, what distinguishes Romulo’s singing is that “striking, powerful and ingratiating lyric tenor sound with all the money notes!” (Opera Canada). Whether on the opera stage, or enchanting audiences with his passion for world music passion, “Romulo Delgado’s free, vigorous, and lustrous tenor voice makes him one of Canada’s most unique performing artists.” (The Globe and Mail)
This moving and powerful oratorio explores the salvific meaning of suffering, the richness of hope, the deepness of faith and the everlasting love of God for humanity. Acclaimed for its cinematic qualities and its rich ethnic musical influences, The Cross of Christ’s music provides the sacred text sublime magnitude and grandeur. As a leading tenor, ultimately, what distinguishes Romulo’s singing is that “striking, powerful and ingratiating lyric tenor sound with all the money notes!” (Opera Canada). Whether on the opera stage, or enchanting audiences with his passion for world music passion, “Romulo Delgado’s free, vigorous, and lustrous tenor voice makes him one of Canada’s most unique performing artists.” (The Globe and Mail)
Viva Mexico Mariachi Band
Is a unique multicultural phenomenon of professional, talented and enthusiastic musicians from very diverse ethnic backgrounds. Since year 2000 Viva Mexico Mariachi is proudly, the most successful and prestigious mariachi band in Toronto, performing a worldwide known, appreciated and praised Mexican tradition in the world: 'Mariachi Music', recognized in 2011 by UNESCO, as 'Intangi-ble Cultural Heritage of Humanity'.
Daniel Guajardo & Ana Giuliano
Daniel Guajardo was born and raised in Mendoza, Argentina, where he started his dance training at a young age. Throughout his career, he had the opportunity to work with the cast of Tropicana from Havana, Cuba, and won several dance competitions. In 2002, Daniel was the producer and artistic director of the Carassauga festival, for which he was granted an award by the Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion for the outstanding success of the event. In the same year, Daniel was introduced to Nelson Ávila, world-renowned Argentine Tango dancer and choreographer. He started to dance Tango professionally with Nelson’s company, Tango Revue, until it was dissolved in 2004, when Nelson left Toronto to join the cast of the Broadway production Forever Tango in New York. Since then Daniel has not only continued to train, teach and perform Salsa and Argentine Tango, but he has also been involved in many movie and video projects, working with stars such as Antonio Banderas (Take the Lead,2005) Edward Norton and Danny De Vito (Death to Smoochy,2002), Richard Gere (Longing, 2022) and singer Amy Sky (Phenomenal Woman music video, 2000), gaining him credits as an actor and choreographer from ACTRA. In 2017 Daniel choreographed a Tango scene for the TV series Private Eyes,starring Cindy Sampson and Jason Presley.
Ana Giuliano was born and raised in Brazil, where she started her formal dance training in 1999. After arriving in Canada, she continued studying a wide range of dance styles such as Samba, Salsa, Tango, Bachata, Merengue, Ballet, Belly Dance, Afro-Cuban, Cuban Cabaret, Contemporary, Bollywood, Mexican and Peruvian Folklore, and Flamenco. She has performed at numerous events including the internationally broadcasted Brazilian Day Canada at Dundas Square, Ritmo y Color - The Streets of Mexico at Harbourfront Centre and De Fiesta en Fiesta por México at the Winchester Street Theatre, Spirit of Dance - The Launch of the Give Back Foundation by Tré Armstrong, and two appearances on Citytv’s Breakfast Television. Ana has also had acting roles as a dancer for TV series such as Conviction, and 11.22.63, with James Franco, and she was also featured in Downsizing, with Matt Damon.
Daniel and Ana started dancing Tango together in 2015, and with their varied experience in performing, teaching, choreography, and dance training background, Daniel and Ana blend all aspects of their dance skills in every performance.
