June 20, 2004 Toronto -
The Joy of Niki
A tribute to Nicholas Goldschmidt 1908-2004

Sunday, June 20, 2004, 7:30 p.m., Roy Thomson Hall

Some of Canada's finest performers will join world renowned choral conductor Helmuth Rilling at Roy Thomson Hall on Sunday, June 20, 2004 at 7:30 p.m to celebrate the life and legacy of Nicholas Goldschmidt. The country's leading festival organizer and founder of the Canadian Opera Company will be remembered in concert and on video in a Tribute titled The Joy of Niki. German born Helmuth Rilling, founder of the Stuttgart Bach-Collegium orchestra and the famed Oregon Bach Festival, will pay tribute to his long-time friend by conducting J.S. Bach's Cantata 140 Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, a joyous piece, and a work requested by Niki himself.

Other highlights include a performance of Beethoven's O Welche Lust(Prisoner's Chorus) from Fidelio conducted by maestro Mario Bernardi, with soloist John MacMaster, and the finale from Benjamin Britten's Noyes Fludde. Sopranos Wendy Neilsen, Laura Whalen, and Monica Whicher; mezzo-soprano Anita Krause; tenor Lawrence Wiliford; baritone Russell Braun; and bass-baritone Gary Relyea are among the countless artists and ensembles donating their talents for this special commemorative event. Additional performers include Amadeus Choir, Bach Children's Chorus, Bell'Arte Singers, Elmer Iseler Singers, Kitchener-Waterloo Philharmonic Choir, Toronto Mendelssohn Singers, University of Toronto MacMillan Singers, and musicians
from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Tenor Colin Ainsworth and pianist Stephen Ralls, will premiere a new work by composer Derek Holman written in memoriam to Nicholas Goldschmidt.

Nicholas "Niki" Goldschmidt passed away February 8, 2004, in his 95th year. Niki's career spanned most of the 20th century. Trained in Vienna, prior to World War II, Niki brought Old World traditions, rigour and love of music to the New World. His influence was profoundly felt in Canada where his teaching and gift of discovering new talent inspired a generation of singers, musicians and composers. He was a founder of the Canadian Opera Company, and launched the key music festivals in this country, including the Vancouver International Festival, the Guelph Spring Festival, The Joy of
Singing Choral festivals (1989, 1995, 2000), Music Canada 2000, and The Algoma Festival. He was a volunteer Governor of The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall from 1986 to 1998 and continued to serve on the Programme Planning Committee until his death. His passion, vision and "infectious enthusiasm" left a lasting mark on everyone who experienced a Niki Goldschmidt production.

The Joy of Niki will be hosted by conductor Howard Dyck, C.M., host of CBC Radio Two's Choral Concert and Saturday Afternoon at the Opera. The concert has been produced by a volunteer committee, with CBC producer Robert Cooper serving as Artistic Director. Walter Pitman, C.M. will deliver a eulogy for Nicholas Goldschmidt.

Tickets: $20.00- Call 416-872-4255 or visit the Roy Thomson Hall Box Office

Visit the Roy Thompson Hall website for tickets and information

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