Showing posts with label Classical. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Classical. Show all posts

Thursday, April 30, 2026

International Tuba Day Videos ft Intrada Brass

Update of 2021 Post

Videos above courtesy of Intrada Brass

Links: Intrada Brass, Video above courtesy of Town of Oakville, Mora Tuba Day Stories

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Friday, November 21, 2025

October 2025 Global Music Awards Including a Few Canadians


October 2025 edition of the Global Music Awards.

Gold Medal Winners

Canadian Silver Medal Winner

Canadian Bronze Medal Winners

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Saturday, January 25, 2025

Local Musicians Earn King Charles III Coronation Medal


Throughout Canada, a number of individuals have received a King Charles III Coronation Medal. According to the Canadian government website, It's for those who have have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Three talented local musicians have earned this distinctive honour:


A singer/songwriter who has promoted Steeltown history through music, stage, television and journalism.



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A hornist, conductor & former Hamilton Philharmonic director.


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Newmarket Bluesman who recently represented the Grand River Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.



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We could not find a complete listing of medal recipients so if anyone knows any other local music-related award winners, please email us blueshamilton@gmail.com and tell us about it. We may add them to this post. Thanks.
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Thursday, October 10, 2024

Nominees for the 2024 St. Catharines Arts Awards


From the News Release

The City is excited to announce its 2024 St. Catharines Arts Awards nominees, recognizing some of the community’s most talented creatives and their supporters. These outstanding individuals and organizations will be honoured at a celebration on Nov. 3, 2024, at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (FOPAC). The Awards Ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. in FOPAC’s Robertson Theatre.

The City is presenting the 2024 St. Catharines Arts Awards in partnership with FOPAC. Tickets are free and can be reserved through the FOPAC box office at stcatharines.ca/ArtsAwardsTickets starting on Oct. 4 at 10 a.m.

“We would like to extend a huge congratulations to our 2024 Arts Awards nominees, all of whom display remarkable passion and commitment to making the arts happen here in St. Catharines,” Culture Coordinator Ashley Judd-Rifkin said. “We can’t wait to celebrate the enormous contributions of these nominees.”

For more information on the St. Catharines Arts Awards, visit stcatharines.ca/ArtsAwards.

Below is a complete list on nominees. Music-related nominees are bolded.

Arts in Education Award

Emerging Artist Award 

Established Artist Award

Making a Difference Award

Patron of the Arts Award

More St. Catharines Arts Awards Stories

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Saturday, October 5, 2024

October 2024 Global Music Awards Winners (including a few Canadians)


October 2024 edition of the Global Music Awards.

Gold Medal Winners

Canadian Silver Medal Winners

Canadian Bronze Medal Winners

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Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Happy Toot Your Flute Day featuring videos by Erin Moffat

Update of 2020 Post 

Links: Erin Moffat, Videos above courtesy of Erin Moffat, More Flute Day Videos

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Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Celebrating Black History Month - Videos by Sonny Greenwich, R Nathaniel Dett, Liberty Silver


Picture courtesy of CBC Canada

Historical Bits

Links: Sonny Greenwich, More Sonny Greenwich Stories, Video above courtesy of Aaron Oppenheim

Historical Bits (from Wikipedia)

  • Born in Drummondville, Ontario (now Niagara Falls) on October 11, 1882.
  • During his lifetime he was a leading Black composer, known for his use of African-American folk songs and spirituals as the basis for choral and piano compositions.
  • Moved to Niagara Falls, NY in 1893
  • From 1924 to 1926, Dett served as president of The National Association of Negro Musicians
  • Died of a heart attack on October 2, 1943 during a USO tour.
  • Canada's Nathaniel Dett Chorale, founded in 1998, was named for him and performs his music as well as that of other composers of African descent

Links: R Nathaniel Deet, Video above courtesy of robt007

Historical Bits (from Wikipedia)

  • Born in Detroit in 1961/62
  • Was adopted in Canada as a child.
  • At 12 years old, her Reggae band, The Wild Bunch opened for Bob Marley in New York City 
  • Became the first Black woman in history to win a JUNO Award in 1995
  • Also in 1995, she was the first-ever Juno recipient of the ‘Best R&B/Soul Recording of the Year’ for her single “Lost Somewhere Inside Your Love.” 
  • Competed in Star Search and won multiple times.

