Category: performance Videos

Season 2021-2022 Video Portfolio

The SPOGreatMusic Performance Series – Season 42 (2021/2022)

Due to continuing Covid 19 restrictions, the 2021-22 Season was offered entirely online featuring ensembles and guest artists of the SPO.

Episodes: Prelude, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,

Summer Special Concerts 2021

NIGHT MUSIC: July 1, 2021

Ronald Royer, composer | Alexander Panizza, piano

Notes from the Composer:

WASCANA PARK: Eiizabeth Raum

July 31, 2021

Elizabeth Raum, composer; SPO Chamber Ensemble,

Notes from the Composer:

EPISODE 1: Oct 8, 2021

The Mystic Aegean: Oct. 8 2021

The Mystic Aegean, Suite for Violoncello and Piano (excerpts), composed by Mikis Theodorakis; Maximos Farmakidis, contrabass; Dr. Cecilia Lee, piano.

Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”

Alexander Panizza, piano

Ronald Royer’s “Danzón Overture“

Now Streaming As A Single And On “Journey Through Night” CD

Performed by Odin Quartet

EPISODE 2: Oct 22, 2021

MUSIC OF THE 60’S: Odin Quartet (Prelude from Psycho)

Composer: Bernard Herrmann; Performed by the Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

Henry Mancini’s “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Performed by the Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

Monty Norman’s “James Bond Theme” from Dr. No (1962)

Performed by the Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

Richard M. Sherman & Robert B. Sherman‘s “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins (1964)

Performed by the Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

John Barry’s “Title Theme” from Goldfinger (1964)

Performed by the Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

Nino Rota’s “Love Theme” from Romeo and Juliet (1968)

Performed by the Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

Chris Meyer’s “Journey Through Night“

Performed by Odin Quartet. Audio and Video editor: Samuel Bisson. Best viewed at 1080p.

The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra has a core mandate to support and promote Canadian composers.

Episode 3: 2021-22

Bruno Degazio’s “Suite” from The Pearl – Part I

Performed by Odin Quartet

Journey Through Night Trailer:

Full album audio streaming

Brahms’ String Quartet No. 3 in B♭ Major – 3rd Movement “Agitato”

TIME TO TANGO:

Jacob Gade’s “Jalousie” (Tango Tzigane)

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

TIME TO TANGO:

Carlos Gardel’s “Por una Cabeza”

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

TIME TO TANGO:

Astor Piazzolla’s “Oblivion”

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

Episode 4: Nov 26, 2021

Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 26 in E♭ major, Op. 81a”, “Les Adieux”
Performed by Alexander Panizza

TIME TO TANGO:

Kevin Pang’s “Tango” (World Premiere on October 2, 2021)

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

TIME TO TANGO:

Carlos GSebastián Iradier’s “La Paloma”ardel’s “Por una Cabeza”

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Laurence Schaufele*, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello)

Astor Piazzolla’s “Milongo en Re”
Performed by Maximos Farmakidis, flute, and Dr. Cecilia Lee, piano

To learn more about the composer, Astor Piazzolla, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astor_Piazzolla.

Episode 5: Dec 10 2021

Vivaldi’s “Vedro con mio Diletto” from “Il Guistino”

Performed by Odin Quartet (Alex Toskov, violin / Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin / Esme Allen-Creighton*, viola / Samuel Bisson, cello) with Angela Gibbon, soprano / Ronald Greidanus, harpsichord

Swan Hennessy’s “Trio for 2 Clarinets and Basson” Op. 54

Performed by Kaye Royer, clarinet / Barbara Newman, clarinet / Ronald Royer, cello | Video and audio edited and produced by Devin Scott.

In this performance, the Bassoon part is played by cellist and SPO Music Director, Mr. Ronald Royer.

Ariel Ramírez’s “Misa Criolla”

Performed by the Toronto Choral Society (under the baton of Music Director and Conductor, Geoffrey Butler) with the Cassava Latin Band.

