Michael Maniaci is hilarious. He’s very animated, outgoing, and offers up plenty of enjoyable conversation. I first met him in the fall of 2009 to discuss his album, “Mozart: Arias forMale Soprano” (Telarc). When I’ve talked about his album to friends, even my “music friends” ask what the deal is with his voice. ”Is he a countertenor?” they ask. ”No.” ”And he’s a GUY, right?” “Yes.” ”Did he have his -” “No,” I quickly answer. For whatever reason, his voice didn’t “break” in the usual manner when he was a teenager.
What’s amazing is he was blessed with a serious musical gift to make the very best out of his unusual voice – which is as high as a soprano (he has a high C) but with the strength and power of a man. He’s as close to sounding like the castrato of an era gone by. To see Michael explain, please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2liGFJFuGk
This CD, recorded with Boston Baroque under its founding maestro, Martin Pearlman, is Michael’s debut recording. It’s on the Telarc label, and is available in Canada and the US on Tuesday, January 26th.
I’ll keep you posted on future visits to Toronto. And you bet when Michael’s in town, he can be spotted chowing down on Fune’s Mountain Rolls with me in tow.
So tonight I went to see the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela in its Canadian debut with star conductor, Gustavo Dudamel (who’s sinfully adorable). And yes, I expected to be blown away. But what I *didn’t* expect was WHAT would blow me away – the sheer force, the power, the exuberance, and wait for it, my favourite word – the EBULLIENCE – of the orchestra players. 
When Measha Brueggergosman asked me to assist in promoting her benefit concert for AMREF, I said yes immediately. Measha…? Singing for a great cause….?? You bet. I mean it’s obvious that Measha is a singing sensation, and a hoot to work with…but she’s also giving her time to such a worthy cause, AMREF (African Medical & Research Foundation). Pianist Andreas Kern is flying in from Berlin for this; he is also her co-host on Arte Lounge, a TV show about the arts in Germany. CBC Radio’s Jian Ghomeshi of “Q” fame (or, more like, the man who showed nerves of steel and a whole lotta class during the Billy Bob interview debacle) will interview Measha before the 2nd half of the concert.
I was really excited when Spain-based American pianist Grace Nikae contacted me to organise her CD launch party in Toronto.