Kristina Agur as Cousin Hebe in the University of Toronto’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore.
After a long cold winter, it is finally time to welcome spring. And what better way than with songs of love! The Estonia Choir presents their spring concert brunch, Berries and Busses (Marjad ja musid) on Sunday, April 12 at 1 p.m. at the Toronto Estonian House, 958 Broadview Avenue.
After successfully performing two full concerts of patriotic songs at the 2014 National Song Celebrations in Tallinn Estonia, the Estonia Choir has opted this year to showcase its more playful side by presenting a light-hearted program of songs exalting the joys of love.
Fond memories of childhood are recalled through songs such as Unforgettable Song (Unustamatu laul) by Mart Saar and The Road Home (Kodutee) by rising young composer Pärt Uusberg. The wonders and longings of first loves are explored through settings of the famous poet Anna Haava’s poetry in Beating Heart (Tuksuv süda) by Maimu Miido and A Little Song (Lauluke) by Karl August Hermann.
The trials and triumphs of Estonian courtship rituals are vividly described through songs and folk song arrangements such as Going Courting (Kosjasõit) by August Kiiss, Mocking the Groom from Kihnu Wedding Songs (Peiu pilkamine, Kihnu pulmalaulud) by Veljo Tormis and The Shy Suiter (Arg kosilane) by our choir’s own beloved founder and conductor emeritus, Roman Toi. We are happy to report that despite the many trials – and this is a spoiler alert -- it appears that true love always does triumph in the end.
As a special treat, the Estonia Choir is delighted to welcome back former chorister and future opera star soprano Kristina Agur as our guest soloist along with her accompanist Ivan Jovanovic.
Kristina has spent a busy first year at the University of Toronto Opera School after completing her Bachelor of Music degree (also at the University of Toronto) last spring. She recently sang the part of Cousin Hebe in Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore and in January she debuted the role of Lady Hannah Campbell in the new opera Footsteps in Campbell House on location at the Historic House in downtown Toronto. She is currently performing in the University of Toronto's pastiche of Shakespeare opera scenes Brush up Your Shakespeare. Kristina is looking forward to performing the role of Dorabella in Mozart's Cosi fan tutti this summer at the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy with conductor Les Dala and director James Marvel.
Don’t miss out on all the fun! Reserve your table now for this delightful concert. Tickets are only $35 and are available from all Estonia Choir members or by contacting Asta Lokk at 416-485-5559 or .
