Love these knotted puff seats by Kumeko. Goes to show how simple design principles create a very pleasing end result.
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Impresarios Club tailgates the TSO!
Hot on the heels of our successful Urban Symphony event in partnership with the TSO, we’re excited to share the details below about their upcoming TAILGATE Bash!!
The TSO’s community of young professionals hosts its second Tailgate Party in Roy Thomson Hall’s parking lot on Saturday, June 9, 2012 in celebration of the Orchestra’s annual Late Night concert.
Come in your jeans and jerseys for an evening that begins with gourmet BBQ, beverages from Steamwhistle and Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard, and continues as the TSO stays up late and delivers an electrifying performance of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11. Stay after the concert for an audience-wide party with TSO musicians and live music by BADBADNOTGOOD.
The Impresarios Club is an exclusive community of young professionals (25-40) with a passion for Classical Music and the Toronto’s art scene. Additional details can be found here.
TAILGATE TSO: LATE NIGHT
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe St.
8:30pm Pre-concert Tailgate in the Roy Thomson Hall Surface Parking Lot
10:30pm TSO Performance Late Night performance: Shostakovich Symphony 11 (Presented in partnership with Luminato)
11:30pm Audience-wide party
Tickets: Impresarios Club Members: $45 + $14 concert ticket
Non-members: $55 + $14 concert ticket
CLICK to purchase tickets
Event Crumb…Hitting the Perfect Note: The Urban Symphony Recap
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, lover of classical music or simply embrace any opportunity to mingle with like-minded people, if you attended The Society and The People’s Wine Present: The Urban an Symphony on Tuesday evening, we hope you had as much fun as we did! With performances by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Violinist Peter Seminovs and Sergei Seminovs, Associate Principal Viola Eric Nowlin, and Cellist Igor Gefter combined with flowing wine from The People’s Wine, the night hit the perfect note.
For all who attended the event- thank you for making the night a wonderful success!
For those who missed the event, below are Tchaikovsky’s Borodin Quartet and Mozart’s Divertimenti No.1, the two pieces performed by the musicians:
The romantic, deeply moving and rich piece by Tchaikovsky is associated with the smooth, dense and sultry textured Pinot Noir.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Mozart’s Divertimenti N1 evokes an energetic and lighthearted mood that makes one think of a reawakening, much like the ending of winter into the renewal of life in the Spring. The Pinot Grigio is connected with this airy, joyful piece.
Vacation Crumb…The Glory of Villa Amanzi
Hidden in the lush and rolling hills of Cape Sol on the west coast of Thailand lies Villa Amanzi, a traveller’s paradise that is anything but a normal vacation getaway. Conceived by Original Vision architects, this villa encompasses 6 bedrooms, an infinity pool with majestic views of the Andaman Sea, a master suite with a 360 degress view of the breathtaking topography and waterfront, prestigious mountainous location on the Millionaire Mile in Kamala, and above all else, a general calming feel that juxtaposes luxury with simplicity surprisingly well. The only downside to this vacation? You’ll never want to come home!
Art Crumb…. The Power Plant - All Year, All Free
This year, Canada’s leading contemporary art gallery, The Power Plant, is celebrating its big 2-5! To ring in the milestone with a real bang, the gallery recently announced the All Year, All Free program - an initiative that will see all admission fees dropped for one full year (commencing on March 23, 2012).
Located in a 1920s powerhouse building on Toronto’s waterfront, Culturites can explore this historic gallery 7 days a week and enjoy a range of unique and compelling exhibitions throughout the year. Currently featured are exhibits by Kerry Tribe titled “Speak, Memory”, which explores memory and the history and apparatus of film, Markus Miessen’s project that strives to connect and put into dialogue the Power Plant’s 25-year history, and Sabine Bitter / Helmut Weber’s gallery and public installations, which explore architecture and their underlying production value.
Don’t miss out on this incredible program and enjoy the contemporary art offerings at the Power Plant!
Photography crumb…Using the Lens to Save its Subjects
Not only is Nick Brandt’s photography legendary; the products of his immense talent also aid in the conservation and growth of his greatest love- the natural African environment. His globally recognizable images present the African landscape in a turbulent, energetic manner, often juxtaposing with the serenity of the animals who inhabit the beautiful continent.
Created in September 2010, Nick’s foundation Big Life focuses on eradicating poaching in Africa to conserve the endangered animals and maintain the delicate balance of their ecosystem, all funded through the proceeds from each and every print that is sold. There is nothing like the combination of fantastic talent and true generosity to make a difference in the world!
