Ton Koopman among international names coming for Bach Festival

Inspired by the tradition of European Bach Festivals, the Montreal Bach Festival brings international classical musicians to Montreal.

“The timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach laid the foundation for every composer and musician to follow,” says festival founder and artistic director Alexandra Scheibler. The festival will partner with Kent Nagano and the OSM. J.S. Bach’s masterpiece St. Matthew Passion launches the festival Nov. 24 and 25 at Place des Arts.

Featuring the OSM chorus and international soloists, the performance is preceded by an interview with Scheibler by Espace musique’s Mario Paquet at 6:30 pm. A day-long symposium on the work will take place Saturday, Nov. 21 at Conservatoire de musique de Montréal. Tenor Christoph Prégardien, performing the role of the Evangelist in St. Matthew Passion, offers a master class at 2pm followed by a discussion moderated by Kelly Rice of CBC Radio. Registration is required.

Dutch conductor, organist and harpsichordist Ton Koopman, founder of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Choir, performs The Art of the Fugue, a duo harpsichord recital with his wife Tini Mathot, Nov. 29 at 7:30pm at Marianopolis College and an Organ Advent Nov. 30 at 7:30pm at Immaculée Conception Church.

Young Belgian organist Els Biesemans, winner of the Bach Prize at last year’s Canadian International Organ Competition in Montreal, is featured in recital Nov. 28 performing Bach’s Clavier-Übung, Volume III at Immaculée Conception Church. Russian pianist Evgeni Koroliov is featured Dec. 4, performing Bach’s Goldberg Variations at Marianopolis College. Another performance of the Goldberg Variations, this time in Dmitri Sitkovetsky’s arrangement for String Trio on Nov. 29 at Ex-Centris features cellist Matt Haimovitz, violinist Jonathan Crow and violist Douglas McNabney.

On Nov. 26, Boris Brott and the McGill Chamber Orchestra perform the complete Brandenburg Concerti at St. Irénée Church, featuring Matthias Maute and Sophie Larivière, recorders; Thomas Gould, violin; and Luc Beauséjour, harpsichord. The Juno Award-winning Ensemble Caprice performs a chamber version of Bach’s Mass in B-minor Dec. 3 at the Darling Foundry. Led by artistic director Matthias Maute, the work features sopranos Shannon Mercer and Marie Magistry, alto Pascal Bertin, tenor Michiel Schrey and bass Harry van der Kamp.

Closing the festival Dec. 5 is the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, performing at Telemann and Bach at Notre Dame Basilica.

Tickets are free for 16 and under for some recitals. For the complete schedule and information, visit montrealbachfestival.com. or call 514-581-8637.

Rabbi Langner honored at Beth-El

Wednesday, October 28, Congregation Beth-El in Town of Mont-Royal will honour Rabbi Allan M. Langner for over 50 years of service to the synagogue and the community.

Rabbi Langner, born in Europe and raised in Toronto, moved to Montreal at his late wife’s Nancy Stipleman’s request. Rabbi Langner attended the University of Toronto and received his rabbinic ordination at the Jewish Theological Seminary in NewYork City.

Over the years at Beth-El many historic political figures visited including Pierre Trudeau, John Diefenbaker and Lester Pearson. The rabbi has many stories to tell. He is a recipient of many awards, including the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Family members attending the gala tribute are Rabbi Langner’s two daughters, Neima, a physician and Gilah, also a rabbi. The synagogue is creating a souvenir program book highlighting special events of past years in which the rabbi was an integral part.

Info and to reserve: 514-738-4766 or beth-el.ca

Face to face wants you

Since she retired from her teaching job in 1996, Sylvia Haltrecht donates four hours weekly to Face to Face, a listening and referral organization serving Montrealers since 1982.

“It’s similar to Tel Aide but does many more things,” Haltrecht says. “The clientele ranges from 17 right up into the senior category. We have people who come to us with loneliness issues or other needs. Sometimes people call in and just need someone to listen to and perhaps help them set some goals to get through. We also help people find low income housing.”