Ana Giuliano was born and raised in Brazil, where she started her formal dance training in 1999. After arriving in Canada, she continued studying a wide range of dance styles such as Samba, Salsa, Tango, Bachata, Merengue, Ballet, Belly Dance, Afro-Cuban, Cuban Cabaret, Contemporary, Bollywood, Mexican and Peruvian Folklore, and Flamenco. She has performed at numerous events including the internationally broadcasted Brazilian Day Canada at Dundas Square, Ritmo y Color - The Streets of Mexico at Harbourfront Centre and De Fiesta en Fiesta por México at the Winchester Street Theatre, Spirit of Dance - The Launch of the Give Back Foundation by Tré Armstrong, and two appearances on Citytv’s Breakfast Television. Ana has also had acting roles as a dancer for TV series such as Conviction, and 11.22.63, with James Franco, and she was also featured in Downsizing, with Matt Damon.
Daniel and Ana started dancing Tango together in 2015, and with their varied experience in performing, teaching, choreography, and dance training background, Daniel and Ana blend all aspects of their dance skills in every performance.
Compañía Carmen Romero
Carmen Romero is a leading and award-winning established flamenco dance artist.
Her experience in performance, education, production and adjudication, affirms her position in the national and international dance scene. She is the artistic director of her professional performing arts company, Compania Carmen Romero as well as The School of Flamenco Dance Arts. She has trained over a 1000 dancers/singers and musicians over a span of 35 years. Many of her students have won awards for their professional work and some are company members. Carmen's motto "Discover your passion" speaks to the interest and effort she puts into her students' individual development. As a performing artist she has the innate ability for improvisation in the flamenco form, pushing the edge with confidence in her craft. Also known for her choreographic story-telling style, Carmen explores relationships and concepts in a manner that invites audiences into a visceral experience.
She has received a Dora Nomination for Best Choreography as well as Muriel Sherrin Award for International Achievement in Dance. Carmen is a recipient of the Ontario Arts Council Chalmers Awards as well as for the K.M Hunter Award. Many of Carmen's productions are funded by private donors, the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the arts.
Carmen Romero is currently serving as the curator for the Aga Khan Museum Duende International Flamenco festival.
Her experience in performance, education, production and adjudication, affirms her position in the national and international dance scene. She is the artistic director of her professional performing arts company, Compania Carmen Romero as well as The School of Flamenco Dance Arts. She has trained over a 1000 dancers/singers and musicians over a span of 35 years. Many of her students have won awards for their professional work and some are company members. Carmen's motto "Discover your passion" speaks to the interest and effort she puts into her students' individual development. As a performing artist she has the innate ability for improvisation in the flamenco form, pushing the edge with confidence in her craft. Also known for her choreographic story-telling style, Carmen explores relationships and concepts in a manner that invites audiences into a visceral experience.
She has received a Dora Nomination for Best Choreography as well as Muriel Sherrin Award for International Achievement in Dance. Carmen is a recipient of the Ontario Arts Council Chalmers Awards as well as for the K.M Hunter Award. Many of Carmen's productions are funded by private donors, the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the arts.
Carmen Romero is currently serving as the curator for the Aga Khan Museum Duende International Flamenco festival.
Yanet Cambell Secades
Born in Camagüey, Cuba, violinist Yanet Campbell Secades is an accomplished soloist, chamber and orchestral musician. Her skilled and sensitive playing has enabled her to perform in some of the most important venues in Cuba, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. In 2015, she won the first prize at Cuba’s prestigious Unión de Artistas y Escritores Cubanos competition, and in 2019 she was awarded 2nd prize, in the string's category, within the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals’ National Competition.
Yanet has performed in major international music festivals such as the Rheingau Musik Festival in Germany and the Mozartwoche in Austria. She received a Master of Music from Memorial University of Newfoundland and an Artist Diploma from The Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Currently, Yanet is pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Western Ontario, under the tutelage of Professor Annette Barbara Vogel. Her past mentors include her own father, Sydney Campbell and violinists Nancy Dahn, Erika Raum and Paul Kantor.
