New Signature Diamond Series Headlines 2012-13 Season

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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At an event held earlier today, Flato Markham Theatre unveiled details of their new Diamond Series12-13, a signature programming model which illuminates the town’s central theme that ‘live arts in Markham, it matters”. A jewel in the crown of the Markham community, the theatre provides patrons with unforgettable access to a host of internationally-acclaimed artists and productions featuring the best of classical, jazz, world music, dance, comedy, pop artists and family entertainment.  The foundation of the sparkling 2012-13 season is inspired by the radiance, strength, and value widely associate with the highly sought-after gem.

“We are a municipality that focuses on delivering excellence and continually strives to enhance the products and services we offer within our community. Our cultural programs are no exception,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “The Flato Markham Theatre is central to the cultural life of residents in Markham and throughout the GTA. After 27 years of building and sustaining our live arts community, the theatre has embarked upon a new strategic direction with an ambitious vision for the future – Live Arts Matter to All. The upcoming season is outstanding and a true reflection of this vision.”

“The 12-13 Diamond Series, is your journey to brilliant performances. Our Season brings you the finest artists and productions in an incredibly intimate setting, making the Theatre experience unforgettable,” said General Manager Eric Lariviere. “Like the precious stone, this brilliant new series is synonymous with exceptional quality. When you come to Flato Markham Theatre, we ask you to expect the best entertainment experience.”

The 28th Annual Season opener is something particularly special as Ballet Jörgen Canada celebrates its 25th Anniversary season with their premiere performance of the world’s most renowned classical ballet, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.  Also this season, Motown giants, The Temptations, headline the Theatre’s 2012 Annual Gala in support of Markham Theatre Discovery.

Now celebrating its 40th anniversary in Canada, the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company will present the world premiere of a new work choreographed by Artistic Director Menaka Thakkar in October.  Also featured in our dance programs, Toronto’s Ballet Creole in a program titled Soulful Messiah – A Soulful Rendition of Handel’s Messiah.

Full of international flavour, the Diamond Series includes spectacular productions including The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi and The National Circus of the People’s Republic of China’s Cirque Chinois. One of China’s most acclaimed and influential circus troupes introduces a spectacular new production. This show features jaw-dropping feats such as the Great Teeterboard, Grand Flying Trapeze, and Group Contortion. Our World Stage presentations feature sensational Ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro, who has taken the four-string, two-octave instrument to places no one has gone before, as well as Romulo Larrea’s Tangos: From Gardel to Piazzolla and Canada’s own guitar master, Pavlo.

Canadian artists are proudly celebrated throughout our 2012-13 season with performances that include Canadian musician and singer, David Clayton-Thomas; singer-songwriter Justin Hines; Jazz extraordinaires Oliver Jones, Carol Welsman, and Molly Johnson.  Juno Award Winner Dominic Mancuso, singing sensation Matt Dusk and the One-Man Hit Parade André-Philippe Gagnon are sure to be a highlight of the season. 

For our classical programs, we are delighted to host three-time winner of the BBC Music Magazine Award in the Chamber Music category The Jerusalem Quartet, as well as pianist Jon Kimura Parker, with a program in celebration of the 2013 Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring centenary.   For the first time in Markham, the renowned brass section of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra brings its astonishing precision and ringing sound for a very special concert featuring classical, sacred, and popular brass favourites.

The perfect family destination, Flato Markham Theatre presents, direct from Las Vegas, the not-to-be-missed World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre – a show delivering a blend of Gregory Popovich’s comedy and juggling skills, and the extraordinary talents of his 15 house cats, 10 dogs, 4 geese, 8 white doves and 2 parrots. Also featured is Mermaid Theatre’s innovative puppetry showcasing three of Eric Carle’s classics: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, and Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me. 

Full details of the Diamond Series 2012-13 Season are attached.  To download the complete season brochure, please visit www.markhamtheatre.ca, as of May 7, 2012.