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Friday, November 20, 2009

Engaged in Something Bigger.... experiencing Koerner Hall for the first time last night

Adding value to Toronto in a significant sense, Koerner Hall is a showcase of dedicated service folks at many levels. B Espresso has expanded from their Queen Street gem and is extending their passion for customers and coffee on the main floor of the newly renovated RC building on Bloor Street - what a wonderfully symbiotic opportunity for both the RC and B - enhancing one another with their individual offerings of excellence.

The passion and planning behind the Royal Conservatory was evident in every part of my experience at Koerner Hall last night enough to knock my socks off, and I consider myself to be reasonably well exposed to Toronto's music venues. Having students and their teacher play in the lobby after an engaging performance is great exposure for the performers.... and a HUGE treat for the concert attendees, and, I imagine, anyone on staff that's around to listen.  Being part of the big picture of what the RC is up to makes it an amazing place to work and come to as a patron, a ticket holder, a staff member, a guest .  From the moment we walked into the building and took in the new venue in all its detail, we were treated as though we mattered. The greeters, the staff at B (whose founder, Bruno Colozza was present last night leading his team and building relationship), the ushers outside and inside Koerner were consistent with the attention to detail paid by the architects, designers and accoustical engineers that have created a marvellous space to enjoy music of all kinds in.  Thank you!

Did I mention, in the midst of all this, an impressive set listening to Fado artist Tony Gouveia was a treat, and then - to be blown away by Sara Tavares and her musicians - was simply amazing.  WOW!  A program full of talent and innovative new music, both in style and substance.  And another piece of consistency - both Tony and Sara gave their fellow musicians amazing respect and appreciation. Sara engaged the audience in her music and the spirit of the evening in she offered.  A performance such as hers in the surroundings offered last night goes beyond an invitation to return again and again - finding a way to return as soon as possible was top of mind at the end of the night.

Sara Tavares with special guest Tony Gouveia

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