York In Concert – Black Tie Gala
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 and includes names such as Barbara Budd and Katherine Govier. The entertainment will be drawn from the 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 '02) to an opera aria by Vania Chan (BFA '08) (currently continuing her training in New York) to a humorous ballet by choreographer Susan Cash (BFA '78, MA '07) (an alumna and now a faculty member).
Other performers include: Nicole Rose Bond (dancer) (BFA '05); Darcey Callison (choreography) (PhD '09); Andrew Craig (musical director) (BFA '93); Rita di Ghent (Jazz vocalist) (BFA '83); Diane Flacks (actor) (BFA '88); Amanda Martinez (Latin American vocalist) (IMBA '99); Yvonne Ng (dancer) (BFA '87); Nino Ricci (author) (BA '81); Suba Sankaran (vocalist) (BFA '97, MA '02); Wibi Jazzin (a cappella chorus); and Sashar Zarif (choreographer) (MA '07). The script for the event is being developed by Jacintha Wesselingh (BFA '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 7:00 pm and will be preceded by a reception at 6:00pm. Performers will join guests in a post-Concert reception.
Earth Hour is being observed this evening between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. at both of York's campuses. It is a time to turn off the lights and demonstrate our support for addressing the harmful effects of climate change. In recognition and respect for this, be advised that this evening's performance is carbon neutral. Carbon emissions associated with this event have been independently calculated by 'Carbonzero' and the related offsets will be used to plant approximately fifty shrubs in the Arboretum along Pond Road here on the Keele campus once the spring planting season arrives. The community will be reminded of this initiative once it has been completed.