Comments Off on The Limited Edition Dom Pérignon 2004 vintage by Jeff Koons
Last night at the Trump Hotel the limited edition Dom Perignon 2004 vintage was revealed in collaboration with balloon art on display by New York’s Jeff Koons. This is the second milestone of its collaboration with Jeff Koons.
In terms of tasting notes, the 2004 gives aromas of almond and powdered cocoa that gradually develop into white fruit with hints of dried flowers. It finishes with toasted notes.
So for those that want to make a statement this holiday season, this highly-sought after piece will surely be a unique and impressive gift. you can be assured these limited quantities won’t stay on shelves long.
To quote UK’s Henry Matson of Farr Vintners, the fact that the 2004 is so different to the 2003 is a key selling point. “We can say to our customers they should buy the 03 to drink, but the 04 will last. Vintage variation like this will totally sell a vintage.”
The 2004 Vintage will be available at the LCBO beginning Dec. 7, 2013. The retail price is $247.95.
Dom Perignon 2004 vintage revealed at the Trump Tower in the Suits Lobby Lounge
Jeff Koons with the limited editions of Dom Perignon
Some photos from last night’s launch at Suits Lobby at the Trump Hotel
Jeff Koons with the limited editions of Dom Perignon
The “Balloon Venus” exhibit by Jeff Koons can be viewed at the Trump Hotel in front of the Suits Lobby Lounge
Dom Perignon 2004 vintage revealed at the Trump Tower in the Suits Lobby Lounge
Comments Off on Next generation of opera singers celebrated at the COC’s Centre Stage gala
The next generation of Canada’s talented opera singers were celebrated at the Canadian Opera Company’s inaugural “Centre Stage” gala on November 26, 2013. After 155 preliminary auditions across Canada, nine short-listed singers competed to win cash prizes and opera glory at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.
Accompanied by the COC orchestra and conducted by Music Director Johannes Debus, each singer gave their best performance in two arias each.
Grammy-nominated and multi-Juno award winning Rufus Wainwright was a charismatic emcee.
“I applaud all the young artists we heard in the competition.”, said COC General Director Alexander Neef. “They performed with great passion and commitment, and the quality of the emerging talent we heard made us all very enthusiastic about the future of opera in Canada.”
At the end of it, the audience got to vote from their seats for the audience’s choice winner while a panel of judges deliberated on the Top Prize winner.
While the judges were making their decision, Rufus Wainwright surprised everyone with delightfully entertaining musical performances of his own accompanied by the COC orchestra.
In the end it was soprano singer, Karine Boucher, from Quebec City who won both the Audience Choice Award and the Top Prize Award. Congrats, Karine!
Proceeds from the evening were raised in support of the COC and will go towards the company’s Ensemble Studio. The COC artistic staff will confirm the lineup of the 2014/15 Ensemble Studio over the next few weeks.
Here are some photos I took during the cocktail reception of the Centre Stage gala.
Amy Burstyn-Fritz, Jörn Weisbrodt
Jörn Weisbrodt
left: Jeffrey Remedios, right: Alexander Neef (Canadian Opera Company, General Director)
Jeffrey Remedios
Check out the video of the Centre Stage gala including Karine Boucher’s winning performance:
Photos from the competition by Michael Cooper
Third Prize Winner bass-baritone Iain MacNeil, First Prize and Audience Choice Award winner soprano Karine Boucher and Second Prize winner tenor Jean-Philippe Fortier-Lazure
(l-r) COC General Director Alexander Neef, Third Prize Winner bass-baritone Iain MacNeil, First Prize and Audience Choice Award winner soprano Karine Boucher and Second Prize winner tenor Jean-Philippe Fortier-Lazure | Photo: Michael Cooper
(l-r) COC General Director Alexander Neef, Third Prize Winner bass-baritone Iain MacNeil, First Prize and Audience Choice Award winner soprano Karine Boucher, Second Prize winner tenor Jean-Philippe Fortier-Lazure, and COC Music Director Johannes Debus | Photo: Michael Cooper
The Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio Competition Gala, November 26 2013
1164 – Ensemble Studio Competition finalists and winners with the COC’s General Director Alexander Neef and Music Director Johannes Debus (centre)
| Photo: Michael Cooper
Ensemble Studio Competition finalists and winners with judges and (centre) the COC’s General Director Alexander Neef and Music Director Johannes Debus | Photo: Michael Cooper
Ensemble Studio Competition finalists and winners with Centre Stage host Rufus Wainwright | Photo: Michael Cooper
Ensemble Studio Competition finalists and winners with COC General Director Alexander Neef (at podium) and Centre Stage host Rufus Wainwright | Photo: Michael Cooper
Ensemble Studio Competition Second Prize Winner tenor Jean-Philippe Fortier-Lazure | Photo: Michael Cooper
Ensemble Studio Competition finalist bass-baritone Nathan Keoughan | Photo: Michael Cooper
Ensemble Studio Competition finalist mezzo-soprano Francesca Corrado | Photo: Michael Cooper
Ensemble Studio Competition finalist soprano Lara Secord-Haid | Photo: Michael Cooper
Rufus Wainwright | Photo: Michael Cooper
Ensemble Studio Competition Third Prize Winner bass-baritone Iain MacNeil | Photo: Michael Cooper
Ensemble Studio Competition First Prize and Audience Choice Award winner soprano Karine Boucher | Photo: Michael Cooper
Ensemble Studio Competition finalist mezzo-soprano Rachel Wood | Photo: Michael Cooper
Ensemble Studio Competition finalist tenor Jean-Michel Richer
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT AND THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY
And in related news, the Canadian Opera Company is commissioning a new opera to be composed by Rufus Wainwright and playwright Daniel MacIvor.
