80th Birthday Tribute To Canadian Jazz Great Rick Wilkins at Grace Church On The Hill

Ensemble Vivant will perform compositions and arrangements that Rick Wilkins wrote exclusively for the group over the past 27 years. Critically acclaimed Ensemble Vivant will be joined by some of Canada’s most renowned jazz artists, including: Brian Barlow, Mike Murley and Guido Basso.

Hamilton born Rick Wilkins, C.M. is one of Canada’s most accomplished saxophonists and a world-renowned arranger, composer, conductor and performer. He has been a champion of Catherine Wilson and Ensemble Vivant’s artistry for over 27 years, and has worked closely with her in writing arrangements and original compositions for Ensemble Vivant. Wilkins has worked with a variety music legends throughout his career, including: Oscar Peterson, Anne Murray, Burton Cunnings, Wayne and Schuster, Peggy Lee, Celine Dion, Oliver Jones, John McDermott, Guido Basso, Julie Amato and Tommy Ambrose. He established a major career creating music for radio and television, on CBC-TV and Radio, as well as CTV. He was a music director for a television series and several specials starring The Jackson Five on CBS. He conducted a portion of the opening ceremonies for the Calgary Olympics, and was the music director for the gala opening of Toronto’s SkyDome. Also, he scored and rescored the Hockey Night in Canada theme. ...

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Ensemble Vivant will perform compositions and arrangements that Rick Wilkins wrote exclusively for the group over the past 27 years. Critically acclaimed Ensemble Vivant will be joined by some of Canada’s most renowned jazz artists, including: Brian Barlow, Mike Murley and Guido Basso.

Hamilton born Rick Wilkins, C.M. is one of Canada’s most accomplished saxophonists and a world-renowned arranger, composer, conductor and performer. He has been a champion of Catherine Wilson and Ensemble Vivant’s artistry for over 27 years, and has worked closely with her in writing arrangements and original compositions for Ensemble Vivant. Wilkins has worked with a variety music legends throughout his career, including: Oscar Peterson, Anne Murray, Burton Cunnings, Wayne and Schuster, Peggy Lee, Celine Dion, Oliver Jones, John McDermott, Guido Basso, Julie Amato and Tommy Ambrose. He established a major career creating music for radio and television, on CBC-TV and Radio, as well as CTV. He was a music director for a television series and several specials starring The Jackson Five on CBS. He conducted a portion of the opening ceremonies for the Calgary Olympics, and was the music director for the gala opening of Toronto’s SkyDome. Also, he scored and rescored the Hockey Night in Canada theme.

A portion of the proceeds from Ensemble Vivant’s 80th Birthday Tribute to Rick Wilkins will go to Euterpe, a well-established charity providing under-served GTA children with access to live high-caliber classical and jazz concerts and music education, free of charge. Euterpe’s man initiatives are endorsed by the scientific community and have been benefiting children and communities for over 10 years. Tax receipts available for donations of $20 or more. www.euterpemusicarts.com

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