Here's the working copy of tonight's menu...thought you might enjoy it!
New Year’s Eve 2011-12
Texas, my home state, like many other lands in the ‘Americas’ has spent much of its history under the flags of different sovereign nations; many of which still exist, some which do not. It began as a Spanish colony, then French, then Mexican; before becoming an independent nation in its own right; it then existed as a member of the United States, and then briefly as a member of the Confederate states before joining the United States once again. Each of these eras and peoples brought with it a culture and each culture its food. Tonight’s menu will present our take on traditional foods from each of these differing cultures in turn, all under the shadow of a seventh flag, the Maple Leaf, as we express each course using lots of Canada’s amazing local foods.
Spain:
Tapas; a mixed plate of small bites to be shared in the tradition of bar snacks served on the Spanish coastline, they are presented on small plates or tops (tapas) to keep the flies out of the wine…tonight’s selection includes dates stuffed with local goat’s cheese, white anchovies, smoked trout devilled quail eggs, spicy house-smoked chorizo sausage, prosciutto with pickled beets and beef pate in pastry.
France:
Soupe a L’oignon: (…naturally…) local leeks, yellow and red onions all sliced thin and caramelized in a rich wild mushroom broth, served with crouton, melted local Swiss cheese and a drop each of ice wine and white truffle oil.
The Confederate States:
Butter Poached Lobster ‘Shrimp and Grits’: This tribute to a favourite from the ‘low country’ cuisine of the American South actually contains neither shrimp nor grits…instead we are presenting an homage to that dish using a half of a Canadian lobster, poached in butter, and presented with a corn soufflé, an arugula salad and a green remoulade.
Mexico:
Sorbete Banderas: this palate cleansing intermezzo sorbet will be presented with not only classic Mexican flavours of avocados, cinnamon and hot peppers, the presentation itself will remind diners of the three colours of the Mexican ‘banderas’ or, in other words, flag.
The Republic of Texas:
Venison ‘Chicken Fried Steak’: This course is also a tribute, not the real thing; standing in for beef cube steak will be choice cuts of venison from Trillium Farm in a tempura style batter with a bourbon-peppercorn buerre blanc, a twice baked potato with bacon and blue cheese and an assortment of seasonal veggies.
or
Nicole’s Texas Chicken Casserole: A trio with a breast roulade stuffed with pecans, a white bean cassoulet with confit ‘dark meat’ and a bbq winglet.
The United States, aka: “‘Merica”:
Apple Pie and Cheese: (…what could be more American?) An individual pie made with McIntosh apples and a last chance to enjoy Richard and Sylvie’s famous and now retired Tomme de Gaston.
authentic texas specialties, amazing live music, incredible selection of local, microbrewed draft beers and locally sourced and organic foods...
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Just announced, Mark Beach this Friday for New Years Eve-eve!
Local boy made good, Mark Beach, is home for the holidays and to record a solo album--and we are more than thrilled to announce that he will be in for a 'welcome home' show this Friday at 7pm...Mark, as you may remember, was the front man for local 70s, 80s and 90s rock cover band favourites, The Creeeps, but Mark is also a talented songwriter in his own right with influences ranging from indie to classic rock to folk, pop and these days; what sounds like more than just a taste of what I can only describe as experimental electronic ambient guitar music, or as he puts it: "music [that] blends the organic and the electronic into a soothing but dramatic auditory soundscape"...I am excited to see which side of Mark we'll get to enjoy on Friday, but I am sure that folks who like local favourites like David Martel, Ben Mullin and/or Barn, Mark's brother or sister Simon and Laura Beach, or even more modern, larger names like Fleet Foxes or Bon Iver will most likely love Mark's style, taste and delivery...so that's this Friday at 7pm and it's free!!
David Celia Tonight! Also, New Years' Eve, Hair of the Dog...
Hi Folks, hope everyone had a merry happy! Don't forget our 'Buy One Get One Free' special is still on this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday...Just print this page, sign it, write your email address on it and hand it to your server; then buy one entree and receive a second one of equal or lesser value for free! This offer is not valid in combination with other specials and expires after Thursday.