Links: Liberty Silver, Video above courtesy of Rammit Records

More Black History Month Videos

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Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Happy International Cello Day! Videos by the Soenen Sisters






Links: The Soenen Sisters, Video above courtesy of Julie Borgdorff, More Cello Days Videos
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Sunday, December 4, 2022

2022 St. Catharines Arts Award Winners

From the website:

The City of St. Catharines recognizes and celebrates the arts through our annual arts awards. The awards seek to increase the visibility of St. Catharines' artists and cultural industries, honour cultural leaders and their achievements, and cultivate financial and volunteer support for the arts sector.

2022 Arts Awards

We are very pleased to announce the 2022 City of St. Catharines Arts Awards recipients: 

Other music related nominees included: Jonathan Moore, Sarah Jerrom, Joe Lavoie

Congratulations to all the nominees and recipients.

Performance

This year’s event was held on November 29, 2022 at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, hosted by Deanna Jones. A past Arts Awards recipient, Deanna is co-founder and Artistic Director of Suitcase in Point with whom she has created and performed in over 15 original plays. She directed Niagara Artists Centre’s STRUTT Wearable Art Runway Show (2011-2014) and is Artistic Director of In the Soil Arts Festival.

Performers included:

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Monday, November 7, 2022

CONGRATS! 2022 SOCAN Award Winners (including local artists)

The 2022 SOCAN Awards were handed out at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Toronto, on October 17, 2022. They celebrate the great accomplishments of Canada’s songwriters, screen composers, and music publishers in 2021.

Below is a complete lit of winners. Local acts are bolded.

Achievement in Feature Film
Domestic Television - Fiction
Domestic Television - Non-Fiction
International Film
Rap
Rock 

Achievement in Made-For-TV Movie
  • Daryl Bennett - I Am MLK Jr.
  • Cameron Catalano - The Wrong Patient

Breakout 

  • Composer: Evan MacDonald 
  • Songwriter: bbno$
  • Songwriter - French: La Zarra
Country 
  • James Barker Band: Over All Over Again
  • Jade Eagleson: All Night To Figure It Out
  • High Valley: River's Still Running
  • Brett Kissel: Make a Life, Not A Living
Cultural Impact Award
  • Tom Cochrane – “Life Is A Highway” 
Dance Music
  • DVBBS: West Coast
  • Loud Luxury, Frank Walker: Like Gold
  • Regard, Tate McRae, and Troye Sivan: You
  • Rêve: CTRL + ALT + DEL
Domestic Television - Animated
  • Steven Skratt & Asher Lenz (Hotel Transylvania, Rusty Rivets)
Folk Roots
  • Allison Russell
Hagood Hardy Award 
  • Alex Cuba
International Achievement 
  • OZ
International Song
  • Dua Lipa: Levitating
International Television Series
  • Graeme Cornies, James Chapple, Brian Pickett, David Kelly - Paw Patrol
  • Ed Roberton (Barenaked Ladies): Big Bang Theory
Jan V. Matejcek New Classical Music Award
  • Haralabos "Harry" Stafylakis
Licensed to Play

Presented to a SOCAN licensed business that consistently and conscientiously recognizes the importance of music rights and the importance of paying legal and ethical licenses for the public performance of music.

  • Side Door

Most Streamed Production 

  • Heartland (Keith Power)
  • Paw Patrol (Graeme Cornies, James Chapple, Brian Pickett, David Kelly)

Pop
  • BTS: Butter (Jenna Andrews)
  • Jessia: I'm Not Pretty
  • The Weeknd: Save Your Tears
  • bbno$: edamame
Post Synchronization Right
  • Editions Studio V Inc.
R&B

  • Justin Bieber: Peaches 
  • Doja Cat & The Weeknd: You Right
  • GIVĒON: Scarred 

Screen Composer
  • Keith Power
Songwriter
  • Performer: Drake
  • Producer: Koz
Vince Fontaine Indigenous Song Award
  • Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Drezus: Where They At
Viral Song Awards
  • Aqyila: Vibe For Me (Bob For Me)
  • EllyOtto: SugarCrash!
  • LILYISTHATYOU: F.M.R.N
  • Tesher: Jalebi Baby
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Monday, October 3, 2022

Happy Toot Your Flute Day! Videos by Mark Volkov, Suzanne Shulman, Leslie Newman

Update of 2018 Post




Links: Cootes Paradise, More Cootes Paradise Stories, Video above courtesy of Lily Sazz



Links: Suzanne Shulman, Trio Lyra, Video above courtesy of triolyra



Links: Leslie Newman, Video above courtesy of Robert DiVito
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Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Hamilton's Boris Brott Passes



It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Hamilton conductor, artistic director and motivational speaker Boris Brott. He passed away on April 5, 2022 as a result of a hit and run accident. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans. 

