01/27/2025
Bridges Between Continents: A New Year's Celebration of Music, Unity, and Artistic
Collaboration
"Music is not to make profit, but to educate." – Maestro Riccardo Muti
December and January have long been synonymous with the celebration of classical music,
particularly in Europe, where the festive season is marked by New Year’s concerts—a tradition
that spans over 300 years, most famously in Vienna’s Golden Hall. Toronto has embraced this
tradition with its own unique charm, from the beloved New Year in the Opera to Attila Glatz’s
concerts, which have delighted audiences for over three decades.
On December 28, 2024, the Salute to 2025 New Year’s Gala, presented by the Aurenda
Heritage Foundation, brought this cherished tradition to life in Toronto. The evening unfolded at
the George Weston Recital Hall, celebrated for its impeccable acoustics, and offered a stunning
combination of European and Canadian talent, accompanied by the Kindred Spirits Orchestra
under the baton of Maestro Kristian Alexander.
At the heart of the gala were two exceptional soloists: Geo Chobanov, the distinguished
Bulgarian bass-baritone, and Alexa Frankian, an emerging Canadian soprano of remarkable
promise. Chobanov, lauded for his sonorous depth and commanding stage presence, delivered
powerful performances that captured the gravitas and drama of his repertoire. His portrayals of
Gómez da Silva (Ernani) and Attila (Attila) brought an arresting sense of grandeur to the
evening.
In contrast, Alexa Frankian offered a vibrant freshness, her lyric soprano voice imbued with
remarkable clarity and emotional nuance. Praised as “abundantly talented” by Opera Canada,
Frankian has already gained recognition through her work with the Merola Opera Program and
her upcoming role as a Resident Artist at the Academy of Vocal Arts. Her interpretation of
Puccini’s Donde lieta usci was particularly moving, showcasing her ability to balance tenderness
with dramatic intensity.
The evening’s program featured a stunning array of operatic works, carefully curated to highlight
both solo and duet performances. Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro set an
effervescent tone, followed by arias such as Verdi’s Mentre gonfiarsi l’anima (Attila), Catalani’s
Ebben? Ne andrò lontana (La Wally), and Tchaikovsky’s None but the lonely heart. Duets from
The Magic Flute and Don Giovanni added an engaging interplay, beautifully executed by
Chobanov and Frankian.
The Kindred Spirits Orchestra, conducted with finesse by Maestro Kristian Alexander, provided
a dynamic and sensitive foundation for the soloists. The orchestra’s ability to seamlessly
transition between dramatic intensity and lyrical warmth added depth to the performances,
drawing out the emotional core of each piece.
Mark Wigmore of Classical 96.3 FM, an exceptional host, lent his signature sophistication and
charm to the evening, guiding the audience through this rich tapestry of music. His thoughtful
introductions added context to the performances, enhancing the audience’s appreciation of the
program.
The audience, captivated from the opening notes to the encore, responded with enthusiastic
applause, a testament to the evening’s success. As the final notes echoed through the hall, it was clear that the Salute to 2025 had not only celebrated a cherished tradition but also created
a profound connection among artists, audiences, and cultures.
In a world marked by uncertainty, conflict, and political instability, this gala was a reminder of
music’s transformative power to unite, inspire, and transcend boundaries. Joseph So of Ludwig
Van praised the program for its seamless blend of operatic works and its artistic excellence,
underscoring the significance of this event in Toronto’s classical music calendar.
Looking ahead, the Aurenda Heritage Foundation, a women-driven, non-profit organization
dedicated to enriching lives through exceptional artistic events, remains committed to building
bridges between cultures and continents. With plans for future collaborations already underway,
the Foundation continues to foster international artistic connections and share the unifying
power of music with audiences around the world.