Services offered by the drop-in health and social service community center include listening and referral, whether a client is experiencing personal or practical difficulties. The centre advocates for people on welfare and the homeless, helps find affordable housing and has computers a telephone and fax to help those searching for accommodations. It also offers an 8-week counseling service if needed and a Café Rencontre, a discussion/support group that offers opportunities to socialize, thus combating loneliness.

Volunteers, in particular seniors, are needed. Volunteers receive training and support while they are working.

“I felt I had a certain amount of empathy, understanding and an interest in people who were having problems,” says Sylvia, explaining why she felt volunteering with Face to Face was right for her. “I’m a good listener, non-judgmental and am prepared to spend the time [with the clients.] That being said, I also get a great deal out of it. I have this wonderful sense of gratification, that I have done my little bit to be helpful to people who are in need.”

Face to Face may be reached at 514-934-4546

You can get there from here

Do you ever long to travel to faraway lands? Do the Peruvian Andes and Kazakhstan tickle your imagination? Have you ever heard of Luanda? (Hint: It’s in Angola.)

Discover these exotic places and the Segal Centre’s CinemaSpace on three separate evenings (July 7, August 4 and September 1) with Andrew Princz, who will present photographs of a real-life journey followed by a short feature or documentary film from the evening’s profiled country.

But if you prefer to time travel instead, why not visit the Cineclub on July 8, when Orson Welles’s classic Touch of Evil will be screened.

The cost is reasonable, $6 for seniors, and you don’t even have to look for parking downtown. To reserve tickets and for information, call 514-739-7944 or visit segalcentre.org

Outdoor fitness challenge in Côte St. Luc

July 2009

The City of Côte St. Luc is offering adults a chance to stay fit in two new exercise programs.

The Outdoor Fitness Challenge incorporates cardiovascular, strength, endurance and calisthenics exercises. Each week there will be a different boot camp training program. This activity will run for eight consecutive Mondays, beginning July 6 from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Participants will meet outside the Parks and Recreation Department building (7500 Mackle). The price is $58 for residents and $72 for non-residents.

The Walking Workout will teach the fundamentals of how to make the activity a serious workout. Topics include the basics of how to walk, where to walk, and what footwear to use when walking. The exercise program will incorporate intervals to challenge the walker and a strength-training component to increase endurance. The two-day-a-week program will run for eight weeks. Participants can attend either session or both beginning Thursday, July 9, from 9 to 10am.

The price for two sessions a week is $108 for residents and $135 for non-residents.

If there is a cancellation due to rain, the date will be made up at the end of the season.

To register or for further information, contact the Côte St. Luc Parks and Recreation Department at 514-485-6806 or visit them at 7500 Mackle weekdays between 8:30am and 4:30pm.

Upcoming courses and workshops

This spring and summer workshops are being offered around the city. On Wednesdays from 11am to noon Centre Green holds Tai Chi based movement and stretch classes, a good way to exercise in a relaxing environment, at 1090 Greene. Info: 514-931-6202.

Thursdays at 2pm Centre Greene holds ballroom dance classes for those with stage 1 and 2 Parkinson’s. The instructors are Susan Chiasson, ballroom dance teacher and Ellen Rubin, retired physiotherapist who specialized in the treatment of neurological conditions and has been a dancer for 12 years. Bring an able-bodied partner and register in advance. Info: 514-484-2016.

The Atwater Library will offer computer workshops in the spring and summer. Topics include booking travel online, facebook, family history research, e-mail, Twitter, blogging, powerpoint, word, and excel. The purpose of the workshops is to teach the basics of computers and get your computer up and running. Info: 514-935-7344.

Lyric theatre brings Gershwin to Montreal

May, 2009

The Lyric Theatre Singers, who interpret Broadway, jazz, and pop choral music are at it again with their newest show paying tribute to composer George Gershwin, directed by Bob Bachelor, at the Oscar Peterson Hall, 7141 Sherbrooke W from June 11 to 13.

George Gershwin was not only a creator of the golden age of American musical theatre but also a successful composer of music for the concert hall. Songs he wrote include The Man I Love, Embreacable you and I Got Rhythm .