Social Media Reaction

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of the one and only musical genius and Canadian artistic visionary Boris Brott. He will be sorely missed by all who appreciated his unsurpassed talent and by those who loved him. More details will be released later. As family and staff process this unthinkable news, we ask for privacy at this time.
Steve Paikin (Journalist) 
I saw him literally two days ago at a concert in Hamilton. We had a great chat about how he was still so engaged in his work, his music, and his family, and showed no interest in slowing down.  I've known Boris my whole life. The music world in general and Hamiltonians in particular mourn his loss

Lianne Cranfield 

My heart aches with profound sadness to hear this tragic news.  "Stay strong and optimistic..." were some of the last words written to me from Boris Brott just a few weeks ago, a man who has impacted my life and been connected to my family in many beautiful ways since I was young.

If you were a kid in the 80s, you would be sure to have gone to Hamilton Place to see this incredible man conduct the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.  My family also went regularly throughout my childhood to the children's series he put on at Hamilton Place-- it was my absolute favourite. 

Boris made the stories come fully alive with the music as he spoke to the children in the audience with such tenderness and love. It was so memorable.  I then shared the stage with Boris at Hamilton Place for a Hamilton fundraiser event during the years I had played Annie. 

In my teens, I worked as a waitress at Cleveland's house resort and for 2 weeks had the honour of being the daily server for Boris and his family.  I would get so caught up at the table chatting with him and his wife Ardyth, his beloved wife whom I absolutely admired.  During their stay at Cleveland's House, Boris took me out fishing for the day with his son when a storm came up quickly and at that moment, Boris' boat stalled and we were quickly drifting into the rocks.  Boris so calmly and stoically called out to shore, "Ahoy! ...... Ahoy!" ...   It was an incredibly joyful day as we were soon towed to shore and had such a good laugh. 

I stayed in touch with Boris for some time and my family continued to know him and connect with him in Muskoka.  Most recently, I felt so honoured when he reached out with a phone call after hearing my father had passed away.  Our conversation covered so much ground.   He wanted to know everything about my life and his compassionate eye for my losses warmed heart so much as he wished me true happiness and love in my life.  He told me how he had such a tender spot for my parents in his heart too and we promised we would keep in touch.  We had such a good laugh again that day. 

Since then we have emailed several times and he has helped me navigate some of my musical endeavours.  I was hoping to play with him one day, and even had a dream of playing at the Arts Centre in the Yukon with him.  His kindness was so natural and genuine.  His interest in the well-being of others so honest and true.  I felt so incredibly honoured to be back in touch with you, Boris Brott. 

Thank you for the music, for the genuine human connection and as you said about your own father just days ago on Facebook, you were also "the embodiment of kindness".  My heart goes out to Ardyth and the family, friends and colleagues and everyone who was impacted by such a gifted man, Boris Brott.  RIP Boris Brott.  Keep a watchful eye on us down here... Always in my heart. Ahoy! 

Sara Moody Veldhuis (Event Promoter)

I am very shocked and extremely saddened to hear the news of the tragic and senseless hit-and-run death of Canadian musical icon Boris Brott!  I have so many fond memories of working with him in the various roles we shared with each other. He was larger than life…so full of life and living…a true visionary!  He put the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra on the map, internationally, and did things with them that no other orchestra had done before.  

I am so glad to have been able to perform under his baton as a student, and to work with him through various projects as an adult.  My heart goes out to his family, his friends and the many musicians who have been touched by his artistry over his career.  May he RIP! 

