Mozart Unlaced (The Royal Conservatory of Music Gala)

by Daniel R. Wilson

Mozart Unlaced, the fundraising gala for the amazing Royal Conservatory of Music was one of the most fantastic, elegant events this reporter has been to in ages. But also an event that made me feel rather inadequate as a human being.

Sitting in one of the spectacular new concert auditoriums listening to a small child of maybe seven years old - Emma Meinrenken - play the most heart-wrenchingly beautiful violin, one can’t help but remember being that age and doing little more than finger painting. Also I got to hear soprano Ambur Braid who was not only physically beautiful draped in a Gucci wrap dress with a heavy leather shoulder strap but had a stunningly powerful voice. Looks, talent and Gucci; I’d hate her if she didn’t send my little hear aflutter.

The event itself was posh to the nines with flocks of chic ladies and elegant men fluttering around as piano players, violinists, singers, cellists and harpsichordists staged performances in every nook and cranny of the new building. Braised short rib so tender it could be cut with a spoon was served on one floor, pikoras on another and decadent sweets on the main.

The highlight was in the four floor atrium where a dj roosted on a bridge near the glass roof playing beats while a violin player dressed for an Elizabethan ball and an opera signer sang bellow. They did a rendition of I Feel Love by Donna Summer which has also been covered by everyone from Madonna to Goldfrapp, which broke the mold of classical music and went beyond anything I had expected.

The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the leading musical education institutions in North America and has helped shape talent from all across the world into some of today’s most respected musicians and musical professionals. Visit www.rcmusic.ca for more information about the Royal Conservatory if you yourself know a budding prodigy or just want to show some support.