York in Concert – Black Tie Gala

Mar 28, 2009, 7-9PM

York University's 50th anniversary will be celebrated in grand style with a Gala Concert in the Tribute Communities Recital Hall. The show will be hosted by a series of guest emcees drawn from York's accomplished alumni, including such names as Barbara Budd and Katherine Govier. The entertainment will be drawn from a pool of talented performers who "got their start" at York. The performances will range from the jazz stylings of well-known vocalist Matt Dusk (BFA Spec. Hons. '02) and an opera aria by Vania Chan (BFA Spec. Hons. '08), currently continuing her training in New York City, to a humorous ballet by choreographer and York faculty member Susan Cash (BFA Spec. Hons. '78, MA '07).

Other performers include: dancer Nicole Rose Bond (BFA Spec. Hons. '05); choreographer Darcey Callison (PhD '09); and musical direction by Andrew Craig (BFA Spec. Hons. '93), host of CBC Radio’s "Canada Live". Also performing are jazz vocalist Rita di Ghent (BFA '83); writer and actor Diane Flacks (BFA Spec. Hons. '88); Latin American vocalist Amanda Martinez (IMBA '99); dancer and choreographer Yvonne Ng (BFA Spec. Hons. '87); author Nino Ricci (BA Spec. Hons. '81); vocalist Suba Sankaran (BFA Spec. Hons. '97, MA '02); the a cappella chorus Wibi Jazzin; and choreographer and dancer Sashar Zarif (MA '07).

The script for the event is being developed by Jacintha Wesselingh (BFA Spec. Hons. '98). All of the participants, both onstage and backstage will be York alumni or current students, with the exception of the Gala's producer, Phillip Silver, former dean, Faculty of Fine Arts.

Please note that the list of performers is correct at the time of writing. 

The concert is at 7pm and will be preceded by a reception at 6pm. Performers will join guests in a post-concert reception.

Ticket Giveaway
Although this concert is "by invitation", 25 pairs of tickets will be given away to York students, faculty, staff and alumni. Click here to enter the draw. The contest closes at 5pm (Toronto time) on March 9. For contest rules, click here.