Dragonfly Imagery

Yesterday I had the pleasure of photographing the IronFlower Drummers in Toronto’s beautiful Lee Lifeson Art Park as part of Toronto Arts Council’s Arts in the Park series.

More than a performance, this was a celebration of community. Through rhythm, tradition, and shared experience, the IronFlower Drummers brought people together in a way that felt both joyful and deeply meaningful. Audience members gathered in the sunshine while generations of performers shared music, culture, and connection.

A special highlight was the participation of young drummers from Avondale Public School, demonstrating how traditions continue to grow when they are shared across generations.

Thank you to Charles Hong, Soojung, and everyone involved for creating such a welcoming and vibrant community experience.

📸 Photographs by Karen E. Reeves | Dragonfly Imagery
Opera • Orchestra • Choir • Community

🎵This week at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre🎶

The Canadian Opera Company’s Showcase Series continued its celebration of Asian Heritage Month with a compelling recital by Toronto-based bass Matthew Li and pianist Ivan Jovanovic at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

Making his solo Showcase Series debut, Matthew Li presented an eclectic and deeply personal program spanning Mozart, Rachmaninoff, and contemporary Chinese art songs, beautifully honouring both the operatic tradition and his cultural heritage. Audience members were also treated to the presence of composers Alice Ping Yee Ho, Ka Nin Chan, and Kevin Zi-Xiao He, whose works were featured on the program.

The afternoon highlighted the remarkable versatility and artistry of these performers while celebrating the richness and diversity of Asian voices in classical music today.

Artists this week:
Matthew Li, bass
Ivan Jovanovic, piano

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📸Photographs by Karen E. Reeves | Dragonfly Imagery
Opera • Orchestra • Choir • Community

🎵This Week at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre🎶

The Canadian Opera Company’s Free Concert Series at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts presented Les Adieux…a moving farewell recital celebrating graduating Ensemble Studio artists Emily Rocha, soprano, and Duncan Stenhouse, bass, joined by Head of Music Liz Upchurch at the piano.

The afternoon showcased the artistry, warmth, and individuality of two singers concluding an important chapter of their musical journeys with the COC Ensemble Studio. From French mélodie and opera favourites to traditional folk songs from Ireland, Scotland, Newfoundland, and beyond, the program balanced intimacy, humour, storytelling, and heartfelt reflection.

A particularly touching moment came at the close of the concert, as the audience rose in a standing ovation to celebrate both artists and the remarkable work of the Ensemble Studio program that has helped shape generations of Canadian opera talent.

Artists this week
Emily Rocha, soprano
Duncan Stenhouse, bass
Liz Upchurch, piano

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📸Photographs by Karen E. Reeves | Dragonfly Imagery
Opera • Orchestra • Choir • Community