Yanet has performed in major international music festivals such as the Rheingau Musik Festival in Germany and the Mozartwoche in Austria. She received a Master of Music from Memorial University of Newfoundland and an Artist Diploma from The Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Currently, Yanet is pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Western Ontario, under the tutelage of Professor Annette Barbara Vogel. Her past mentors include her own father, Sydney Campbell and violinists Nancy Dahn, Erika Raum and Paul Kantor.
Felipe Luzuriaga
Felipe Luzuriaga is a musician with an excelling trajectory. Having toured extensively throughout the world, he has performed as soloist, concertmaster, and orchestral member. He has conducted orchestras and ensembles internationally and written and arranged music in different genres for studio recordings films, theatre, and dance. During 2022, he served as Music Director of the National Theatre in Quito-Ecuador and is currently Music Director of the Durham Chamber Orchestra.
Recently the CBC featured Mr. Luzuriaga in their Front-Line Heroes series for his Balcony Concerts during Toronto’s partial lockdowns. Among festivals in which he has participated are Aspen, Juilliard Starling-Delay, Philadelphia International Music Festival, and the Orchestra of the Americas. He holds degrees from the University of Toronto, Boston Conservatory, and University San Francisco de Quito. A recipient of the Marilyn Cook Graduate Fellowship, he is currently a doctoral candidate in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Toronto.
Recently the CBC featured Mr. Luzuriaga in their Front-Line Heroes series for his Balcony Concerts during Toronto’s partial lockdowns. Among festivals in which he has participated are Aspen, Juilliard Starling-Delay, Philadelphia International Music Festival, and the Orchestra of the Americas. He holds degrees from the University of Toronto, Boston Conservatory, and University San Francisco de Quito. A recipient of the Marilyn Cook Graduate Fellowship, he is currently a doctoral candidate in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Toronto.
Giovanni Ruiz
From melancholy classics of the Andean region to the contagious rhythms of the Caribbean; Giovanni's Latin Band can cater to any ambiance. The savory rhythms of Salsa, Cha- Cha, Merenge, Son, Mambo are sure to set your event aflame with dancing.
Acclaimed Flutist Giovanni offers a refreshing sound with his masterful play of various flutes. He has established himself as a phenomenal musician though noteworthy performances at: The Beaches International Jazz Festival Toronto's First Night, Toronto Fiesta, Mariposa Festival, Festival
Mundial de Folklore Drummondville Quebec, Festival of parry Sound, The International Concert for Peace in Colombia and the World Youth Festival in Russia.His crisp and emotionally provocative music is known to rivet multifarious audiences.
Canada's most prominent Latin Musicians make up this ensemble, infusing the band with their enriched backgrounds and creative flare. Giovanni's Latin Band play an extensive repertoire that is exceedingly diverse and sways from a raw traditional sound to a musical fusion that borders Jazz. His latest CD, Sabor A Cafe, provides a taste of this rapturous blend. Giovanni's Latin Band is adaptable and can be tailored to any size of event. From duo to sextet format you can be assured that this festive ensemble will make your corporate event, wedding, concert or workshop unique and unforgettable. Together these talented musicians will bring you an exotic and uplifting performance that will take you to paradise.
Acclaimed Flutist Giovanni offers a refreshing sound with his masterful play of various flutes. He has established himself as a phenomenal musician though noteworthy performances at: The Beaches International Jazz Festival Toronto's First Night, Toronto Fiesta, Mariposa Festival, Festival
Mundial de Folklore Drummondville Quebec, Festival of parry Sound, The International Concert for Peace in Colombia and the World Youth Festival in Russia.His crisp and emotionally provocative music is known to rivet multifarious audiences.
Canada's most prominent Latin Musicians make up this ensemble, infusing the band with their enriched backgrounds and creative flare. Giovanni's Latin Band play an extensive repertoire that is exceedingly diverse and sways from a raw traditional sound to a musical fusion that borders Jazz. His latest CD, Sabor A Cafe, provides a taste of this rapturous blend. Giovanni's Latin Band is adaptable and can be tailored to any size of event. From duo to sextet format you can be assured that this festive ensemble will make your corporate event, wedding, concert or workshop unique and unforgettable. Together these talented musicians will bring you an exotic and uplifting performance that will take you to paradise.