These concerts are an opportunity to rediscover Broadway’s best from a wide range of traditional and contemporary composers. Excerpts from hit shows such as the Lion King, Annie Get Your Gun, Spring Awakening, and Young Frankenstein are featured.

The Lyric Theatre has grown from a small group performing an annual production into a company of performers from all areas of the city, rehearsing and performing 10 months out of every year.

Concerts are June 11-12 at 8pm and June 13 at 2pm. Tickets are $14 - $28. To reserve: 514-363-3382.

Walking for the other cure

Kristine Berey

April, 2009

The Alzheimer Society of Montreal is inviting walkers of all ages and abilities to take part in its annual Memory Walk on Sunday, May 31.

Walkers will meet at 8:30 am at the Jacques- Cartier Quay in the Old Port of Montreal to register, followed by a welcome and a warm-up session. The two-hour walk ends at noon, followed by lunch and prizes. Seniors can do the walk at their own rhythm. “There are many places to sit down along the way,” says Amélie Giguère of the Alzheimer Society. “We’ll have drums and rattles and make lots of noise,” she says. “All we want is for people to see us.”

A recent study reveals that Alzheimer’s continues to ravage families. “With approximately 15 per cent of people under age 65 affected by Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, it isn’t only our health care and social systems that are being overwhelmed,” says Scott Dudgeon, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. “The reality is that the businesses and industry sectors are also being affected as our boomer generation, a generation of leaders and mentors, are affected by dementia.”

• About 500,000 Canadians are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia

• One in 11 of those affected is under 65

• 72 % of those living with the illness are women The Alzheimer Society funds research and training and provides support for families living with the disease.

To register for the Memory Walk, call 514-369-0800, ext. 226 or visit www.lamarchede lamemoire.com.

Rarely seen horses star in equine ballet

Horses are the true stars at Cavalia

Kristine Berey

April, 2009

Estelle Delgado, trainer and performer in the spectacular show Cavalia, doesn’t like the term “horse whisperer.” Though it denotes a humane method of training, in contrast with the concept of “breaking in” a horse, she says the word does not accurately define her lifelong experience of playing and working with these noble animals.

“When you spend all your life with horses you don’t need words. You understand their feelings – before they show you. It becomes instinctive and very natural just to listen to your horse, take the time with him, and pay attention to his body language, his mood, the way he’s eating and the way he responds when you’re next to him.” Delgado, who was raised on a breeding ranch in “the most beautiful place in France,” has been performing with horses since she was a toddler, along with her family. Her sister Magalie and her brother-in-law Frédéric Pignon are the equestrian co-directors of the show.

Delgado says she feels the horses are part of her family. “For me they are friends and partners. They can show affection in the way a dog can. Even if they’re eating, when I enter the stable they come to the window looking for me. They are very intelligent and have emotions like anybody else.”

In a passionate celebration of the ancient love between horses and human beings, Cavalia combines the artistry of acrobats, singers, musicians and superbly trained animals with evocative lighting and visuals. The horses’ training ranges between six months to 10 years with daily practice to refine their techniques, like in any performing arts discipline. Conceived by president and artistic director Normand Latourelle, an early member of the Cirque du Soleil team, the show has been described as an “equine ballet.” Over half of the featured horses are Iberian horses of Pure Spanish or Lusitano breeds, with the latter bred on the Delgados’ farm. The other breeds represented by the 60 horses that travel with the show (with 40 performing at any one time) include Quarter Horses, Appaloosa, the Friesian, the ancient Belgian, Percheron and more. All the horses are male, stallions or geldings.

Though Delgado’s specialty is dressage, the equestrian discipline seen in horse shows, she has fulfilled a dream she had since she was 15, of becoming one of the rare women capable of a form of acrobatic riding called the Roman Post. The technique originated among the shepherds on the great plains of Hungary, and calls for the rider to stand on two speeding horses with one foot one the rump of each. “This was my dream when I was young,” recalls Delgado, who began riding horses in parades as a toddler.“I would look at the guys performing – it’s very rare to see a girl. Standing on the horses, they looked so free, like a bird.”

Cavalia will be presented from April 21 to May 10. For information visit www.cavalia.net or call 866-999-8111.