“We began the process of creating a new opera for the Canadian Opera Company several years ago, and I’m very proud to say that we are now at the stage where we can make the news public,” says COC General Director Alexander Neef. “Bringing a world premiere to the COC’s mainstage is a significant undertaking for the company and we’re proud to say that all the elements are now in place to make a strong project. Rufus and I have been talking about what Hadrian would look like for at least three years now and I’m very excited about the musical and dramatic direction that this piece will take.”
Hadrian will be Wainwright’s second opera. “I’m thrilled to be setting out on this epic journey with the COC and look forward to once again diving into the deep end, a requirement on all fronts in the world of opera,” Wainwright says.
Hadrian is scheduled for World Premiere in COC’s 2018/2019 Season.
For more info visit the Canadian Opera Company website here www.coc.ca
Comments Off on Photos from the Chivas 1801 soiree in Yorkville
Chivas is known to throw a flurry of events throughout the city. Their signature soiree of the year, labelled “Chivas 1801“, held at Sassafraz in Yorkville seemed like it was going to be proper, sophisticated and uptight but it turned into a bit of a fun party where guests got to loosen their ties and kick up their heels.
Celebrating some of the finer things in life: Mambacho cigars were paired with Chivas, GotStyle showed off their swanky sport jackets and gave out pocket squares, Mankind did some on-site grooming, Bellosound laid down the grooves accompanied by a saxophone player and DJ Starting from Scratch brought the guests to the dance floor to round out the night. And of course there were fine Chivas cocktails to be had including plenty of their 18 year old variety.
It was a great way to end the series of Chivas events for this year.
Guests in attendance included former Blue Jay Roberto Alomar, former Maple Leafs Curtis Joseph, and MuchMusic’s Liz Trinnear.
Comments Off on The Playa Cabana empire expands with Barrio Coreano in Korea town
Boldly placing a Mexican taco restaurant in Toronto’s Korea town on Bloor Street, Playa Cabana’s empire expands with Korean-influenced Mexican taco cuisine. Barrio Coreano is the 4th addition to Dave Sidhu’s successful chain. Taco varieties include
Korean beef, grilled octopus with wasabi salsa, spicy carnita, yuzu tuna, and chipotle kampungki chicken. I recommend the octopus and beef. Each taco was stuffed with generous amounts of ingredients and always paired with a fresh lime wedge.
The Korean flavours continue into the drinks where you can get refreshed with interesting choices such a sCho-jito, Soju Sangria, Kequila Marma, Kimchi Sour and Dave’s Margarita.
The venue is purposefully loud with bright neon lights which is not as bad as it sounds. In fact, I had such a great time had to force myself to leave. Looking forward to a future visit!
Barrio Coreano is located at 642 Bloor Street West.
Check out photos from the opening festivities where even the friendly staff from the other Playa Cabana locations came out to celebrate.
Paul-Mark with Pay Chen showing us her best side
Shinan Govani, Pay Chen, Dave Sidhu
Shinan Govani, Pay Chen
Paul-Mark with Pay Chen showing us her best side
Kevin Brauch (Thirsty Traveler)
left: Megan Mane
The Tequila Tromba boys (Eric Brass and Pete) with Dave Sidhu (Playa Cabana)
Comments Off on Spellbound Hair Design opens near Dundas Square
Spellbound Hair Design recently held their grand opening for their 2nd location, now conveniently located in downtown Toronto just south of Dundas Square for those who can’t make the trip to their original salon in Markham.
Carlos Pang and his team of hair stylists have been applying their trade at countless beauty pageants and fashion shows. The grand opening was packed with friends, fans and models mingling over drinks, hors d’oeuvres and hair styling.
The new location is at 261 Yonge Street 2/F Unit 1 near Ed Mirvish Theatre. For more info visit www.spellboundhairdesign.com