Lyne Fortin
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One of Canada's greatest voices, soprano Lyne Fortin has enjoyed an exceptional career. Recognized for her incomparable virtuosity and stage presence, she has sung Juliette and Gilda, then Macbeth and Tosca, performing many leading roles in Canada and abroad. A sought-after teacher, she passes on her knowledge in master classes and private lessons.
This prestigious artist has accumulated numerous successes and honours over the course of her career, including first prize at the Pavarotti International Singing Competition, the Special Jean-Lallemand Prize for interpretation at the OSM Competition, and a commemorative medal celebrating the 125th anniversary of Canada's Confederation.
Her recordings are notable for their remarkable quality and diversity. She has recorded "Great Romantic Duets of French Opera" with tenor Richard Margison (CBC Records), a Christmas recording - "Noël" - with the Orchestre symphonique de Québec (Analekta), a recital of Mozart arias - "Lyne Fortin Live" - with the Orchestre Métropolitain (Analekta), and "Jardins d'Espagne" featuring arias and melodies inspired by Spain (Analekta).
In 2022, she made her debut at the Opéra national de Lorraine as Fata Morgana in Prokofiev's Love of Three Oranges. She is also a member of the singing faculty at the Mediterranean Opera Studio (Caltagirone, Italy) where she directed Puccini's Suor Angelica.
This prestigious artist has accumulated numerous successes and honours over the course of her career, including first prize at the Pavarotti International Singing Competition, the Special Jean-Lallemand Prize for interpretation at the OSM Competition, and a commemorative medal celebrating the 125th anniversary of Canada's Confederation.
Her recordings are notable for their remarkable quality and diversity. She has recorded "Great Romantic Duets of French Opera" with tenor Richard Margison (CBC Records), a Christmas recording - "Noël" - with the Orchestre symphonique de Québec (Analekta), a recital of Mozart arias - "Lyne Fortin Live" - with the Orchestre Métropolitain (Analekta), and "Jardins d'Espagne" featuring arias and melodies inspired by Spain (Analekta).
In 2022, she made her debut at the Opéra national de Lorraine as Fata Morgana in Prokofiev's Love of Three Oranges. She is also a member of the singing faculty at the Mediterranean Opera Studio (Caltagirone, Italy) where she directed Puccini's Suor Angelica.
Tanya Charles Iveniuk
A native of Hamilton, Ontario, with roots in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanya Charles Iveniuk has performed across North and South America, and the Caribbean. Recipient of the Women’s Art Associate of Canada – Luella McCleary Award, the Gabriella Dory Prize in Music, and the Hamilton Black History Association’s John C Holland Award, Tanya received a Bachelor of Music (Performance) from the University of Toronto, and an Artist Diploma (Orchestral Performance) from the Glenn Gould School.
Currently, she is the concertmaster of the Obiora Ensemble and has been since its creation. Additionally, she is a member of Ensemble du Monde (Guadeloupe), Toronto Mozart Players, and the Odin Quartet. Her former posts include Sinfonia Toronto, as Concertmaster and soloist with the Colour of Music Festival Orchestra (COMF) and the COMF Virtuosi (SC, USA), and Associate Concertmaster of the 2015 Gateways Festival Orchestra (NY, USA).
Tanya is a dedicated educator, and an in-demand string adjudicator and clinician abroad as well as in Ontario. In the Caribbean, for over ten years, Tanya has been instrumental in aiding with the implementation of string- education training in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. She is also on the Education Outreach Team for Ensemble du Monde (Guadeloupe), the Logistics and String Education teams for the All Caribbean Youth Orchestra program (St. Martin/Sint Maarten), and has been a guest instructor for the Centro Regional de Estudios Musicales (Mexico). Tanya is based in Toronto and is on faculty at the University of Toronto – Faculty of Music, and Royal Conservatory of Music (Oscar Peterson Program).