Blue Met focuses on Writers in Peril

Azar Nafisi

Newsday once referred to Azar Nafisi as a writer who “reminds us why we read in the first place.” When the gifted Iranian author found herself unexpectedly alone before an audience of hundreds at Concordia University last February, she did just that, beautifully.

In a pre-Blue Met literary evening, Nafisi had been scheduled to be interviewed by radio host Jian Ghomeshi about her new book, Things I’ve Been Silent About, but heard at the last moment that her partner was prevented from attending.

Nevertheless, she carried on, talking about the circumstances leading to the writing of her bestseller, Reading Lolita in Tehran, and what compelled her to write the much more personal second memoir.

Her love and need of literature was interwoven with accounts she presented of her life within her family and within Iran’s troubled society.

“Readers are intimate strangers,” Nafisi said, likening written but unread words to hot house flowers that wilt and die. “The heart of reading and writing is curiosity,” she said, evoking Vladimir Nabokov’s definition of the word: “Curiosity is insubordination in its purest form.”

She warned against sinking into a life of pure materialism, as some do in abundant North America, of living in a “world based simply on greed, without imagination and thought.”

This year’s BlueMet, in partnership with Reporters without Borders and Media@McGill will present a series of events, Writers in Peril, in French, English, Spanish, Arabic and Farsi, highlighting freedom of expression. Reza, a photojournalist who trained journalists in Afghanistan aiming to establish media outlets, will be featured, as well as human rights activist Marek Halter. Exiled Iranian cartoonist Nikahang Kowsar will speak, as will Zakaria Tamer, a Syrian- born short story writer and Margaret MacMillan, who has written books about censorship in China.

Distinguished literary guests will include Central and South American, Israeli and Arab, Hungarian, South Asian and Quebec writers.

The 11th annual edition of the Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary Festival will take place April 22-26, 2009 at the Delta Centre-Ville Hotel.

Information about and tickets to these and other events are available by calling 514-790-1245 and at www.bluemetropolis.org or www.admission.com

The FOFA Gallery presents a scenic trio

Vitaly Medvedovsky Airport

March 2009

Listening to the Mountains is an exhibition of landscapes on small panels. The artist, Nicole Bauberger, is based in the Yukon. This collection of small paintings depicts the scenic area surrounding her house. According to Bauberger, she was aiming to portray “the conversation going on between the dynamic skies and strong wide mountains.”

Bauberger will also present 100 Dresses, an interactive residency. Under the watchful eyes of viewers she will create 100 small paintings of dresses, all inspired by life in Montreal. Titles may include dress of slush, dress of the mountain seen between the buildings, taxi dress, etc. These will be displayed in the gallery’s Black Box.

In Landscapes, current MFA student Vitaly Medvedovsky presents a series of paintings depicting scenes remembered from his childhood in the former USSR.

Here’s the catch: His family left the Soviet Union in 1990 a few months before the country fell apart, when he was only 8 years old. So how much of his work is historical, and how much is a boy’s whimsical fantasy? Since nothing remains to size it up against, we have no way of knowing; the imagined world of his heritage is more real, in a sense, than any existing remains of that fallen era.

These will be showing at Concordia’s FOFA Gallery, 1515 Ste. Catherine W., RoomEV 1-715, until March 13. The gallery is right next to Guy-Concordia Metro. Gallery hours: Monday to Friday from 11am-7am.

Admission is free.

Literacy Unlimited

Literacy Unlimited, a community resource dedicated to the advancement of literacy, offers a free, bilingual service for adults who struggle with reading documents or filling out forms. By appointment only. Call 514-694-0007.

Musical happy hour is back!

Violinist Andrew Van among performers Photo: Joanne David

March 2009

Make your way into the parlour of the JMC House Chamber Music Hall and experience the enchanting ambiance of legendary evenings in 19th century Vienna.

Jeunesses Musicales is featuring four passionate chamber musicians: Andrew Van, violin, Jean Philippe Tremblay, viola, Audrey Nadeau, cello, and Serhiy Salov, piano. On the program are two major works of the chamber music repertoire by the master of German romanticism, Brahms.

