Revue II

Our action packed AGM and Revue II performances proved to be a winning combination again this year. The enthusiasm of our guests made this memorable evening buzz. Thank you to all who attended!

The business portion of the evening gave the CAO the opportunity to report on the successes of the previous year, and to highlight plans for the future. There were five departing Board Directors with a combined total of 25 years of service to the CAO. This loss of experience on the Board would have been difficult for the CAO however, it was with great pleasure that we were able to present and elect five new Directors with an impressive array of talent and enthusiasm.

We would like to thank our out-going Board Directors, Marie Keasey, Karen Murray, Jane Sadler and Peter Veall for their dedication to the work of the CAO and its members. We are happy to report that we won't have to miss them that much, as many of them will continue to work with the CAO in different capacities.

Greetings to our new Board Directors: Rupert Allen, Julia Johnston, Fiona Nelson Merilyn Read and Tara Wong. From a Gemini award winner to former CAO interns the range of their understanding of the arts in this community will be a valuable resource for the CAO in the coming year. Welcome aboard! Full bios for all Board Directors will be updated on the CAO website soon.

But the evening was about more than doing business. This special 25th Anniversary edition of our AGM proved to be so much more. Tito Medina and his band entertained guests in the Studio while they savoured culinary delights from DISH catering. The members repeatedly praised the quality and original presentation that is DISH's hallmark.

This evening was also an occasion to honour our four award recipients. Anik Bouvrette gave an impassioned speech upon receiving the CAO Mid-Career Artist Award. She was quick to give her own recognition to those who have supported her and her work but also thanked the CAO for creating an award that celebrates the artist in their mid-career. Anik feels that artists at this stage of their careers often get overlooked between the excitement of the emerging artist and the stature of the established.

Theatre, film and photography were the arts disciplines that were recognized for this year's Corel Endowment of the Arts Awards.

Benjamin Gaillard will receive support for his solo theatre piece titled Le Crabe. Gaillard has written the original text and Le Théatre du Trillium has offered production support. Look for his one-man show in March 2008.

Media Artist Christopher Rohde is an award recipient for his experimental narrative film using miniature models and optical technology borrowed from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Michelle Wilson was recognized for the development of a photography installation that explores the unique character of cast-off second hand clothing.

The highlight for many at this special event was the Revue II, a unique performance showcase held in the Theatre. CAO Board Director, Nichole McGill, resplendent on a giant shoe chair graciously guided the audience through the performances.

Mathieu Dubé opened the showcase with a stunning performance on the didgeridoo, bringing forth strange and enthralling sounds.

Nineteen-year old saxophonist Nathan Cepelinski, who will be attending the Berkley School of Music in Boston, on full scholarship performed next. Joining Nathan was local pianist Steve Boudreau. It has been noted that the complexity and depth of Nathan's performances has made many seasoned performers want to lay down their instruments!

Kimberley Bentham is a soprano who has had an exciting year on the Ottawa music scene. Earlier this year she was named the recipient of the Opera Lyra Ottawa Young Artist Award. She looked perfectly at ease as she ascended a scaffold. Her performance of works by Verdi and Puccini was dazzling. Accompanying her was pianist Renée Villemaire.

Scott Florence gave his unique take on Shakespeare with sonnet #33 and scissors. Scott is the Artistic Director of A Company of Fools. Look for them this summer in their tour of Ottawa's city parks with Torchlight Shakespeare - Twelfth Night.

Saveeta Sharma, the Artistic Director of Upasana - the Spirit of Dance, provided the showcase finale. She performed the Goddess of Death supported by dancers Shivalee Palliwal, Sabrina Zegieche, Sonya St. Michel De Lopez and Genvieve Beuleau. Her dance was both riveting and striking, a sumptuous ending to a wonderful evening.