Getaway crumb… Vacation of Rejuvenation
Nestled amidst the lush banks of Argentina’s Areco stream and the picturesque landscapes of Old Town Buenos Aires lies the epitome of serenity- San Antonio de Areco. The atmosphere of peaceful tranquility made this paradise the ideal location for Misfits studio owner Amber J and Vintage One Wine’s Alejandra de Miguel’s yoga and lifestyle retreat, harmoniously complimenting the calming landscape with the idea of whole-body balance. While most of us use yoga as a calming influence in the chaos of life and hectic schedules, the thought behind the retreat is to create total body health and wholeness, focusing on not only the physical bodies well-being, but on maintaining emotional and spiritual balance as well. 
On this week-long retreat, guests will indulge in tantalizing food and wine pairings, participate in yoga, pilates and fusion classes, experience the old town through a tour and cooking tutorial, and many more wistful experiences all before the backdrop of Argentina’s unmatched beauty. The lifestyle of total body balance which this retreat is based around will provide guests with such complete rejuvination, leaving is sure to be the only challenging aspect.
For more information, click here
Art Crumb…. Navillus Gallery
With a healthy offering of galleries in Toronto, culturites have more than their fair share to choose from to satisfy any art craving. In fact, the plethora of choice can often become overwhelming. In order to help you streamline though, we’ve decided to highlight one of our favourite new galleries - the Navillus Gallery.
The recently opened Navillus Gallery, located on Davenport in Yorkville, joins the ranks of some of the city’s premier galleries and features some of today’s most prominent artists. Their current exhibition, entitled After Glow features works by artists Gloria Vanderbilt, Mary Conover, and Mike Smalley. According to the gallery’s website, the exhibition “represents the three artists’ creative outpouring in the wake of important lives and varied artistic careers. Their work is humble, soulful and charged with the passion of lives well lived.”
Perhaps more well known today as the mother of CNN’s Anderson Cooper (aka the “Silver Fox”) than anything else, Gloria Vanderbilt has in fact led a distinct life as a socialite, muse, designer, and icon. The works she has contributed to the After Glow exhibition “reveal intimate memories of an incredible life.”
Formerly a photojournalist for publishing powerhouse Condé Nast, Conover’s works for the exhibition reflects her experiences as an avid traveler and draws inspiration “from her uncommon family, her peripatetic wanderings and an unwavering spiritual journey.”
With a distinct career in advertising under his belt, Mike Smalley’s paintings “expresses the violence, as well as the boundlessness of his energy and creativity.”
Fashion Crumb…. Ramp1885
“Exploring the untapped fashion reservoirs of the world”
With well over a decade of writing, fashion, and PR experience under her belt, Toronto-based Hina Ansari has launched a new blog that strives to explore fashion in every hidden corner of the globe. Ramp1885, aptly named after the very first catwalk in the world was used in 1885, boasts an international team and a roster of contributors, all with a common aim to showcase “how fashion is translated, embraced, and redefined from across the hills, valleys, oceans, and deserts of the world.”
Peruse the site for some international fashion inspiration in the Global Street Style section. From Singapore to Tunisia, the site showcases some of the world’s best ensembles. The City Style Snapshot captures the regional and cultural nuances that are special to each metropolis. With city spotlights on Tunis, Salvador Da Bahia, and Copenhagen, Ramp1885 truly shines the fashion spotlight on the entire world (and not just on the usual suspects, like NY and Paris).
For all fashion enthusiasts and culturites, we highly recommend you check Ramp1885 out for yourself!
Culture Crumb…Varied and Breathtaking photos
From the Earth’s natural phenomenon’s and mysteries to manmade creations of pure genius, our world is a pretty spectacular place. Below are some fascinating images of both the organic and material wonders of the planet.
Isle of Lamu. Lost paradise in the Indian Ocean.
The World’s highest chained carousel. Vienna, 117 meters
Thor’s Well aka ”the gates of the dungeon” on Cape Perpetua, Oregon. At moderate tide and strong surf, flowing water creates a fantastic landscape
Emerald Lake in the crater of an extinct volcano. Tongariro National Park - NewZealand
Restaurant on a cliff on the east coast of Zanzibar. Depending on the tide the restaurant can be reached both on foot and by boat.
Office of Selgas Cano, Madrid.
Desert with Phacelia (aka Scorpion weed). This only flowers once in several years
The view of skyscrapers from BurjKhalifa, Dubai.
A forest in Gryfino, Poland. The cause of the trees strange curvation is unknown.
The border of Belgium and the Netherlands in a cafe
Where the Baltic and North Seas meet near the resort town of Skagen. The tides will never merge together due to their different densities
The longest seas bridge in the world is in Shandong, China and stretches over the Gulf of Jiaozhou for 36 km.
The fantastic sculpture by Bruno Catalano, France.
