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Changing measuring systems can mean big differences in results, and that's what appears to be happening with widespread use of "portable people meters" of PPMs, little devices that pick up what a sample of the population (all volunteers) is listening to. PPMs have been use in Montreal and 12 major areas in the US for a year now, with some disconcerting results, particularly in the US. (Previously, the rating were based on listener diaries. The switch is being made in other markets, including... Read Full Story
The ratings are out for the fall listening period and once again Radio Two seems to be wallowing in Montreal. Last year during the same period the station garnered 2.3 per cent of Anglo listeners according to PPM measures, while this year the percentage was down to 2 per cent. Its sister-station Espace Musique got 2.2 per cent of Franco listeners a year ago, but this year recorded 2 per cent. In contrast this year the all-classic station CJPX got 4.6 per cent among Francos and 2.6 among... Read Full Story
Last night was a first for Elin’s new viola da gamba: an intimate concert in a series organized by one of her students, Vincent Bonhomme. He is a coiffeur (far too classy to be a hair-dresser) whose small salon Jardin d’Art et de coiffure on Mont Royal Boulevard in Montreal’s Plateau district converts into a performance space where he has been organizing musical events for some time. It was an evening of Renaissance and Baroque music by Ruffo, Ortiz, Hume, Abel and J.S Bach for flutes and... Read Full Story
The latest PPM radio listener share figures for Montreal are out, and if the CBC was expecting to see some improvement in its Radio 2 numbers, it must be disappointed. Between Jan. 26 and April 26, 2009 Radio 2’s share was 2 per cent, but it dropped to 1.8 per cent in the period June 1-August 30. The results, measured by devices carried around by selected citizens, are supposed to be more reliable than those obtained under the previous method of listener diaries. This means that the BBM... Read Full Story
We have a treat in store this afternoon: Elin is giving the second in her recitals presented as she works toward a doctorate in performance at the Université de Montréal. Although she's spent most of her musical career playing early music, her interest in improvisation--the way music was taught in the olden days--has led her to some much more experimental work. Where her first recital was based in the Italian improvisational tradition of the 16th and 17th century, this one doesn't have a... Read Full Story
Elin and Lee are back from their journey to Belgium and The Netherlands to pick up the tenor viola da gamba that Elin’s friend Dutch luthier and gambist Gesina Liedmeir made for her. That’s the sculptured head of the viol: it’s called Lyon, as you might imagine. Since Emmanuel is from Lyon, I think there’s a concept there! Lee was charmed that his daughter asked him to travel with her (Emmanuel had to work) although he accused her of only wanting him along for the extra baggage allowance... Read Full Story
Consider this a head's up: the Montreal Baroque Festival begins next week, celebrating Henry Purcell. Les Voix Humaines will be playing his fantasies on Thursday evening, music which is featured on their new CD. Elin is part of the consort of viols and you can see her in the video: she's the one in the purple sweater. Quite an interesting story about the magnificent viols which will also be played on Thursday. Read Full Story
Leonard Cohen Tickets Chicago Theatre in Chicago, IL Buy Leonard Cohen Tickets in Chicago, IL The exciting new concert by Leonard Cohen will be featured on Wednesday, May 6, 2009. Every appearance by Leonard Cohen has created intense excitement in the past, but this performance is supposed to be unlike any other. The Chicago Theatre at 175 N State St may prove to be little to house the number of Leonard Cohen fans who will show up to make this concert the "show of the year." Leonard Cohen is... Read Full Story
Il Divo Tickets Agganis Arena in Boston, MA Buy Il Divo Tickets in Boston, MA Il Divo is beyond astonishing! Il Divo will be appearing live on Thursday, May 14, 2009. The passion and emotion behind every concert can only be experienced from in front of the stage - not through articles and reviews! The excitement of the Il Divo concert already has the Agganis Arena, venue staff anticipating a sold out show with standing room only. While the Agganis Arena has hosted many performances, Il Divo... Read Full Story
This past week has been strange. During the day I work with families of babies (up to age 3) with developmental problems. No Problem. Most nights I blog about cancer, again No Problem. Mozart, however, has been causing me a problem. I've been singing for probably 30 years now. Everything you can think of but mostly choral music. For the last few years I've been fortunate enough to perform with a wonderful group, the Carolina Vocal Arts Ensemble . This group of choral singers works their... Read Full Story