In the Parlour with Johann Brahms (1833 - 1897) will perform at the JMC House Chamber Music Hall, 305 Mont-Royal, March 18 at 6 pm.

Info: 514-845-4108, ext. 221.

World-renowned poet to speak at Atwater Library

March 2009

“The last thing I expected to end up doing was writing,” Nourbese Philip said. “What I wanted to be most of all was a spy, and after reading about spies in World War II, spying was much more real to me than writing.”

Philip is a poet, writer and lawyer who was born in Tobago and now lives in Toronto. Although primarily a poet, Nourbese Philip also writes both fiction and non-fiction. She has published three books of poetry, Thorns, Salmon Courage, and She Tries Her Tongue; Her Silence Softly Breaks. Philip was the recipient of the YWCA Woman of Distinction award in the arts. “The experiences of Black women and girls are foremost in Nourbese’s works, as are issues of belonging, language, place and location,” her nominees said. Philip’s short stories, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in magazines and journals in North America and England.

Thursday, March 12 at 7pm Philip will read her poetry at the Atwater Library, 1200 Atwater. Admission is free. Info: 514-735-7344

Big puppets reveal a little girl’s bravery

Big puppets reveal a little girl’s bravery

Photo: Jean Albert

NANCY SNIPPER

March 2009

The puppets are coming! The inspiring prize winning play Maïta, last performed in French at the World Congress and Festival of the Arts four years ago, is being presented in English by Geordie Productions.

“After watching the French presentation, I called Théâtre de la Vieille 17 and the Théâtre de Sable (the play’s a collaborative production) to try to work out a way to present it in English here,” said Dean Patrick Fleming, Geordie’s artistic director.

Written by Esther Beauchemin and translated by Henry Gauthier, Maïta has made a trilingual tour in several US and Canadian cities as well as in Mexico. The theme is moving and can inspire the entire family to talk about children relegated to a life of labour.

“I believe this is an important show for children and adults to see,” said Fleming referring to the play’s plot. Maïta, the 8-year-old daughter of a Southeast Asian puppet maker, is sent by her father to work in a factory in order to pay off family debts. His parting gift is Issane, a precious puppet whose prettiness sparkles in the 1461 pearls that Maïta’s mother has stitched into the enchanting puppet companion. The pearls represent the number of days Maïta will have to work until she is reunited with her father. Every night, she delights all the other children working in the factory by revealing the enchanting tale of Issane – the Princess of Light. The story is also made powerful by the beauty of the tall puppets that bring the stage to life.

Given that the play will open on Geordie’s Mainstage only a few days after International Women’s Day, the timing has impact. “As the piece unfolds, Maïta comes to represent a kind of feminine leader who tells a tale about hope and freedom,” said Robert Bellefeuille, Théâtre de la Vieille’s artistic director.

Everyone loves a puppet show, and ultimately, this is what Geordie superbly delivers in premiering Maïta. The stage is transformed into a world of spectacle where coloured lights shine on traditional Indonesian shadow puppets – sure to mesmerize and entertain children age 7 and up.

Maïta opens Friday, March 13 at 7pm and runs until March 22 with a series of matinées. Performances are at D.B. Clarke Theatre, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve W. Tickets range from $13.50 to $16. Info: 514-845-9810.

What’s Happening February 2009

BAZAARS

Saturday February 7 from 10am - 2pm, St. Clement’s Church will hold a book sale at 4322 Wellington. Info: 514-769-5373

Saturday February 7 at 6pm, St. Aidans Church will hold a chicken stir-fry supper and penny fair at 6250 Hamilton. $10. Info: 514-762-9912

Saturday February 14 at 6:30pm, the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #94 will hold a St. Valentine’s supper and dance at 205 Empire. $13. Info: 450-466-0308

Saturday February 14 from 10am - 2pm, St. Clement’s Church will hold a Valentine, St. Patrick, and Easter sale at 4322 Wellington. Info: 514-769-5373

February 17 and 20 from 9am - 8pm, St. Charles Parish will hold a flea market at 2115 Centre. Info: 514-937-5576