Tuesday, December 27: David Celia, 8pm, $6. Tonight, we are pleased to host David Celia; he is '...as restorative as a cool fresh waterfall,', he displays 'excellent musicianship…elegant and melodic' (Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy) A recent German review calls Celia 'completely charmful…contemplative…wonderful atmosphere..you will like him immediately..like a warm embrace from a good friend' (rock e-zine, Berlin). 'David Celia is one of the best talents to hit Merseyside from North America' (Alex McKechnie, Cavern Club,Liverpool).
Roots-pop with hints of folk and perhaps some country vibes and a little rockin', David’s classicism manages to naturally and effortlessly, cross genres and ages. Toddlers, adults, lovers of folk music and fans of pop music are all equally charmed. Fellow ‘music heads’ are impressed by his musicianship and craftsmanship,as is evidenced by friends & guests appearing on 'This Isn’t Here' (his most recent album),including Dave Clark’s Neil Young inspired drumming (Rheostatics,Gord Downie Band), Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith), Joan Besen (Prairie Oyster), Jenny Mitchell aka, Jenny Omnichord on banjo, (Barmitzvah Brothers) and Bob Wiseman (Bob Wiseman) on Casio keyboard, the inspiration behind a track or two.
You may catch wisps of such diverse influences as Wilco, Buddy Holly, Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan, Todd Rundgren and George Harrison, but ultimately, 'This Isn’t Here' is 100 % David Celia: charming, whimsical, hopeful and optimistic. 'Look at this world; I can’t believe that it’s still happening…we must be doing something right'. This album speaks of what matters most, to most of us: love, hope, family, friends, 'staying on your path', recognizing your blessings and heck, plain old fun.
So there's David's story (mostly cribbed from his website, I'll admit) he's a fun guy, sweet and talented, and he'll be here singing for his supper tonight...I'll be here also...how about you? Check out this video:
Fun stuff, ain't it? See you tonight!
Saturday, December 31: New Years' Eve at the branch featuring the Frank and Birdie Trio and a menu with the theme 'Six Flags of Texas' ...This event is currently sold out, call only if you'd like to be added to the waiting list.
***Please note, there will be no lunch service this Saturday!***
Sunday, January 1: 'Hair of the Dog' Open Stage hosted by John and Terry Brewer, 2-6pm, free. John and Terry, the inspiration behind and the originators of our Sunday Open Stage are back to host their annual New Years Day Open Stage from 2-6pm. These two started hosting open stages at our location a decade ago, when this place was still Amanda's Slip, the restaurant that preceded us. This is the fifth annual 'Hair of the Dog' version, held every New Years Day, even some that have required more than a shovelful of effort to get to, these 'must attend' yearly events are the perfect way to nurse that New Years Eve hangover with a bit more of the same, and are also one last chance to enjoy branch food, specifically our famous Rubber Boots Buffet before we close up shop for our annual 2 week hibernation. The music will be on from 2-6pm ('or so', as usual...)and the buffet will be served from 2-8pm; the revelry, fun and the wild, happy, official start to the New Year will be served up all day long!
the branch will be closed from January 2 until January 16 for rest, repairs and recuperation, See you on the 17th!
Tuesday, December 27: David Celia, 8pm, $6. Tonight, we are pleased to host David Celia; he is '...as restorative as a cool fresh waterfall,', he displays 'excellent musicianship…elegant and melodic' (Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy) A recent German review calls Celia 'completely charmful…contemplative…wonderful atmosphere..you will like him immediately..like a warm embrace from a good friend' (rock e-zine, Berlin). 'David Celia is one of the best talents to hit Merseyside from North America' (Alex McKechnie, Cavern Club,Liverpool).
Roots-pop with hints of folk and perhaps some country vibes and a little rockin', David’s classicism manages to naturally and effortlessly, cross genres and ages. Toddlers, adults, lovers of folk music and fans of pop music are all equally charmed. Fellow ‘music heads’ are impressed by his musicianship and craftsmanship,as is evidenced by friends & guests appearing on 'This Isn’t Here' (his most recent album),including Dave Clark’s Neil Young inspired drumming (Rheostatics,Gord Downie Band), Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith), Joan Besen (Prairie Oyster), Jenny Mitchell aka, Jenny Omnichord on banjo, (Barmitzvah Brothers) and Bob Wiseman (Bob Wiseman) on Casio keyboard, the inspiration behind a track or two.