Currently, she is the concertmaster of the Obiora Ensemble and has been since its creation. Additionally, she is a member of Ensemble du Monde (Guadeloupe), Toronto Mozart Players, and the Odin Quartet. Her former posts include Sinfonia Toronto, as Concertmaster and soloist with the Colour of Music Festival Orchestra (COMF) and the COMF Virtuosi (SC, USA), and Associate Concertmaster of the 2015 Gateways Festival Orchestra (NY, USA).
Tanya is a dedicated educator, and an in-demand string adjudicator and clinician abroad as well as in Ontario. In the Caribbean, for over ten years, Tanya has been instrumental in aiding with the implementation of string- education training in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. She is also on the Education Outreach Team for Ensemble du Monde (Guadeloupe), the Logistics and String Education teams for the All Caribbean Youth Orchestra program (St. Martin/Sint Maarten), and has been a guest instructor for the Centro Regional de Estudios Musicales (Mexico). Tanya is based in Toronto and is on faculty at the University of Toronto – Faculty of Music, and Royal Conservatory of Music (Oscar Peterson Program).
Marlene Ngalissamy
My goal as a musician and artist is to encourage emotional expression through music, promote diversity, acceptance and sense of belonging in diverse communities.
Marlene discovered the bassoon at the age of 13 and quickly developed a deep passion for the instrument. As her curiosity blossomed, she was accepted at the Montreal Conservatory of Music where she studied with Mathieu Harel and Stephane Levesque. Then, she continued her journey at the Curtis Institute of Music to complete her post-bachelor with Daniel Matsukawa.
She had the chance to participate in several workshops and have lessons and advice from various masters from around the world. Some of them are the Pacific music festival in Japan, the International Summer Academy of the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and the Pablo Casals Festival in France.
Marlene discovered the bassoon at the age of 13 and quickly developed a deep passion for the instrument. As her curiosity blossomed, she was accepted at the Montreal Conservatory of Music where she studied with Mathieu Harel and Stephane Levesque. Then, she continued her journey at the Curtis Institute of Music to complete her post-bachelor with Daniel Matsukawa.
She had the chance to participate in several workshops and have lessons and advice from various masters from around the world. Some of them are the Pacific music festival in Japan, the International Summer Academy of the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and the Pablo Casals Festival in France.
Featured Artists 2022-2023 Season
Esmerelda Enrique Spanish Dance Company
The ESMERALDA ENRIQUE SPANISH DANCE COMPANY is valued for its important pioneering contribution to the development of flamenco in Canada. It peerlessly stands on the pillars of traditional flamenco singing, dance and music while beautifully balancing classicism with a contemporary aesthetic. Founded in 1982, EESDC has been presenting an annual Toronto Season since 1990 and has developed an ever-expanding repertoire that has earned both critical and popular acclaim. The company is recognized for the exceptional level of its productions, receiving three Dora Mavor Moore Awards in addition to 27 nominations over the years. Esmeralda Enrique and her exemplary company of dancers and musicians enthrall audiences with the contagious excitement and full depth of feeling that the passionate art of flamenco delivers.
Marta Elena
Marta Elena, Excellence Award winner for her outstanding performance at the 5th Annual Vaughan Latin Festival (celebration of Latin culture and community), was born into a musical family in Havana, Cuba. Not all ‘salseros‘ have been male artists; in the history of Salsa, there is some exception to that rule; and Marta Elena is one of the names of that exception. Singer, Composer, Percussionist and Band leader Marta Elena belongs to a younger generation of Cuban musicians who are happy to honour the island nation’s Afro-Latin musical roots while looking for new ways to express the music that courses through the vein of the country.
Karla Garcia
Originally from Castro, a town on the Chilean island of Chiloé, Karla García is Toronto-based classically trained guitarist and teacher.
As a performer, García has played a wide variety of music including contemporary, folk, fado, rock, classical, Celtic, Latin American, and more, and has participated in many guitar festivals and concerts across North and South America. In 2010 she was named “Best Performer” at the César Cortinas Guitar Contest (Atlántida, Uruguay), and one of the most important Chilean flamenco guitarists, Carlos Ledermann, dedicated a composition, “Suite Emocional,” to her.
