Tafelmusik announces partnership with Michael Garron Hospital and University Health Network
Toronto, January 28, 2022 … Tafelmusik is thrilled to partner with Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) and University Health Network (UHN) on an initiative meant to uplift, inspire, and show gratitude for the tremendous dedication of healthcare professionals during the global pandemic. Throughout the month of February, Tafelmusik will offer four digital concerts for the physicians, learners, and staffs of MGH and UHN to enjoy from the comfort of their homes. The series of free digital concerts will be available to MGH and UHN teams starting February 1, 2022 and will refresh each Monday throughout the month.
Digital concerts offered include Café Counterculture, a baroque-to-folk programranging fromBach to Buffy Sainte-Mariewith guests Alex Samaras, vocalist, and Andrew Downing, double bass; Music & Magic, which blends two mesmerizing art forms to create a world of illusion and enchantment, featuring Nicholas Wallace, magician, and Quinten Melo, contortionist; Il Seicento, a program of innovative music by trendsetting Italian composers of the 17th century; and The Gull, the Racoon, and the Last Maple, a powerful environmentally-themed digital concert for the whole family narrated by actor Amanda Cordner.
“We are delighted to partner with Tafelmusik in making four concerts available to everyone at University Health Network at a time and place where they can enjoy the music as respite from the pandemic,” said Gillian Howard, UHN Vice President – Public Affairs and Communications. “Music is, for many, a balm to the soul and given what TeamUHN has been through over the past two years, this will be of comfort to many. We also know that musicians have had a very difficult time with no live performances, and I hope that this partnership will open the Tafelmusik experience to a whole new audience.”
“For almost two years, MGH staff have faced the challenge of caring for patients during a pandemic while being unable to recharge their spirit outside of work with interests and hobbies” said Christine Devine, Wellness Specialist at Michael Garron Hospital. “The arts have an incredible influence on our well-being, and we are delighted that our staff will have the opportunity to experience the joy and comfort of music from home thanks to our partnership with Taflemusik.”
“Those who enter the healthcare profession have a desire to change lives for the better, and we are so grateful for their vital work in keeping our community safe and healthy” said Carol Kehoe, Tafelmusik Executive Director. “As a Toronto-based orchestra and choir dedicated to sharing beauty and joy through music of the past, we hope this partnership can bring some comfort and joy to the teams at MGH and UHN. Throughout the disorienting events of the past two years, we know from our own experience that people turn to music for solace and connection. Music is, after all, an expression of our collective humanity and plays an important role in our well-being, especially now.”
Tafelmusik gratefully acknowledges the support of BMO, Presenting Sponsor of the 2021/22 concert season, and our government partners, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
ABOUT TAFELMUSIK
Led by Music Director Elisa Citterio and Executive Director Carol Kehoe, Tafelmusik is an orchestra, choir, and experience that celebrates beauty through music of the past.
Founded over 40 years ago on the pillars of passion, learning, and artistic excellence, Tafelmusik continues to bring new energy to baroque music and beyond. Historically informed performances of 17th- to 19th-century instrumental and choral music (led by Chamber Choir Director Ivars Taurins) share the stage with vibrant, insightful multimedia programs, and bold new music written just for the group. Each piece is played on period instruments, underscored and illuminated by scholarship.
Through dynamic performances, international touring, award-winning recordings, and comprehensive education programs, Tafelmusik invites audiences to engage with beauty and experience the breadth of emotion music can inspire.
Website: tafelmusik.org
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Media contact:
Luisa Trisi, Big Picture Communications
luisa@luisatrisi.com | 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1X7