You may catch wisps of such diverse influences as Wilco, Buddy Holly, Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan, Todd Rundgren and George Harrison, but ultimately, 'This Isn’t Here' is 100 % David Celia: charming, whimsical, hopeful and optimistic. 'Look at this world; I can’t believe that it’s still happening…we must be doing something right'. This album speaks of what matters most, to most of us: love, hope, family, friends, 'staying on your path', recognizing your blessings and heck, plain old fun.
So there's David's story (mostly cribbed from his website, I'll admit) he's a fun guy, sweet and talented, and he'll be here singing for his supper tonight...I'll be here also...how about you? Check out this video:
Fun stuff, ain't it? See you tonight!
Saturday, December 31: New Years' Eve at the branch featuring the Frank and Birdie Trio and a menu with the theme 'Six Flags of Texas' ...This event is currently sold out, call only if you'd like to be added to the waiting list.
***Please note, there will be no lunch service this Saturday!***
Sunday, January 1: 'Hair of the Dog' Open Stage hosted by John and Terry Brewer, 2-6pm, free. John and Terry, the inspiration behind and the originators of our Sunday Open Stage are back to host their annual New Years Day Open Stage from 2-6pm. These two started hosting open stages at our location a decade ago, when this place was still Amanda's Slip, the restaurant that preceded us. This is the fifth annual 'Hair of the Dog' version, held every New Years Day, even some that have required more than a shovelful of effort to get to, these 'must attend' yearly events are the perfect way to nurse that New Years Eve hangover with a bit more of the same, and are also one last chance to enjoy branch food, specifically our famous Rubber Boots Buffet before we close up shop for our annual 2 week hibernation. The music will be on from 2-6pm ('or so', as usual...)and the buffet will be served from 2-8pm; the revelry, fun and the wild, happy, official start to the New Year will be served up all day long!
the branch will be closed from January 2 until January 16 for rest, repairs and recuperation, See you on the 17th!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Merry Christmas-ness
All of us at the branch would like to wish you and your families, clubs, crews, gangs or whatever a happy holiday of your choosing under the seasonal banner of Christmas and/or Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Amaterasu, Beiwe, Maidyarem, Hogmanay, Montol, Saturnalia, or whatever solstice celebration your faith, creed, culture, ethnicity or choice may have bequeathed and/or require of you. Have a season! Greetings! Merry! Holiday! I have included a link to my own Christmas tune here for your listening pleasure--it is a song I wrote about three years ago and finally got around to recording last Friday with my pals Ben Mullin and Steve Pelehos, aka 'The Belarus Racing Team'. Enjoy!
The branch will be closed this Saturday, Sunday and Monday December 24th, 25th and 26th for the holiday and will re-open next Tuesday, December 27th and resume our regular hours all next week.
This week: don't forget our Buy, One Get One Free Entree (of equal or lesser value) special for our online friends on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights for this week and next...just quickly print out this page and jot down your name and email address on it somewhere and hand it to your server. Remember, it is not available with any other offer or special and it expires at the end of the month.
Thursday, December 22: Steve Parisien, Jazz Guitar, 8pm, no cover. Steve is a local talent like few others, here is a note from Steve, describing what he does:
Steve always puts on a good show, and I hope you'll come spend some time with him this Thursday!
Friday, December 23: Frank Western and Birdie Whyte, 7pm, no cover. It's Friday again, and this Friday is even Christmas eve-eve...to me that sounds like a good excuse to hear Kemptville's, nèe, Canada's(!) favourite playing, singing, slide guitar and banjo couple/musical duo. That live in Kemptville. I would challenge anyone to disprove that...but you would lose, and I? I would laugh at your loss, haHA! haHA! haHA! (Because that's how I laugh when other people lose...) But I wouldn't laugh too hard or too long because that would be silly. So come out on Friday, would you? It will be the best Christmas eve-eve you've ever had at a Frank and Birdie show at the branch. Unquestionably.
While we're here, don't forget about this:
Tuesday, December 27: David Celia, 8pm, $6. David Celia is '...as restorative as a cool fresh waterfall,', he displays 'excellent musicianship…elegant and melodic' (Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy) A recent German review calls Celia 'completely charmful…contemplative…wonderful atmosphere..you will like him immediately..like a warm embrace from a good friend' (rock e-zine, Berlin). 'David Celia is one of the best talents to hit Merseyside from North America' (Alex McKechnie, Cavern Club,Liverpool).