Computer game store in Paris, France. The ground is actually completely flat
Lena Pillars, Russia.
The natural phenomena Danxia Landform in Zhangye, China.
One of the clearest bodies of water in the world. Northwestern Montana, USA
Lighthouse in Mare, France and it’s courageous guard!
Crescent Moon Tower, Dubai
The river above the river. Magdeburg Water Bridge, Germany.
Photography crumb…Archiving Legends
Some of the World’s greatest photographers showing off some of the World’s greatest moments in photograph (and their personal favorites!):
In Tim Mantoani’s new book titled Behind Photographs: Archiving Photographic Legends, he aims to bring awareness and deserved respect to the photographers of our day who are lesser known in their craft yet who have created reknowned photographs.
The collective book displays the photographers holding up their favorite, most inspiring photos that have ever been taken. Mantoni wanted to make people understand that the iconic photographs seen everyday don’t just happen, there is always an individual behind the camera who has the talent and, at times, the nerve to capture that moment. He says giving the photographers a face helps to do that. For more information click here.
Travel Crumb… Incredible India
The Society Global’s Australian correspondent, Georgia Hopkins, recently traveled to India and embarked on a month long adventure through this ancient and beautiful country. Below, in Georgia’s own words, is a little taste of her travels and even a few eat/sleep/shop tips for the curious traveler.
Inspired by India, Georgia has also started offering gorgeous hand-woven, vintage quilts. If you can’t make it to the Taj, bring some of the aesthetic right to your own home. To view the collection, click here.
“India is a highly emotive place; one can either love it or loathe it and sometimes both at the same time…” Fiona Caulfield hit the nail on the head in the intro to her amazing ‘Love Delhi’ guidebook (my constant companion for the five week journey). For me, it was the former. Just as I had feared, this big country, with an even bigger heart and soul, got under my skin. No doubt the beginning of a lifelong love affair…
First stop Delhi (sleep here). The smog is overwhelming. Chaos rules the roads. The humble horn, every driver’s best friend. I love it. Senses are alive. The colours, the smells, the sights, the chaos, the calm, the dust, the dirt, the contrasts… all amazing. A city walking tour hosted by the Salaam Baalak Trust was a definite highlight. Hosted by former street children, this tour takes you through the enchanting streets of the inner city of Paharganj and the New Delhi railway station area, which a number of children call their home. The city walk aims to sensitize people to the lives of the street children - as it stands the trust currently looks after 4500 children in the city, providing medical, counseling, education and housing services. Incredibly inspiring and rewarding, with all proceeds going directly to the trust to enable more opportunities to be made for the street children.
Also a highlight, a street food walking tour with British foodie, Pamela Timms. Introduced to the street food of Chadni Chowk - we sample everything from papro chaat, aloo tikii, gol gappe and then to add to the craziness of this town, Pavan’s fruit sandwiches – a slice of white bread with jam, paneer, thinly sliced apple, pomegranate seeds, and more bread. Traditional Indian grub? I don’t think so…but delicious, yes!. Pamela has created something of a sensation here in India, with her blog, Eat and Dust. Focusing on street food, it details her exploration of Old Delhi, a maze of 17th-century lanes and alleyways that lies to the north east of New Delhi’s 20th-century boulevards. Also responsible for pop-up dinner parties and high teas all over town, Pamela is a delight.
From Delhi to upper Dharamsala, in the foothills of the Himalayas - to visit His Holiness the Dalai Lama – but sadly the big guy is not home! Motorbiking on unmade roads to snow capped mountains - incredible. Tried guided meditation with a calming monk, and helped in English conversation classes with some Tibetan refugees. Such beautiful people, all with such harrowing stories of their escape out of Tibet and 25 day journey on foot across the harsh and freezing cold Himalayan landscape, dodging the Chinese army. Terribly moving and inspiring at the same time. Developed a serious obsession with Tibetan food – obviously a major player on the food scene in McLeod Ganj. Steamed momos the winner. A cooking course at Llahmo’s Kitchen another highlight.
From there it was off to Amritsar to see the Golden Temple – the largest Sikh Temple in the world – and then Agra (compulsory visit to the Taj Mahal – even more breathtaking in the flesh!) and on to Rajasthan. So many colourful, wonderful and interesting cities, all so different from the next. Favourites included Jaipur (sleep here and, for a break from Indian food, eat here) and Udaipur (sleep here, eat here, and shop here).
And that is just scratching the surface…
Incredible India. I am already plotting my return.
Crafty crumb…DIY Candles
Do It Youself: How to create homemade Satsuma candles in less than 5 minutes:
So simple, so genius. This is definitly an easy craft to try at home! See the how-to here.
