Annual benefit concert for St. Michael’s Hospital
Strauss’ Four Last Songs
and Shostakovich’s 5th Symphony
Program includes Kol Nidrei by Bruch, The Four Last Songs by Strauss and Symphony no. 5 by Shostakovich. TORONTO—An accomplished group of musicians will assemble on Mon Nov. 25, 2019 for a special performance at Christ Church Deer Park in Toronto to benefit St. Michael’s Hospital (SMH). This annual fundraiser, presented by Opera 5 General Director Rachel Krehm and her family, has generated over $100,000 in the past six years, with 100% of ticket revenue supporting SMH’s Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit (MS ICU).
Commencing the program this year, French cellist Michel Strauss, professor of cello at the Paris Conservatory, will be playing Bruch’s Kol Nidrei alongside the Canzona Chamber Players Orchestra under the baton of Kingston Symphony Music Director Evan Mitchell. Soprano Rachel Krehm joins the orchestra to close out the first half, presenting Strauss’ beloved Four Last Songs. The concert concludes with Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5.
The annual fundraiser is presented in memory of Elizabeth Krehm, who passed away at the age of 22 in the MS ICU at St. Michael’s Hospital on Nov. 17, 2012. During her month-long stay in the MS ICU, Elizabeth received a high level of care from the unit’s doctors and nurses, prompting the Krehm family to establish this benefit concert series in her memory.
“It is so important for us to support the ICU at St Michael’s on an ongoing basis as a thank-you for the excellent care which was given to Liz,” says Rachel Krehm. “This year’s concert is very special. Michel Strauss and my father studied music together in France in the 1970s and to have a family friend come and honour Elizabeth means the world to us. Strauss holds a special place in my heart and to sing these songs for my sister Liz adds an even greater level of personal meaning. Shostakovich’s 5th symphony represents the overcoming of a great struggle, which we all can appreciate as we mourn and remember. Along with Liz, we honour the lost friends and family of all involved in making the concert happen, and we look to present the night as a healing experience through the power of music.”
The concert takes place on Nov. 25, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-can with a suggested minimum donation of $30. All proceeds benefit the Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit of SMH. This admission model ensures access for anyone who wishes to attend.
LISTING INFORMATION
The Seventh Elizabeth Krehm Memorial Concert: Shostakovich & Strauss
Monday Nov. 25, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
Tickets: by donation at the door (pay-what-you-can)**
More info: 647-248-4048 or click here
**Early donations, which allow bypassing of the line at the door, may be made on the St. Michael’s Hospital Elizabeth Krehm Memorial Page** |
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