News stories tagged with "ontario"

(03/01/12) The Irish will celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a couple of weeks, but today the Welsh are celebrating St. David's Day today, in one way or another. St. David, or Dewi Sant, as he's known in the Welsh language, is the patron saint of Wales. Last summer in Remsen, south of Boonville, Welsh officials gathered to unveil a new sign featuring the longest railroad depot name in the world--take a deep breath--Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrnd-robwllllantysiliogogogoch.

Todd Moe talks with Hefina Phillips, a member of the Ontario Welsh Festival, who says David was a sixth century Celtic bishop who spread Christianity among the pagan tribes of western Britain.

(02/06/12) Creation is running in the Studio at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa through February 20. Resident theatre critic Connie Meng was at the opening night and has our review. more

(01/23/12) Blood on the Moon is running at GCTC in Ottawa through February 5. Resident theatre critic Connie Meng has this commentary. more

(01/19/12) The Canadian play, 2 Pianos, 4 Hands, has played on five continents and in more than 150 cities since it first opened 15 years ago. Its success worldwide is due to its universal themes of dreams and discipline.

The set consists of two grand pianos, and the cast is just two actors. It's a simple show, ostensibly about piano lessons, that's moving, profound and lots of fun. It was written and first performed by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt, both brilliant actors and pianists. They're back on stage at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa this month for the farewell tour.

2 Pianos, 4 Hands continues through Saturday, January 28th at the National Arts Centre's English Theatre. NCPR's resident theater critic Connie Meng and Todd Moe share a review of the show.

(12/28/11) Crane School of Music professor of piano Paul Wyse has mastered two art forms. He's a classically trained concert pianist and also paints portraits. Earlier this month, he unveiled a full-length portrait of "piano man" Billy Joel in New York City. The artist joined the bestselling musician to unveil the painting at Steinway Hall. Paul Wyse was commissioned by Steinway and Sons to paint Joel's portrait. Two of Wyse's portraits of award-winning pianist and conductor Leon Fleischer are part of the Smithsonian's permanent collection in Washington D.C.

Wyse has performed at the piano on the concert stage around the world and his oil portraits hang in public and private collections and appear in national publications.

So, how does a classically trained concert pianist become an award winning visual artist? "It's hard to explain," says Wyse. But he adds that it's not uncommon for musicians who study the structure of a symphony to use those same skills in the visual arts.

During a visit to his portrait studio in his home near Prescott, Ontario, he told Todd Moe that the mystery of transforming cloth and pigment into something that is looking back at you is powerful, alluring, and part of the compulsion to paint.

(12/16/11) Though Canadian writers Merilyn Simonds and Wayne Grady live near the border in Kingston, Ontario neither of them had traveled in the United States. A long road trip seemed an excellent way to explore the landscape and attitudes of their southern neighbor. Betsy Kepes has this review of their new book, Breakfast at the Exit Cafe. more

(12/12/11) Oliver! is running at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa through December 31. Resident theatre critic Connie Meng was at the opening night and has this review. more

(11/30/11) This week, we're looking at the very different way that Canada has experienced the Great Recession, when compared to the North Country. In partnership with WBEZ public radio in Chicago, Brian Mann has been traveling this week in Ontario, comparing the situation in the US with life on the ground in Canada.

One of the biggest differences he's been finding is in government. This week, the New York Times reported that deep cuts have hit the public sector here in the US. But those same deep government cuts haven't occurred (at least not yet) north of the border.

Brian talked about the role government jobs have played in Canada, contrasted with the downsizing that has swept the US.

(11/25/11) Nestled amongst the trees along the western edge of Parliament Hill in Ottawa is a small spot reserved for the residential feral cat population. Their ancestors arrived in the early 1900's to help control pests in nearby government buildings. The Canadian government and local volunteers have provided a place for them to take shelter and receive food and water since the 1970's. This cat sanctuary even has the Queen's blessing.

Today, the complex includes neat rows of tiny kitty condos, built by cat lover Renee Chartrand. Renee, dubbed the "Cat Man of Ottawa", is 90 and still lives in the city, although he's not able to make the daily trek up Parliament Hill. A team of friends and volunteers have cheerfully taken up his cause. Todd Moe recently played tourist on Parliament Hill and met some of the cats and their caretakers.

(11/23/11) Theatre Kingston has welcomed its new Artistic Producer on board this season. Brett Christopher has been an active member of the Canadian theater community for more than a decade. Most recently he was Artistic Associate at the Thousand Islands Playhouse. Christopher is perhaps best known for his performance in I Am My Own Wife in 2009. Founded in 1990, Theatre Kingston is Kingston, Ontario's professional theater company. Todd Moe spoke with Christopher about his goals, which include collaboration and community connections to keep local theater vibrant.