Roots-pop with hints of folk and perhaps some country vibes and a little rockin', David’s classicism manages to naturally and effortlessly, cross genres and ages. Toddlers, adults, lovers of folk music and fans of pop music are all equally charmed.
Fellow ‘music heads’ are impressed by his musiciansip and craftsmanship,as is evidenced by friends & guests appearing on 'This Isn’t Here' (his most recent album),including Dave Clark’s Neil Young inspired drumming (Rheostatics,Gord Downie Band), Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith), Joan Besen (Prairie Oyster), Jenny Mitchellaka, Jenny Omnichord on banjo, (Barmitzvah Brothers) and Bob Wiseman (Bob Wiseman) on Casio keyboard, the inspiration behind a track or two.
You may catch wisps of such diverse influences as Wilco, Buddy Holly, Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan, Todd Rundgren and George Harrison, but ultimately, 'This Isn’t Here' is 100 % David Celia: charming, whimsical, hopeful and optimistic. 'Look at this world; I can’t believe that it’s still happening…we must be doing something right'. This album speaks of what matters most, to most of us: love, hope, family, friends, 'staying on your path', recognizing your blessings and heck, plain old fun.
So there's David's story (mostly cribbed from his website, I'll admit) he's a fun guy, sweet and talented, and he'll be here singing for his supper next Tuesday...I'll be there also...how about you?
The branch will be closed this Saturday, Sunday and Monday December 24th, 25th and 26th for the holiday and will re-open next Tuesday, December 27th and resume our regular hours all next week.
This week: don't forget our Buy, One Get One Free Entree (of equal or lesser value) special for our online friends on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights for this week and next...just quickly print out this page and jot down your name and email address on it somewhere and hand it to your server. Remember, it is not available with any other offer or special and it expires at the end of the month.
Thursday, December 22: Steve Parisien, Jazz Guitar, 8pm, no cover. Steve is a local talent like few others, here is a note from Steve, describing what he does:
Thank you for joining me and experiencing some of my musical ideas. Let me tell you a little about myself. I started in music by learning the piano at the age of five. My father had a music business, so I had the fortunate opportunity to learn other instruments along the way. Of those, the guitar was the instrument I enjoyed the most. After taking some formal lessons on classical guitar I pursued my love of jazz and for a short time played locally in the Ottawa area. Other pursuits in my father's business and later my own business in the music field kept me away from playing for a number of years. However, about five years ago my interest in playing was rekindled and recently after being pushed by fellow musicians, I came out with my first album 'Bright Start'. It's a collection of musical ideas that I hope you enjoy.
...Steve
Steve always puts on a good show, and I hope you'll come spend some time with him this Thursday!
Friday, December 23: Frank Western and Birdie Whyte, 7pm, no cover. It's Friday again, and this Friday is even Christmas eve-eve...to me that sounds like a good excuse to hear Kemptville's, nèe, Canada's(!) favourite playing, singing, slide guitar and banjo couple/musical duo. That live in Kemptville. I would challenge anyone to disprove that...but you would lose, and I? I would laugh at your loss, haHA! haHA! haHA! (Because that's how I laugh when other people lose...) But I wouldn't laugh too hard or too long because that would be silly. So come out on Friday, would you? It will be the best Christmas eve-eve you've ever had at a Frank and Birdie show at the branch. Unquestionably.
While we're here, don't forget about this:
Tuesday, December 27: David Celia, 8pm, $6. David Celia is '...as restorative as a cool fresh waterfall,', he displays 'excellent musicianship…elegant and melodic' (Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy) A recent German review calls Celia 'completely charmful…contemplative…wonderful atmosphere..you will like him immediately..like a warm embrace from a good friend' (rock e-zine, Berlin). 'David Celia is one of the best talents to hit Merseyside from North America' (Alex McKechnie, Cavern Club,Liverpool).
Roots-pop with hints of folk and perhaps some country vibes and a little rockin', David’s classicism manages to naturally and effortlessly, cross genres and ages. Toddlers, adults, lovers of folk music and fans of pop music are all equally charmed.