CLUBS

February 21 at 8pm the Single Person Association will hold their Singles Mix and Dance Party. Free line dance lessons will be held at 7pm before the dance at St. Catherine Laboure Church, 448 Trudeau, corner Clement in LaSalle. $12. Info: 514-366-8600

Tuesdays at 7:30pm, The Carmina Choir meets at Unitarian Church of Montreal. New members are welcome. Audio aids are provided to supplement rehearsals. Info: Keith Robinson 514-931-9028 or Brian Brice 514-843-6497

MUSIC

Saturday February 7 at 8pm, Young, Gifted, and Black will perform at Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, 7141 Sherbrooke West as part of a black history showcase. Info: 514-848-4848

Saturday February 7 at 3pm Alaya Sting Quartet will perform at St. Clement’s Anglican Church. Recitals are open to everyone and free of charge. Donations welcome. 4322 Wellington. Info: 514-769-5373

Sunday February 15 at 8pm, Eyal Golan will perform at 8 pm at the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall. He was named the best Israeli singer of 2008. $50-$80. Info: 514-941-4450

Thursday February 19 at 7pm, the Yellow Door will host a poetry and prose reading, 3625 Aylmer. $5. Info: 514-939-4173

MUSEUMS

Mondays in February take the grandkids to meet Caillou and the Innu! at the Biodome. Activites incude storytelling and expeditions through ecosystems and a chance to take a picture with Caillou. 4777 Pierre-de-Coubertin. Info: 514-868-3000 or museumsnature.ca

Until February 15 Mile End gallery presents an exhibit of art work on the human body called Le Corps Humain. 5345 Parc. Info: 514-271-3383

THEATRE

February 11 to 21 at 8pm, Theatre 314 will present Alan’s Search for the Best Girl in Montreal at 10 des Pins W., Suite 314. A dark comedy full of sex and aesthetics. Alan seeks the ideal woman, but with Mom living under his bed, will he find her? Adults $17 / Students $12. Info: 514-501-3232

Until February 14, Wednesday to Saturday at 8pm, Tuesday Night Café Theatre presents Never the Sinner at Morrice Hall, 3485 McTavish. Set in 1920s Chicago, the play focuses on the murder trial of Leopold and Loeb. $8/students & seniors $6. Info: 514-398-6600

Tuesday February 24, McGill Programs in Whole Person Care will screen The English Surgeon, followed by a forum with members of the McGill medical community to discuss the meaning of healing and wellness in daily life. The film will be shown in Moyse Hall, 853 Sherbrooke W. $10/students and seniors $5. Info: 514-398-2298

February 27 to March 7, Thursday to Saturday at 8pm, the Lakeshore Light Opera will present The Gondoliers at the John Rennie Theatre, 501 St. Jean. $16 - $25. Info: 514-804-4900

What's Happening December 2008

BAZAARS

Saturday, December 6 from 10am – 2pm St. Clement’s Anglican Church hosts a Christmas Mini-bazaar and Saturday, December 13 a St. Nicholas Pot Luck and Penny fair at 4322 Wellington, corner Gordon. $8. Info: 514-769-5373

Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 from 9:30am – 4pm Quinn Farm holds an old fashioned Christmas craft fair at 2495 Perrot, lle Perrot to benefit the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. Info: 450-453-1510

CLUBS

Sunday, December 7 at 8:45am Shaare Zedek Men’s Club hosts A Theatre of One – Jewish Style with entertainer Bena Singer and Sunday, December 14 at 8:45am the Honorable Marlene Jennings at 5305 Rosedale. Info: 514-484-1122

December 8 to 15, AMI-Quebec holds a support group for people living with mental illness and their caregivers, families and friends at the Institute for Community and Family Psychiatry, 4333 Cote St-Catherine. Info: 514-486-1448

Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30pm, Atwater Book Club, led by author Mary Soderstrom, discusses Kamouraska at the library. Info: 514-935-7344

Friday, December 12 at 6:30pm Montreal Urban Hikers meet for a Christmas Lights walk in Lasalle at Tim Horton’s, 8080 Champlain (metro Jolicoeur). Info: 514-366-9108 or 514-938-4910

Saturday, December 14 from 1–4pm, N.D.G. Canine Club hosts a Christmakah Party at Auberge Zen, 1875 Laval. Info: 514-594-4114

