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Behind the Scenes of the Canadian Opera Company’s Operanation 10

Ambur Braid has her make-up and hair styled in her home by Aniya Nandy for Plutino Group (photo: Ryan Emberley)

Ambur Braid has her make-up and hair styled in her home by Aniya Nandy for Plutino Group (photo: Ryan Emberley)

We rated last year’s Operanation 9: “Sweet Revenge” as one of last year’s top events of 2012, so you should be marking the 10th iteration of Operanation as a must-attend. It’s a major fundraising event of grandiose celebrations for Toronto’s performing arts that brings over a thousand guests to fill three floors of the Four Season’s Centre for the Performing Arts, raising funds for the COC’s Ensemble Studio, the training program for aspiring young opera professionals.

This year the Operanation theme is inspired by the upcoming COC 2013/2014 production of Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte. It also incorporates the animal of 2013, the snake, into the photo shoot with the Canadian Opera Company’s soprano, Ambur Braid.  She is a recent alumni of the Ensemble Studio program.

This will be a sold out affair so be sure to stay tuned and mark your calendars for Operanation 10 on October 24, 2013.

Ambur Braid sports a Medusa hairstyle as the boa snake gets tangled in her hair (photo: Ryan Emberley)

Ambur Braid sports a Medusa hairstyle as the boa snake gets tangled in her hair (photo: Ryan Emberley)

Test shots by JJ Thompson of Ambur Braid in the Henry N. R. Jackman Lounge of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (photo: Ryan Emberley)

Test shots by JJ Thompson of Ambur Braid in the Henry N. R. Jackman Lounge of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (photo: Ryan Emberley)

Ambur Braid and her python co-star in the Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts (photo: Ryan Emberley)

Ambur Braid and her python co-star in the Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts (photo: Ryan Emberley)

Below are a few of our photos from last year’s Operanation 9: Sweet Revenge.

Ambur Braid collaborating with The Arkells

Ambur Braid rocking out with The Arkells

Members of the Canadian Opera Company's Ensemble Studio at Operanation 9

Members of the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio at Operanation 9

Enjoying Sweet Revenge macarons

Enjoying Sweet Revenge macarons

Nelly Furtado performing at Operanation 9: Sweet Revenge for the Canadian Opera Company

Nelly Furtado performing at Operanation 9: Sweet Revenge for the Canadian Opera Company

ABOUT THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY

Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. The COC enjoys a loyal audience support-base and one of the highest attendance and subscription rates in North America. Under its leadership team of General Director Alexander Neef and Music Director Johannes Debus, the COC is increasingly capturing the opera world’s attention. The COC maintains its international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation by creating new productions within its diverse repertoire, collaborating with leading opera companies and festivals, and attracting the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The COC performs in its own opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world. Designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects, the Four Seasons Centre opened in 2006, and is also the performance venue for The National Ballet of Canada. For more information on the Canadian Opera Company, please visit its award-winning website, coc.ca.

Gala of Light in support of Street Haven feat. Divine Brown

Divine Brown singing with the Toronto Choral Society

The Gala of Light is a fundraiser held in support of homeless women in downtown Toronto via a multi-program agency called Street Haven at the Crossroads that has been around 1965. The 2nd annual gala for Street Haven was held on April 4, 2013 at The Fifth Social featuring Juno award-winning singer Divine Brown. She was also joined on stage by the Toronto Choral Society. Even though she’s “Canada’s own certified diva” (as quoted from her twitter acct), Divine Brown was an approachable diva who was gracious enough to allow for photo opportunities with guests. The evening was hosted by CP24’s Melissa Grelo (and I had just formally met her the day before at the Open Wines party!). Toronto’s own singer-songwriter, Jesse Labelle, was also in attendance.

There was a silent auction and also a live auction with items from Canadian fashion designers, luxury gifts, sports tickets, culinary opportunities, and unique travel destinations.

After Divine Brown’s house-rocking performance the night ended with catching up with friends, meeting new friends and dancing. It was a fun night for a great charity that helps marginalized women in need right here in downtown Toronto.

r: Jesse Labelle, singer-songwriter

r: Jesse Labelle, singer-songwriter

Melissa Grelo

Melissa Grelo

Divine Brown

Divine Brown

Dale Hodder, Sharad Mohan, Lori Petteplace, Omar Leslie

Dale Hodder, Sharad Mohan, Lori Petteplace, Omar Leslie

Nick Liu (Chef of Gwailo) , Andres Marquez (Fonda Lola)

Nick Liu (Chef of Gwailo) , Andres Marquez (Fonda Lola)

See below for our photos and also here on our Facebook album.

Some tweets from the 2013 Gala of Light

ABOUT STREET HAVEN
EMERGENCY SHELTER
Nestled in a beautiful heritage house in the heart of downtown, this 38 bed shelter serves single women. We provide basic living needs: shelter, safety, meals, clothing, hot showers, medical and other necessary resources and supports for a variety of challenges ranging from mental health issues to experiences of violence, substance abuse issues, physical illness, women fleeing from domestic violence, and in all cases, extreme poverty and trauma. Our Housing Services assist women in searching, finding and securing permanent housing as well as offering support where possible to ensure successful ongoing housing.