Fellow ‘music heads’ are impressed by his musiciansip and craftsmanship,as is evidenced by friends & guests appearing on 'This Isn’t Here' (his most recent album),including Dave Clark’s Neil Young inspired drumming (Rheostatics,Gord Downie Band), Don Kerr (Ron Sexsmith), Joan Besen (Prairie Oyster), Jenny Mitchellaka, Jenny Omnichord on banjo, (Barmitzvah Brothers) and Bob Wiseman (Bob Wiseman) on Casio keyboard, the inspiration behind a track or two.
You may catch wisps of such diverse influences as Wilco, Buddy Holly, Blue Rodeo, Bob Dylan, Todd Rundgren and George Harrison, but ultimately, 'This Isn’t Here' is 100 % David Celia: charming, whimsical, hopeful and optimistic. 'Look at this world; I can’t believe that it’s still happening…we must be doing something right'. This album speaks of what matters most, to most of us: love, hope, family, friends, 'staying on your path', recognizing your blessings and heck, plain old fun.
So there's David's story (mostly cribbed from his website, I'll admit) he's a fun guy, sweet and talented, and he'll be here singing for his supper next Tuesday...I'll be there also...how about you?
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Not 'Yikes', anymore...now it's 'Hooray!' Christo Graham Show this Saturday Night!
As we mentioned earlier, a last minute cancellation for Saturday (December 17th) means that we are now, in fact, open for business! A private party that was planned for this Saturday just had to change plans on short notice--leaving us with a dining room to fill at the last minute... lots of spots for all you folks we've been saying no to for the last couple of weeks--Call now! Let's make it happen!
Music will be provided by branch favorite Christopher Graham who has gracefully stepped in on short notice to bring his wonderful eclectic original style to our stage for the first time as the headline act since he left for university earlier this year! Christopher is a natural talent, he's recorded and released 3 complete albums before his 20 th birthday, as well as a recent ep of Disney cover songs...he is an inspired multi-instrumentalist and singer that seems born with that rare ability to enrapture a room one minute with heartfelt emotion, before sending it off in to fits of laughter the next. Let's help him fill the room for this last minute 'week before Christmas' appearance!
The show starts at 9pm, and is just $5.
Music will be provided by branch favorite Christopher Graham who has gracefully stepped in on short notice to bring his wonderful eclectic original style to our stage for the first time as the headline act since he left for university earlier this year! Christopher is a natural talent, he's recorded and released 3 complete albums before his 20 th birthday, as well as a recent ep of Disney cover songs...he is an inspired multi-instrumentalist and singer that seems born with that rare ability to enrapture a room one minute with heartfelt emotion, before sending it off in to fits of laughter the next. Let's help him fill the room for this last minute 'week before Christmas' appearance!
The show starts at 9pm, and is just $5.
Kate Weekes and Grant Simpson, Frank and Birdie, Christmas Carol Sing-along!
Thursday December 15, Grant Simpson and Kate Weekes, 9pm, $10: Who, you may be asking yourself, just who are these Yukonians playing at the branch this Thursday? Well, let me tell you: Grant Simpson is a well seasoned pro, he's been at it for over 30 years starting out by studying classical piano and guitar in his teens, (it's obvious that he really knows his way around his instruments) and nowadays leaning more towards traditional jazz (stride piano), blues and folk--he brings that upbeat style to some fun, crafty and swingin' originals, most recently on a duo record 'Beneath the Yukon Moon' with another talented musician who also happens to have some local pedigree: Kate Weekes comes by her musical chops naturally, born into a Perth area musical family, she hitchhiked across Canada in her teens and landed in the Yukon, where she has apparently also become fairly well known as a dog musher...I'm from Texas, so I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I presume it's a good thing, since folks seem to be pretty pleased about it...the point is, they are both a couple of those travelling, picking (banjo and guitar), plinking, (piano-ing?) singing, songwriting characters that always, eventually seem to find their way to the branch at some point and we couldn't be more pleased to host them this Thursday; Nicole and I booked them within a few minutes of watching this video linked below and I expect you'll book a spot for yourself once you do the same!