Media Links



Links: Boris Brott, More Boris Brott Stories, Videos above courtesy of Boris Music Festival
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Monday, April 4, 2022

CONGRATS! Burlington's Charles Moniz Wins 2022 Grammy + Canadian Winners

Burlington Sound Engineer Charles Moniz won a Grammy for Record of the Year at the Sunday April 2, 2022 ceremony for his work on Silk Sonic’s Leave the Door Open

Links: Charles Moniz, More Charles Moniz Stories, Silk Sonic, Bruno Mars, More Bruno Mars Stories, Video of the acceptance speech from the band, Video above courtesy of  Bruno Mars

Other Canadian Winners


Previous (Doris Day's 100th Birthday) - - - Next (Boris Brott Passes)
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Monday, December 20, 2021

Winter Begins! Videos by David Essig, Erin Moffat, James Boraski







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Monday, November 22, 2021

CONGRATS! 2021 St. Catharines Arts Awards Winners


On Sunday, November 21, the 2021St. Catharines Arts Awards were handed out during an online ceremony. You can view the event below.


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Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Local Organist Douglas Haas Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of local organist and music director Douglas Haas. He passed away December 27, 2020 after a brave fight with COVID-19. He was the father of Hamilton musician Annette Haas as well. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.

From the online announcement:

December 25, 1936 – December 27, 2020

We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Douglas Haas, one of Canada’s preeminent organists. For 53 years, Doug served as the music director of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener, Ontario, where, in addition to playing weekly services as an organist and choirmaster, telecast live across Southern Ontario, he founded and hosted a weekly noon-hour concert series (which ran from 1975 to 2020) and an international organists' concert series. He also commissioned and performed many new Canadian choral and organ works.

In addition, Doug was a player on the world stage. Doug performed on tour in Canada, the USA, England, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Germany, Malta, and Switzerland, and was a guest artist with the Canadian Brass, the Canadian Chamber Ensemble, the Toronto Consort, the London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra London), the Stuttgart Bach Collegium, and the Württemberg Chamber Orchestra, among other organizations.

Music was Doug’s life. He was an artist of the highest caliber and a dedicated teacher.

Doug is survived by his wife, Sheryl Loeffler (David’s sister), two children, Annette and Christopher and family, and his brother Dennis.

Doug died from complications of COVID-19.

Facebook Reactions

Trish Walker: "For so many years I always enjoyed listening to Doug play the organ at St Andrew’s.  I would take my mother to listen to all the Christmas and Easter services that Lloyd would record the audio for the TV station to air.  We shall miss you greatly Douglas." 

Sally Kandel (sister-in-law): "He was a world-class musician, a wonderful person, and the love that he and my sister shared was deep and everlasting."

Jonathan Oldengarm: "You were one of my first organ teachers, and had a formative influence on my understanding of the instrument. But your teaching went so much further, as you patiently mentored this somewhat erratic teenager towards a more structured approach to life in general. Over and over, you took chances on young musicians, and supported, encouraged, organized, pushed, and challenged us. And through all of it, you never lost that boyish enthusiasm for new ideas, new technology, new projects, or your zest for life. You were and are a continuing inspiration, may your memory be blessed, and may all of us who have benefited from your life's work go forth and do likewise."

Media Links






Videos above courtesy of arithmecode

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Saturday, December 12, 2020

Happy Violin Day ft Grenville Pinto






Links: Grenville Pinto, More Violin Day Stories, Videos above courtesy of Grenville Pinto
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Tuesday, June 23, 2020

CONGRATS! 2020 Hamilton Arts Awards Winners


Here is the compete list of winners:
View the entire ceremony on Facebook below:

Episode 1 (We can't embed)







The above includes the music category.

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

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Friday, December 13, 2019

Happy Violin Day w Avalon String Trio (ft Jenn Tufgar)












Links: Jenn Tufgar (violin), Steve Parton (guitar) and Trina Nedeau (cello), videos above courtesy of Luteplayer1111, More Violin Day Stories
Previous (Marz Garage Season 5 Videos) - - - Next (Friday the 13th Videos)
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Sunday, May 19, 2019

News Roundup (Lee Palmer Passes, Reklaws, Redhill Valleys, Sold on Hamilton, More)





Links: Lee Palmer, Video above courtesy of Lee Palmer
    Adventures of Trebleclef, the Music-Loving Monkey

    Trebleclef will be back soon

    MORE NEWS ROUNDUPS
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