Thursday, January 8 at 11am the McGill Institute for Learning in Retirement will be holding an orientation session for new and prospective members. Participants choose from subjects ranging from literature to music, history to religion, travel to creative writing, and more. New term begins on January 19 and lasts for 10 weeks. Info: 514-398-8234 or mcgill.ca/milr

HOLIDAY EVENTS

December 4–21, Christmas in the Park, featuring music, opera, songs and performers, will be held in Lahaie Park at St-Laurent and St-Joseph, and Des Faubourgs Park at Ontario and Delorimier. Info: 514-281-8942

Sunday, December 7 from 2–4pm AMI-Quebec holds a holiday party with live music at the Monkland Community Center, 4410 Westhill. Info: 514-486-1448

Thursday, December 11 Atwater Library hosts a holiday beading workshop. $20 including all supplies. All proceeds go to the Atwater Library and Computer Center. Advance registration required. Registration: 514-935-7421

Thursday, December 11 at 7pm the Yellow Door hosts a night of poetry and prose at 3625 Aylmer. $5. Info: 514-398-6243

Saturday, December 13 from 8pm-12:45 Solo Lachine hosts a Christmas dance for 40+ singles and couples at 1415 St. Louis, Lachine. $8/$12 non-members. Info: 514-683-4948 or 514-486-4180

Saturday, December 20 at 8pm the Single Person’s Association hosts their Christmas Dance for 35+ and Wednesday, December 31 at 8pm their New Year’s Eve dance, both at St. Catherine Laboure Church, 448 Trudeau (corner Clement and Lasalle). $12. Info: 514-366-8600

Thursday, December 25 Keith & Karyn production and promotion company presents their 8th annual Christmas Dinner and Toy Giveaway at the Caribbean Paradise Restaurant at 8080 Newman, LaSalle. Info: 514-486-4423

MUSIC

Saturday, December 6 at 7:30pm the St-Columba-By-The-Lake Church hosts a night of Christmas music with the voices of Octet Plus at 11 Rodney Avenue, Pointe-Claire. Suggested donation $10/children free. All proceeds go to Refugee Action Montreal and the Emergency Relief Fund of Presbyterian World Service and Development. Info: 514-364-3027

Saturday, December 6 at 7:30pm The Westmount Youth Orchestra Christmas Gala takes place at the Strathcona Music Building, Pollack Hall, 555 Sherbrooke W. Info: 514-398-4547

Saturday, December 6 Carmina and Friends presents a Christmas concert featuring J.S. Bach’s Live We For Friendship at the Unitarian Church, 5035 Maisonneuve. Suggested donation $10. Info: 514-843-6497

Sunday, December 7 at 4pm the CBC/McGill series presents a gala concert of youth choirs featuring guest conductor Jeff Joudrey at the Pollack Hall, 555 Sherbrooke W. $15/$10/$5. Info: 514-398-4547

Friday, December 12 at 8pm Concordia University Department of Music presents A Jazzy Christmas. $5. Info: 514-848-4848

Friday, December 12 at 7:30pm Lakeshore Chamber Music Society presents its Christmas concert with Les Chanteurs d’Orsee at Union Church, 24 Maple, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. Tickets sold at the door. $12, students and seniors $6. Info: 514-457-5280 or lcmssmcl.ca

Saturday, December 13 at 4pm the McGill Suzuki Group will perform traditional Christmas and Hannukah music at Westmount Baptist Church at 411 Roslyn.Info: 514-937-1009

Thursday, December 18 at 8pm I Musici presents Hot Coals – Hot Keys, featuring the recently discovered Chamber Concerto by Frankck and the works of Turina and Schubert at Pollack Hall, 555 Sherbrooke W. $37/$33 Seniors/$17 Students. Tickets: 514-982-6038

Thursday, December 18 at 7:30pm Dorval-Strathmore United Church holds their 7th Christmas Concert and food drive at 310 Brookhaven (corner Carson), Dorval. $7 in advance/$10 door, plus one non-perishable food item. Info: 514-631-9879