That's this Thursday, December 15 at 9pm, $10
Friday, December 16, Frank Western and Birdie Whyte, 7pm, free! That's right, this Friday, Frank and Birdie are back! Frank Western, as you may know, is God's gift to women. Or woman. OK, to Birdie Whyte. Possibly a gag gift. (wink...) Frank and Birdie play a sweet mix of old time, country, folk, blues, choice covers by folks like Johns Prine, Gillian Welch and Lyle Lovett, and originals by, well, Frank Western and Birdie Whyte. And maybe some by some guy named John Carroll. If yer lucky...
Saturday, December 17th, open for service, music TBA
Sunday, December 18; Fifth Annual Free Buffet and Christmas Carol Sing-along (to benefit the Salvation Army), 2-8pm: 'Pay what you can, pay with a can' is the rule of the day at this annual event where we encourage the community to come out and bring some non-perishables, eat some turkey, sing some harmonies and enjoy an afternoon at the branch on us (...cash bar excepted, naturally...) The event kicks off at 2pm and the singing starts at 3 and we'll keep it going until we run out of songs or turkey, whichever comes first. A $10 donation to the Salvation Army Food Bank is suggested, and/or some non-perishable food items, gifts or toys; the branch is accepting vegetable and dessert donations for the buffet as well, just call me (Chef Bruce) at 258-3737 if you want to pitch in...
That's this Thursday, December 15 at 9pm, $10
Friday, December 16, Frank Western and Birdie Whyte, 7pm, free! That's right, this Friday, Frank and Birdie are back! Frank Western, as you may know, is God's gift to women. Or woman. OK, to Birdie Whyte. Possibly a gag gift. (wink...) Frank and Birdie play a sweet mix of old time, country, folk, blues, choice covers by folks like Johns Prine, Gillian Welch and Lyle Lovett, and originals by, well, Frank Western and Birdie Whyte. And maybe some by some guy named John Carroll. If yer lucky...
Saturday, December 17th, open for service, music TBA
Sunday, December 18; Fifth Annual Free Buffet and Christmas Carol Sing-along (to benefit the Salvation Army), 2-8pm: 'Pay what you can, pay with a can' is the rule of the day at this annual event where we encourage the community to come out and bring some non-perishables, eat some turkey, sing some harmonies and enjoy an afternoon at the branch on us (...cash bar excepted, naturally...) The event kicks off at 2pm and the singing starts at 3 and we'll keep it going until we run out of songs or turkey, whichever comes first. A $10 donation to the Salvation Army Food Bank is suggested, and/or some non-perishable food items, gifts or toys; the branch is accepting vegetable and dessert donations for the buffet as well, just call me (Chef Bruce) at 258-3737 if you want to pitch in...
Monday, December 5, 2011
Classic. Just Classic.
PLEASE NOTE: the branch will be closed for regular dinner service this Friday, December 9; as we are fully booked for a Private Function...we are sorry for any inconvenience...
Saturday, December 10: Works by Franz Liszt, 8pm, $25...this Saturday, the branch is extremely proud to host a concert featuring works by the composer Franz Liszt; the concert, performed by mezzo soprano Lindsey Sikora and pianist Ryan Phelps, will feature both solo and vocal works by Liszt including the Massive Piano Sonata in B- often considered Liszt's greatest work.
Franz Liszt was a 19th-century Hungarian composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher who became renowned in Europe during the nineteenth century for his virtuosic skill as a pianist. He was said by his contemporaries to have been the most technically advanced pianist of his age. In the 1840s he was considered by some to be perhaps the greatest pianist of all time. He was also a well-known composer, piano teacher, and conductor. He was a benefactor to other composers, including Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz, Camille Saint-Saëns, Edvard Grieg and Alexander Borodin.
As a composer, Liszt was one of the most prominent representatives of the "Neudeutsche Schule" ("New German School"). He left behind an extensive and diverse body of work in which he influenced his forward-looking contemporaries and anticipated some 20th-century ideas and trends. Some of his most notable contributions were the invention of the symphonic poem, developing the concept of thematic transformation as part of his experiments in musical form and making radical departures in harmony.
Lindsey Sikora is in the first year of her MMUs at the University of Ottawa with Professor Ingemar Korjus. She has a Performer’s Certificate from The King’s University College, where she studied with Elizabeth Raycroft, and is a graduate of the University of Alberta of Alberta. She has been the recipient of scholarships from the Johann Strauss and Anne Burrows Foundations, enabling her to travel to Austria and to participate in Opera NUOVA, and was the winner of the Northern Alberta Concerto Competition for voice (2006). She toured with Opera NUOVA with their production of Dean Burry's children's opera Isis and the Seven Scorpions. Other roles include Mrs. McLean from Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah, Miss Todd from Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief and Edith from Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance.