García has also taught master classes at Festival Entrecuerdas, one of the largest guitar festivals in South America, and has shared the stage with prestigious guitarists from Norway, Italy, Portugal and Canada.
As a performer, García has played a wide variety of music including contemporary, folk, fado, rock, classical, Celtic, Latin American, and more, and has participated in many guitar festivals and concerts across North and South America. In 2010 she was named “Best Performer” at the César Cortinas Guitar Contest (Atlántida, Uruguay), and one of the most important Chilean flamenco guitarists, Carlos Ledermann, dedicated a composition, “Suite Emocional,” to her.
García has also taught master classes at Festival Entrecuerdas, one of the largest guitar festivals in South America, and has shared the stage with prestigious guitarists from Norway, Italy, Portugal and Canada.
The Mexican Folk Ballet
The Mexicans Folk Ballet created in January 2012 under de artistic direction of Jorge Zarate Tristan, is a Dance Company established in Toronto and created with the main objective of sharing and spreading the cultural roots of Mexico presenting shows based on the dynamism, aesthetics and polychrome of the Mexican folklore, in order to promote the love of the Mexican traditions and customs through the combination of dance and music supported by the great cultural heritage of Mexico.They have been collaborating in various festivals and organizations for culture and diversity of Toronto like CNE, Harbourfront Centre, Chin Picnic International Folk Competition, Global Fest, just to name a few. In June 2014 they presented their own production named “Mexico, History and Dance” at the MacMillan Theatre, Faculty of Music of University of Toronto, it was a production with a full house and got a nomination for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Vision Awards 2014 in Arts and Culture category. Despite The Mexicans Folk Ballet short time, their Artistic Director Jorge Zarate Tristan has steered the group to gain recognition from the artistic community of Toronto. The Mexicans Folk Ballet was awarded the second place in the 2012 International Folk Dance Competition at the Chin Picnic Festival, in 2014 they participate in the Festival of Cultures in Guiyang, China, in August 2015 the participate in the XVI Festival of Traditional Music and Dance of Valencia, Spain.
Roxana and Fabian Tango
Roxana & Fabian have performed and taught internationally since 1980’s thrilling audiences in venues ranging from "Luna Park" in Buenos Aires, "Roy Thompson Hall" in Toronto to the "Royal Theatre Carré" in Amsterdam or "Shiba Mel-Park Hall" in Tokyo.
The prize-winning pair, were both born in Buenos Aires, Argentina; like the Tango itself , dancing tango has always been a treasured legacy in their families, they were often surrounded by legendary celebrities of the Tango world, and in that spirit they were brought up to live, breathe and love tenderly the whole Tango culture.
They are considered one of the North America’s pioneers in teaching Tango since 1980’s, the early days of Tango revival. They are Canada's most influential tango dance icons and are credited with having taught many tango performers and instructors.
The couple have appeared in many of the fabled and legendary dance halls of their native Buenos Aires, including Palais De Glace, Astral Theatre, La Confiteria Del Molino, Club Almagro, Glorias Argentinas, Esquina Anibal Troilo, Esquina Homero Manzi" and the Buenos Aires most legendariest stadium Luna Park.
The prize-winning pair, were both born in Buenos Aires, Argentina; like the Tango itself , dancing tango has always been a treasured legacy in their families, they were often surrounded by legendary celebrities of the Tango world, and in that spirit they were brought up to live, breathe and love tenderly the whole Tango culture.
They are considered one of the North America’s pioneers in teaching Tango since 1980’s, the early days of Tango revival. They are Canada's most influential tango dance icons and are credited with having taught many tango performers and instructors.
The couple have appeared in many of the fabled and legendary dance halls of their native Buenos Aires, including Palais De Glace, Astral Theatre, La Confiteria Del Molino, Club Almagro, Glorias Argentinas, Esquina Anibal Troilo, Esquina Homero Manzi" and the Buenos Aires most legendariest stadium Luna Park.