Saturdays and Sundays until December 23 from 1:30–3pm, Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel presents a rotation of eight choirs singing a repertoire of carols of various origins and musical traditions at 400 Saint-Paul E. Info: 514-282-8670

Monday, December 22 at 1:30 pm, Creative Social Center presents their Chanukah Celebration, at 5237 Clanranald. Please buy your tickets in advance for an afternoon of music, dance and latkas. Non-perishable donations for Sun Youth are appreciated. $4. Info: 514-488-0907

MUSEUMS

Saturdays and Sundays until December 21 at 2pm and 3pm the Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site of Canada hosts a 19th century Christmas exhibit from the period at 458 Notre-Dame E. $7.85. Info: 514-283-2282

Until February 16 from 10am – 5pm, St. Joseph Oratory museum holds an exhibition featuring over 300 Christmas mangers from 100 countries at 3800 Queen Mary. Info: 514-733-8211

Until January 4 Chateau Ramazay hosts Holiday Treats! Holiday Tales! – a traditional Christmas exhibit with trees, ornaments, greeting cards and table settings in the Victorian style at 280 Notre-Dame E. $9. Info: 514-861-3708

THEATRE

Saturday, December 6 at 8pm Jewish Public Library presents No Exit by award-winning Israeli filmmaker Dror Sabo at the Leanor and Alvin Segal Centre at 5170 Côte Ste-Catherine. $12, $7/JPL members and students. Tickets: 514-345-6416

Tuesday, December 9 to Saturday, December 13 at 8pm the National Theatre School of Canada presents Arthur Miller’s All My Sons at the Ludger-Duvernay Theatre, 1182 St. Laurent. $9. Info: 514-871-2224

Until December 13, Mainline Theatre hosts Patrick de Moss’s La Bella Luna, starring burlesque star Holly Gauthier-Frankel, at 3997 St-Laurent. $17/$15 seniors and students. Tickets: 514-481-8406

December 19 to January 10 Hudson Village Theatre presents its 8th annual Christmas performance, Beauty and the Beast, at 28 Wharf, Hudson. Info: 450-458-5361 or villagetheatre.ca

Vermont events November 2008

November 28 at 2pm and 7pm North Country Ballet Ensemble will be hosting The Nutcracker at Plattsburgh State’s Hartman Theater at 101 Broad Street in Plattsburgh. Info: balletplattsburgh.com

November 15 at 6pm Aldrich Public Library is hosting their first Polenta Festival at 6 Washington St. Enjoy a fantastic Polenta dinner with your friends and top off the evening with the music of Piero Bonamico Jr. Individual seats: $30. Table of 8: $200. Reservations and info: 802-476-7550

November 16 at 2pm South Burlington Community Library will be hosting music with Gary Dulabaum at 550 Dorset. Info: 802-652-7080

November 18 – December 31 Monday – Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 12pm-4pm Studio Place Arts is hosting their SPA members show where artists of SPA share their diverse selection of fine art and crafts in time for the holiday gift-giving season. Located at 201 N Main St., Barre. Info: 802-479-7069

November 14-15 Middlebury College presents the life and poetry of Robert Frost. Info: vermonthumanities.org

November 8 - November 16 The Shelburne museum will be hosting their hooked rug exhibit, showcasing their 2008 featured artists, Rae Harrell and Diane Kelly. Over 500 newly created works of hooked rug art will be on display. Over 18 vendors will be selling wool and rug hooking supplies. Classes available with experienced instructors. 555 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne. Info: 518-399-8975

November 6 - 16 Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater Presents Vermonts 14th Annual West African Dance and Drum Festival. Featuring Kiridi “The Orphan,” a full length West African Ballet at the Memorial and Contois Auditoriums, Main Street, Burlington. Tickets available through the Flynn Box Office. Info: 802-859-1802

Deli chronicler speaks

Sunday, November 16, Montreal-based documentary filmmaker Garry Beitel will speak at Shaare Zedek Men’s Club, 5205 Rosedale. Beitel’s recent film Chez Schwartz is the story of Montreal’s legendary deli. He is now making a documentary about Josh Dolgin aka Socalled, who fuses hiphop, funk, and klezmer. Info: 514-484-1122