Dear Reader

As soon as Labour Day arrives most of us feel a little blue. It might still be summery and warm outside, but we know with certainly that those balmy days are numbered and we sigh collectively in anticipation of fall, forgetting that autumn can be very warm and sunny and has many wonderful activities waiting for us. Outside of the spectacle that nature will give us with an abundance of changing colours of foliage we can expect an amazing season in the arts and entertainment field. Just now most venues opened their box offices for ticket sale to none subscribing public:

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra has over 100 concerts to choose from with some of the most fantastic musical performers of the world, including Germany’s Anna Marie Mutter, violin virtuoso extraordinaire. Musical Director Peter Oundjian opens the season on September 19 with a sold out classic duo: Ravel’s Bolero and Orrf’s Carmina Burana. A little later Erich Kunzel, the Prince of Pop gives a series of fabulous concerts. And then there is a series of Eroica concerts by Beethoven. That is just the beginning!

Go check it out and reserve your tickets before they are all gone. More info at www.tso.ca . If the usual October 3^rd event takes place this year again at Roy Thomson Hall as a reception with a concert afterwards we have not been able to find out in time for this publication. You might want to call the Consulate General of Germany, Toronto, for that information, as well as any data you need to know about passport renewals. (Passport hotline 416-642-2913)

The Canadian Opera Company as Via Salzburg and other venues start their season only in October. Thus there is still time to organize tickets for a little while longer. However, it is not advisable to wait too long.

I would like to mention our regret as to the sudden passing of Richard Bradshaw, the power behind the new opera building, the man who presented the world with the daring project of Wagner’s entire Ring Cycle for the opening, the man who put Toronto on the map as a notable city for opera lovers.

There are of course some very hot German items on the calendar: On September 28 there is the Frankfurt Jazz concert, followed the next day by the annual German Gala Ball, this time sponsored by the city of Frankfurt. For both events you contact the German Canadian Chamber of Commerce at 416-598-7071.

Note that we post events on our website at www.echoworld.com .

As all of our readers we will slowly get back into full work mode this month of September, while we are still hoping to squeak in another day or two at the beach somewhere, before the Oktoberfest season starts. Surely we will see much of you around the different venues. Don’t be shy, come up and see us sometimes, say hello, let us know who you are.

Until then

Sybille Forster-Rentmeister