Ryan Phelps was born in Calgary, Alberta in 1980. He began his piano studies at the age of 11 with Sue Norloos in Dutton, Ontario and immediately fell in love with the study and challenge of music. He completed his Honours Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Western Ontario studying under Tina Yanchus and then under James Hibbard in 2004. He also holds an Associate in Piano Performance from Trinity College London, U.K. He continued studies for the last 6 years with Ron Turini, a student of the late Vladimir Horowitz. Ryan has also studied with Richard Raymond and Jean Paul Seville and participated in Master Classes with Cecile Ouset and Stephane Lemelin. He has won many prizes and scholarships from the Kiwanis Music Festival and other competitions in Ontario including the Silver Tray from the Rotary Music Competition. He has represented London twice at the Provincial Piano Finals. Ryan is currently working on his Masters Degree in Piano Performance at the University of Ottawa studying under Andrew Tunis.
Ryan will also be also hosting a Classical version of the Sunday Open Stage from 3-6pm on Sunday, December 11: the Rubber Boots Buffet will be served from 2 until 8pm.
Saturday, December 10: Works by Franz Liszt, 8pm, $25...this Saturday, the branch is extremely proud to host a concert featuring works by the composer Franz Liszt; the concert, performed by mezzo soprano Lindsey Sikora and pianist Ryan Phelps, will feature both solo and vocal works by Liszt including the Massive Piano Sonata in B- often considered Liszt's greatest work.
Franz Liszt was a 19th-century Hungarian composer, pianist, conductor, and teacher who became renowned in Europe during the nineteenth century for his virtuosic skill as a pianist. He was said by his contemporaries to have been the most technically advanced pianist of his age. In the 1840s he was considered by some to be perhaps the greatest pianist of all time. He was also a well-known composer, piano teacher, and conductor. He was a benefactor to other composers, including Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz, Camille Saint-Saëns, Edvard Grieg and Alexander Borodin.
As a composer, Liszt was one of the most prominent representatives of the "Neudeutsche Schule" ("New German School"). He left behind an extensive and diverse body of work in which he influenced his forward-looking contemporaries and anticipated some 20th-century ideas and trends. Some of his most notable contributions were the invention of the symphonic poem, developing the concept of thematic transformation as part of his experiments in musical form and making radical departures in harmony.
Lindsey Sikora is in the first year of her MMUs at the University of Ottawa with Professor Ingemar Korjus. She has a Performer’s Certificate from The King’s University College, where she studied with Elizabeth Raycroft, and is a graduate of the University of Alberta of Alberta. She has been the recipient of scholarships from the Johann Strauss and Anne Burrows Foundations, enabling her to travel to Austria and to participate in Opera NUOVA, and was the winner of the Northern Alberta Concerto Competition for voice (2006). She toured with Opera NUOVA with their production of Dean Burry's children's opera Isis and the Seven Scorpions. Other roles include Mrs. McLean from Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah, Miss Todd from Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief and Edith from Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance.
Ryan Phelps was born in Calgary, Alberta in 1980. He began his piano studies at the age of 11 with Sue Norloos in Dutton, Ontario and immediately fell in love with the study and challenge of music. He completed his Honours Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Western Ontario studying under Tina Yanchus and then under James Hibbard in 2004. He also holds an Associate in Piano Performance from Trinity College London, U.K. He continued studies for the last 6 years with Ron Turini, a student of the late Vladimir Horowitz. Ryan has also studied with Richard Raymond and Jean Paul Seville and participated in Master Classes with Cecile Ouset and Stephane Lemelin. He has won many prizes and scholarships from the Kiwanis Music Festival and other competitions in Ontario including the Silver Tray from the Rotary Music Competition. He has represented London twice at the Provincial Piano Finals. Ryan is currently working on his Masters Degree in Piano Performance at the University of Ottawa studying under Andrew Tunis.
Ryan will also be also hosting a Classical version of the Sunday Open Stage from 3-6pm on Sunday, December 11: the Rubber Boots Buffet will be served from 2 until 8pm.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)