ADDICTION SERVICES
A continuum of services for women experiencing substance abuse issues begins with an intensive 6 month 10 bed residential, abstinence based, treatment program that focuses on profound change of lifestyle and behaviour. An outreach program is available for women leaving the residential program and to other women living in the community who require support, resources, counselling and help in life planning. The community program is harm reduction based and available to women for a period of two years.

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
We provide supportive housing for 32 women in three different locations in downtown Toronto. Women learn to live independently after recovering from massive trauma, mental health issues and/or substance abuse issues. With varying degrees of support in our separate locations, staff support women to become members in their communities, encouraging each woman to set and work towards her own goals.

LEARNING CENTRE
A place for women to access a basic literacy class, private tutoring, a computer lab and support for job readiness, Located in the Adelaide Women’s Resource Centre, this program supports women to continue their education and accomplish personal goals.

For more information visit streethaven.com and to make a donation visit www.streethaven.com/donations/

The 2013 Pink Party in support of CBCF feat Elisha Cuthbert, The Sam Roberts Band

Sam Roberts Band Photo: Nick Lee
  • April 13, 2013
  • charity, Events, party
  • Comments Off on The 2013 Pink Party in support of CBCF feat Elisha Cuthbert, The Sam Roberts Band
Elisha Cuthbert, Paul Etherington

Elisha Cuthbert, Paul Etherington

Elisha Cuthbert

Elisha Cuthbert

The audience listening to Elisha Cuthbert and Paul Etherington speak about breast cancer

The audience listening to Elisha Cuthbert and Paul Etherington speak about breast cancer

Sam Roberts

Sam Roberts Band

It was a fun charity party in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation at the classic venue Capitol Theatre. I’ve only been there once before for a corporate Christmas party and it was a memorable evening. This was another memorable evening as well being my 2nd time at the annual Pink Party (last year’s pics here), so of course I knew it would be fun! And it got even better when actress, Elisha Cuthbert, was announced as a co-host!

There was complimentary Iceberg Vodka, Barefoot Wine and Amsterdam beer, and Red Bull served the whole night. It was great to see so many bars throughout the venue which meant short line ups for drinks. There was also a plethora of delicious Bite Me Bakery desserts including macarons, cupcakes, and take-home candies. Activites included picking up paper fish on the floor with a fishing rod for prizes. There was also a Bra Bandit game where you unhook 4 bras off mannequins as fast as you can with one hand. The fastest was 11 seconds by a guy.

I finally got to shake hands with my fellow Canadian Special Events award winner, DJ Ef Sharp, Sam Fleming, Favourite DJ of the year. DJ Efsharp has been entertaining the biggest events in Toronto including Fashion Week, iYellow Wine Club and more and he does it with vinyl.

The Sam Roberts Band performed back when it started in 2010 in Paul Etherington’s backyard with 80 friends. Last night there were 650 people.  Paul Etherington has also raised millions of dollars for the Special Olympics as co-founder and chairman of the annual Motionball gala. So the Juno award-winning Sam Roberts Band returned to rock out to a full house. The night ended with DJs Pump & Hedspin.

There was also a raffle for a 50″ TV, a $500 Shell gas gift card and round trip flights for 2 anywhere in Canada. There was also a silent auction with 40 items to choose from. I was lucky that my bid won a silent auction item for $500 at The Brant House!

My friends Jennifer Love, DJ Efsharp

My friends Jennifer Love, DJ Efsharp

Sam Roberts Band

Sam Roberts Band

ThePinkParty-BestofToronto-044

Some tweets from the evening

More photos below or also here on our facebook album.

Check out our photos of last year’s 2012 Pink Party “Glitz & Glamour”

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Since 1986, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has been at the forefront of a nation-wide movement to raise awareness and mobilize action on breast cancer. Today, the Foundation is the leading organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Visit www.cbcf.org and click here to donate to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation directly.

The JUNOS at TIFF Celebrate Canadian Music on Film

JunosatTIFF-BestofToronto-009

Director X and Francois Lamoureux laughing on stage

Director X and Francois Lamoureux laughing on stage

On Tuesday, April 2, TIFF Bell Lightbox hosted the JUNOS for a special showcase celebrating Canadian music on film. Hosted by MuchMore’s Matt Wells, The JUNOS at TIFF highlighted the creative connections between music and film.

The JUNOS at TIFF showcased the 2013 nominees for “Video of the Year” and “Music DVD of the Year”. The evening featured clips from the nominated films and videos followed by conversations and Q&A’s with their directors. The directors shared their behind-the-scenes stories about life in the director’s chair, and how they turned their creative visions into a reality.