Episode 6: Dec 17 2021

Robert Wells and Mel Tormé‘s “The Christmas Song”

Performed by Dr. Lisa Tahara

Ariel Ramírez’s “Navidad Nuestra”

Performed by the Toronto Choral Society (under the baton of Music Director and Conductor, Geoffrey Butler) with the Cassava Latin Band.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Performed by Dr. Lisa Tahara

Episode 7: Dec 31 2021

Massimo de Lillo’s “Ninna Nanna del Mare”
Performed by Odin Quartet

Johann Strauss II’s “The Blue Danube”
Performed by Odin Quartet

Episode 8: Jan 14, 2022

Johannes Brahms’ “Violin Concerto in D major”, Op. 77, 2nd Movement (Adagio)
Performed by Tiffany Yeung, violin, and Ben Smith, piano

Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Andante and Variations in F minor” Hob. XVII 6
Performed by Vanessa Yu, piano

Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Cello Suite #6 in D major” BWV1012 / 1st Movement: Prelude Ellamay Mantie, cello

Cello Suite #6 in D major BWV1012 – Allemande – J.S. Bach – Ellamay Mantie, cello

Cello Suite #6 in D major BWV1012 – Courante – J.S. Bach – Ellamay Mantie

Episode 9: Jan 28, 2022

Images: ICOT

Claude Debussy’s “L’Isle Joyeuse” L.106
Performed by Vanessa Yu

ESTRELLITA – Manuel Ponce – Tiffany Yeung, violin; Christopher Yeung, piano

Hungarian Dance No. 1 – Johannes Brahms – Tiffany Yeung, violin, Ben Smith, piano

Cello Suite #6 in D major BWV1012 – Sarabande – J.S. Bach – Ellamay Mantie, cello

Cello Suite #6 in D major BWV1012 – Gavottes – J.S. Bach – Ellamay Mantie, cello

Cello Suite #6 in D major BWV1012 – Gigue – J.S. Bach – Ellamay Mantie

Episode 10, Feb 4, 2022

FLUTE MUSIC BY WOMEN COMPOSERS: AN INTERNATIONAL ONLINE FESTIVAL 2022

BECAUSE WE COULDN’T GET LIZZO – Kelly Catlin – Norman Menzales

EMBRYO – Rebekah Cummings – Laurel Swinden and Dan Cummings

DOPPLER EFFECT – Adrienne Albert – The Alcyone Ensemble

SEVILLE ORANGE TREE – Parisa Sabet – Laurel Swinden & Talisa Blackman

Episode 11, Feb 11 2022

FLUTE MUSIC BY WOMEN COMPOSERS: AN INTERNATIONAL ONLINE FESTIVAL 2022

FORGETTING – Shreya Jha – Mor Shargall-Bisson and Talisa Blackman

SPOGreatMusic Performance Series – 2020-21

Episodes: 1. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,

Episode 1, Oct 9

Chris Wind’s “Lament for Contrabass”
Arranged for and performed on bass by Maximos Farmakidis. Originally written for the viola, this arrangement, performance, and video effectively represents how many of us are and have been feeling during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ludwig van Beethoven’s 6th movement (Andante con moto alla marcia, Presto) from the “Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20”

Featuring violinist Joyce Lai, violist Ian Clarke, cellist Ronald Royer, bassist Tim Fitzgerald, clarinetist Kaye Royer, bassoonist Kristin Day, and hornist Jason Austin.

Maurice Ravel’s “Jeux d’Eau” (Playing Water)
Featuring Alexander Panizza, piano. Besides showcasing his truly exceptional piano performance, Alexander created this video to illustrate this impressionistic music about “playing water”.

J. S. Bach’s “Prelude from the Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major”
Featuring Ellamay Mantie. The 6th suite was written for a five-string instrument, which is not commonly used today. This suite is normally included with the five that were composed for cello, but is quite difficult to play. The prelude is an excellent vehicle for Ellamay, who displays an advanced technique and an expressive musically. The SPO has a mandate to support young artists and we are proud to showcase this local high school student who is planning to study music further in university.

Emily Shapiro’s “Utter Zoo” – Trailer
Check out the trailer for “Utter Zoo” from Emily Shapiro and Elizabeth Brown, two talented woodwind players and creatives.

Episode 2, Oct 23, 2020

Beethoven’s 1st Movement from “Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69”
Ronald Royer, cello; Dr. Lisa Tahara, piano.

Beethoven’s 2nd Movement from “Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69”
Ronald Royer, cello; Dr. Lisa Tahara, piano.

Beethoven’s 3rd Movement from “Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69”
Ronald Royer, cello; Dr. Lisa Tahara, piano.

Emily Shapiro’s “Utter Zoo – Part 1”
Featuring music composed by Emily Suzanne Shapiro and words by Edward Gorey, “Utter Zoo” is wonderfully strange and intriguing. Contributing artists include declaimist, Megalodipticus, and two talented musicians, Elizabeth Brown (oboe, english horn), and Emily Shapiro (clarinet, bass clarinet). The movements are: Ampoo / Boggerslosh / Epitwee / Fidknop / Humglum. Mixing and mastering was done by Alexis Hählen.

