Most people who have listened to CBC Radio 1 or 2 will be familiar with the voice of Tom Allen. At the moment he is the host of Shift on Radio 2. His programs are always filled with interesting facts about the selection, the composer or about our times. Tom is also known a host and consultant for symphony orchestras and smaller concerts, and as an author, a musician and broadcaster.
Together with his musical friends, Tom Allen has put together a series of concerts of chamber music and storytelling that have been presented at the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, the Luminato Festival, Music Niagara, and the Soulpepper Global Cabaret Festival
THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS
Written by Tom Allen
Tom Allen: narration, trombone, voice
Kevin Fox: voice, cello, guitar
Lori Gemmell: harp, trumpet, piano, voice
Bryce Kulak: piano, voice, accordion
Patricia O’Callaghan: voice, piano, percussion
As the thunderclouds of the Great War pile up and burst, the musical revolutionary Claude Debussy and his one-time follower Maurice Ravel compete for the love of their proud, fickle, darling, Paris. The Judgment of Paris is a mix of cabaret, history and story-telling with timeless music by Debussy and Ravel, as well as original songs by the performers. It is new and old, heroic and tragic, history and fiction – and may the best composer win.
…beautiful arrangements of works by both composers as well as evocative new compositions riffing on themes in their life and music. – NOW Magazine
They are an engaging company that is able to address the topics of love, war, history, art and beauty in such a way as to make light of them without being flip. I was entertained and moved as well as educated. – Emily Hanlon, Ottawa Chamberfest
Running Time: 90 min. with Intermission.
1 hr. version available
Size of Company: 5
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BOHEMIANS IN BROOKLYN
Written by Tom Allen
Tom Allen – narration & trombone
Lori Gemmell – harp
Bryce Kulak – piano & voice
Patricia O’Callaghan – voice
What happens when a poet, an author, a composer, his lover, and a book-loving stripper all move into the same house in quiet, wartime Brooklyn? Arguments, indulgence, infestation, questionable relationships of every description, a murder mystery, plenty of reasons for the neighbours to bang on the walls and, just possibly, some truly wonderful art. Join singers Patricia O’Callaghan and Bryce Kulak, harpist Lori Gemmell and storyteller Tom Allen for an evening in the house that once held WH Auden, Benjamin Britten, Carson McCullers and Gypsy Rose Lee – a potent mix of cabaret, social history, very juicy gossip, glorious music and all parts fun.
“Beautifully punctuated… brought the songs to vivid life.” – Now Magazine
Running Time: 90 min. with Intermission.
1 hr. version available
Size of Company: 4
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Upcoming Performances
June 27/14 – Aeolian Hall – London, ON
July 12/14 – Young Centre for the Performing Arts – Toronto, ON
July 18/14 – Elora Festival – Elora, ON
July 19/14 – Young Centre for the Performing Arts – Toronto, ON
July 26/14 – Young Centre for the Performing Arts – Toronto, ON
Aug. 5/14 – Festival of the Sound – Parry Sound, ON
Sept. 28/14 – Colours of Music Festival – Barrie, ON
Jan. 23/15 – Horizon Stage PAC – Spruce Grove, AB
Jan. 24/15 – Banff Centre Eric Harvie Theatre – Banff, AB
Jan. 25/15 – Vernon Centre for the PA – Vernon, BC
Jan. 27/15 – Charles Bailey Theatre – Trail, BC
Jan. 29/15 – Golden Civic Centre – Golden, BC
Feb. 1/15 – Orillia Opera House – Orillia, ON
Feb. 27/15 – Kawartha Concerts Bravo Series – Peterborough, ON
Mar. 1/15 – Kawartha Concerts Ovation Series – Lindsay, ON