The nominees included: Director X, Video of the Year nominee for Drake’s “HYFR” and renowned video guru for Usher, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rihanna and many more; Andy Keen, Music DVD of the Year nominee for The Tragically Hip’s documentary “Bobcaygeon”; Ben Knechtel, Music DVD of the Year nominee for Ten Second Epic’s “Better Off”; Margaret Malandruccolo, Video of the Year nominee for Alan Doyle’s “Testify” and Johnny Reid’s “Fire It Up”; Pierre and Francois Lamoureux, Music DVD of the Year nominees for “The Orchestration Project: Pat Metheny”; Sean Wainsteim, Video of the Year nominee for Walk Off The Earth’s “Little Boxes”; and Tim Martin, Music DVD of the Year nominee for Michael Kaeshammer’s concert DVD release, Kaeshammerlive!

So if you’re in Regina, Saskatoon then you’re in luck because the winners will be announced at the 2013 JUNOS on April 21, 2013 at the Brandt Centre. This year’s JUNO Awards are hosted by Michael Bublé and you can get your tickets at ticketmaster.ca

Francois Lamoureux, Margaret Malandruccolo

Francois Lamoureux, Margaret Malandruccolo

Director X, Francois Lamoureux

Director X, Francois Lamoureux

Editor:
When someone from the audience asked if Director X had to enjoy the music to direct, he said he didn’t need to. He said if someone cared enough to come to him with money it must be good enough to somebody. A few other Juno nominees on stage laughed. Francois Lamoureux agreed and gave his example of working with Slipknot which wasn’t his type of music at first but the more he got into it, the more he appreciated it. Kudos to him! I liked a lot of Slipknot back in the day.

Francois Lamoureux’s story about the video with Pat Metheny’s “The Orchestrion Project” video was interesting. Metheny controls an entire orchestra with just his guitar. So Lamoureux and his crew had 3 days booked in a New York Church but the camera crew was stuck at the border so they ended up having only 1.5 days left yet somehow made it all work. Watch the highlights of the footage here:

Director X revealed that he is currently working with Ciara next and that working with her is interesting because, as with all women, she’s very detail oriented.

Alan Doyle’s “Testify” written with Russell Crowe, who’s also a priest in this video.

Check out Director X’s video with Drake “HYFR”. Director X said that the partying was unscripted and it got even crazier but they ran out of tape. And just left the rest of what happened to our imagination.

For more information visit tiff.net

Margaret Malandruccolo

Margaret Malandruccolo

 

Director X

Director X

ABOUT MUSICOUNTS
A portion of the ticket proceeds went to MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS which helps keep music alive in schools across the country. For more information visit musiccounts.ca

Shining Stars at the Starlight Gala

Georgina Reilly, Murdoch Mysteries

StarlightGala-BestofToronto-037

Anwar Knight | George Pimentel Photography

Anwar Knight | George Pimentel Photography

Georgina Reilly, Murdoch Mysteries

Georgina Reilly, Murdoch Mysteries

There’s no shortage of giving (and there shouldn’t be) when it comes to helping children who are seriously ill. Starlight is the only charity in Canada that helps these ill children both in and out-of-hospital from diagnosis and throughout the course of their time of need. Starlight has been helping Canadian children and their families for over 20 years. So it’s no wonder that 700 people including many celebrities came out a gala to support a charity that helps these most needy children.

“This year will mark our most successful gala to date. We’re absolutely thrilled with the amount of support and generosity from all attendees, volunteers, and celebrity talent. The money raised helps us to deliver our in-hospital and out-­of-­hospital programs and brighten the lives of seriously ill children and families.” said Starlight President, Christopher Barry.

BestofToronto.net’s Flora Tran says: “I liked how it was a circus theme, full of candies and circus-themed performers. It’s like a reminder for adults of what it was like as a kid and for the charitable guests and the sick kids to have a fun night.”

Attendees enjoyed a renaissance carnival theme with a circus ringmaster, fire eaters, a strong man, stilt walkers and a bearded lady. There was lots to enjoy including cotton candy, chocolate, popcorn and a 4 course meal. There was a large selection of auction items with an entire banquet room at Fairmont Royal York dedicated to silent auction. It was a popular room to be in with a great variety of amazing items to bid upon. The 18th annual gala’s presenting sponsors were Toys R Us and Babies R Us Canada.

Congrats on raising over $450,000 on this special evening! Proceeds go directly to Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada’s in and out of hospital programming to give kids the opportunity to laugh, play and be kids again.

StarlightGala-BestofToronto-007

Taysha Fuller, Degrassi

Taysha Fuller, Degrassi

The auction room

The auction room

Some notable tweets from the evening:

ABOUT THE STARLIGHT CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

Starlight is the only charity in Canada that helps seriously ill children in and out-of-hospital from diagnosis through the course of their care journey.

Starlight has been helping Canadian children and their families for over 20 years.

Watch this short video to watch the magic that happens when you donate to Starlight Canada.

For more information including ways to give please visit starlightcanada.org

Our photos below and also on Facebook

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