Program notes from Emily:

The Burning Heart – Odin String Quartet with Julian Richings – Hallowe’en Special Content
“The Burning Heart” by Hans Zimmer & Klaus Badelt from the 2001 film “Hannibal”. Text from La Vita Nuova by Dante Alighieri as quoted in the film, with additional text by David Mamet & Steven Zaillian. Performers: Alex Toskov (violin/viola/vocals) Tanya Charles Iveniuk (violin/viola/vocals) Veronica Lee (viola/vocals) Samuel Bisson (cello/vocals) Julian Richings (narrator) Audio Editing: Samuel Bisson Mixing & Mastering: Kambiz Mirzaei Video Editing: Samuel Bisson.

Episode 3, Nov 6, 2020

J. S. Bach’s “Partita No. 2 in D minor” BWV 1004
The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra is thrilled to have this complete and intimate performance by our SPO Concertmaster, Mr. Corey Gemmell.

Emily Shapiro’s “Utter Zoo – Part 2”

Episode 4, Nov 20, 2020

Maurice Ravel’s “Alborada del Gracioso”
featuring Alexander Panizza, piano.

J. S. Bach’s “Gigue from Suite No. 2”

Featuring Ellamay Mantie. Ellamay displays an advanced technique and an expressive musically. The SPO has a mandate to support young artists and we are proud to showcase this local high school student who is planning to study music further in university.

Franz Schubert’s “Trio in B-flat Major” for violin, viola, and cello
Joyce Lai, violin; Brenna McLane, viola; Ronald Royer, cello. Enjoy this fantastic performance, recorded on September 27, 2019, at St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Anglican Church. Audio recorded by John S. Gray. Video provided by Vanessa Yu. Video edited by Devin Scott.

Iranian-Canadian Composers of Toronto’s “Caravan Rhapsody” Scrolling Score
Saman Shahi, Keyan Emami, and Maziar Heidari, composers; Maziar Heidari, conductor; Joyce Lai, violin; Ian Clarke, viola; Ronald Royer, cello; Tim FitzGerald, bass; Kaye Royer, clarinet; Kristen Day, bassoon; Jason Austin, horn. The Scarborough Philharmonic is thrilled to have a fantastic working relationship with the Iranian-Canadian Composers of Toronto (ICOT). The SPO commissioned “Caravan Rhapsody”. Funding support from the Canada Council for the Arts is greatly appreciated.

Evangelos Kokkoris’ “Fantasia”
“Fantasia” is a composition for solo contrabass and piano touched by an air of French and Italian music. It is dedicated to my good friends Maximos Farmakidis (contrabass) and Dimitra Marangozis (piano). Italy, specifically Venice, is the place where I studied composition and I realized the notion of the arts. The presence of music in Venice runs deep into my soul. Images of my birth place Greece and images of Venice, the place I studied both coexist in my musical imagination and in my composition “Fantasia”. In Greek, fantasia means imagination. – Evangelos Kokkoris, composer.

Episode 5, Dec 4, 2020

Beethoven’s “Violin Sonata, Op. 30, No. 2, in C minor”

The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra is thrilled to have this complete performance by our SPO Concertmaster, Mr. Corey Gemmell, and our 2020/2021 Artist-in-Residence, Dr. Lisa Tahara.

“Chanukah Medley” – Traditional

Chag Urim Sameach! Happy Chanukah! SPO Music Director and cellist, Ronald Royer, performs a medley of traditional music with his wife and SPO principal clarinetist, Kaye Royer. Music arranged by Daniel Kelley.

I. Chanukah II. S’Vivon III. My Dreidel

“Sim Shalom” – Composed by Max Janowski

Performed by the Toronto Choral Society with cantorial soloist, Geoffrey Butler.

The SPO is honoured to present this amazing video from our friends at the Toronto Choral Society. A fantastic video with so many singers, too! Learn more about the Toronto Choral Society at https://www.torontochoralsociety.org/.

Episode 6, Dec 18, 2020

Glière’s “Cradle Song” from Eight Duets, Op. 39″

The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to present this video as part of our “Together, Apart” content, featuring SPO violinist, Julia Zisser and our Music Director and Conductor, Ronald Royer, on cello. To complete this video in the safest way possible, both Julia and Ron recorded their parts separately, at different times and in different locations.

Pietro Yon’s “Gesù Bambino”

Our second “Together, Apart” video features SPO principal clarinetist, Kaye Royer, along with her husband and SPO Music Director/Conductor, cellist Ronald Royer, and our SPO 2020/2021 Artist-in-Residence, pianist Dr. Lisa Tahara.

“Greensleeves” – Traditional

“Greensleeves” is a traditional English folksong favourite, believed to have been composed by Henry VIII for his future love, Anne Boleyn. For centuries, it has been associated with the monarch. Enjoy this duet performance by Kaye and Ronald Royer.

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”

Words and music by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane. Arranged by Brent Edstrom. This tune was first featured in the 1944 MGM film, “Meet Me in St. Louis”. Performed beautifully on piano by Dr. Lisa Tahara.

“I’ll Be Home For The Holidays”

Words and music by Kim Gannon and Walter Kent. Arranged by Dan Coates. Once again, Dr. Lisa Tahara performs for us on the piano.

“Pat-a-Pan” – Traditional

Arranged by Daniel Kelley. Ronald and Kaye are happy to present their duet of this traditional holiday music. The SPO appreciates the support of all of our musicians who have stepped up to offer you these great performances.

“Silver Bells”

Words and music by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. This classic holiday standard was first introduced in the 1951 Paramount Pictures film, “The Lemon Drop Kid”. Performed on piano by Dr. Lisa Tahara.

We Three Kings Of Orient Are

Composed by John Henry Hopkins. Arranged by Daniel Kelley. To close out our 2020 Holiday Music offering, our popular SPO husband and wife duo perform this great Holiday music classic.

Episode 7 Jan 15, 2021

Maurice Ravel’s Ondine from Gaspard de la Nuit Pianist: Alexander Panizza.

Dvořák’s Serenade for Wind Instruments, Cello and Double Bass in D minor, Op. 44 – Movement 1

Performed by the Winds of the SPO.

Ontario Sketches: Land of The Silver Birch” Scrolling Score

Arranged by Bruno Degazio. The main musical theme of “Land of the Silver Birch” is of course the well-known campfire song of that name.

J. S. Bach’s “Minuets” from Suite No. 1

We are honoured to present this performance of J. S. Bach’s Minuets from Suite No. 1, performed by an extremely talented young cellist, Ellamay Mantie.

Episode 8, Jan 29, 2021

Maurice Ravel’s “Le Gibet” from “Gaspard de la Nuit” – Performed by Alexander Panizza

Dvořák’s Serenade for Wind Instruments, Cello & Double Bass in D minor, Op. 44, Mvmt 4 – Scarborough Philharmonic Woodwinds

Ontario Sketches: A Lumberjack’s Life – Scrolling Score – Bruno Degazio

Episode 9, Feb 12, 2021

Félix Mendelssohn’s “Variations sérieuses”, Op. 54

The Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra is thrilled to include this fine performance by young and talented local pianist, Vanessa Yu. Vanessa is also a New Generation Artist.

Jasmine Flowers: SPO Womens’ Chorus

Velvet Flowers: SPO Womens’ Chorus

Wisteria Flowers: SPO Women’s Chorus

Ontario Sketches: Reflection on the Huron Carol – Scrolling Score

‘Les Baisers Perdus’ by MIKA

Featuring Joey Niceforo and the Odin Quartet. Performers: Joey Niceforo, vocals; Raffi Altounian, guitar; Mor Shargall-Bisson, flute; Alex Toskov, violin; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin; Veronica Lee, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello

Episode 10, Feb 26, 2021

Maurice Ravel’s “Scarbo” from “Gaspard de la Nuit”

Maurice Ravel, Composer; Alexander Panizza, piano.

Ronald Royer’s “Danzon Overture”

Ronald Royer, Composer; Performers: Alex Toskov, violin I; Tanya Charles Iveniuk, violin II; Veronica Lee, viola; Samuel Bisson, cello.

Elizabeth Raum’s “Searching For Sophia”

Elizabeth Raum, composer. Performers: Joyce Lai, violin; Brenna McLane, viola; Ronald Royer, cello; Kaye Royer, clarinet.

Dinuk Wijeratne’s “Colour Study On Rupaktaal” – performed by Emily Rho

Tōru Takemitsu’s “Air (1995)” – Performed by Rebecca Moranis

Ontario Sketches: Red Iron Ore – Scrolling Score – Bruno Degazio

Episode 11 March 12, 2021

Haydn’s “String Quartet in B♭ major” Op 76, No. 4 (Sunrise) Finale – Odin Quartet

Journey Through Night – Chris Meyer – Odin Quartet

Episode 12. March 26, 2021