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ARTS The Canadian Champion, Friday, January 4, 2008 - Bi Renowned musicians can be found right here By Stephanie Hounseil CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF H igh ticket prices. Expensive parking. A long drive. These can ail prevent local residents [rom making the trek to Toronto or another neighbouring cîty to take in a concert. But what some Miltonians dont realize is that beautiful mnusic by renowned musicians can be heard right in their own community seven tîmes each year. For more than two decades the vol- unteers of Milton Concert Presentations (MCP) have been work- îng to make higlb quality performances accessible. -We bring musical performances of a professional quality,- explaîned board member Heather Shocînaker. The organization presents concerts in a variety of styles, including classi- cal, jazz, opera and Broadway. We bring ni somne spectacular per- formers," Shoemnaker said, adding the Czech Philharinonic Orchcstra recentlv made its Canadian debot in Milton. The concerts - which can draw as many as 500 people'- take place at St. Pauls United Church, 123 Main St. E. "The nice thing about St. Paulfs is the acoustîcs are beautîful," said found- ing member Charles Somerton. MCP is now in the middle of its 22nd season, witb four performances remainîng. On Friclay Jan. 18 at 8 p.mn., the Ktchener-Waterloo Symphony, under the leadership of' Concert Master Stephen Sitarski, will presenit a baroque concert featîring Italian composers Respighi and Vivaldi. On Friday, Feb. 29, MCP will wel- coi-e Kerry Stratton, who'll conduct "A Viennese Extravaganza" featuning a chamber orchestra and a vocal soloist perfonrnng works by Strauss, Brahms, Mozart, and more. Atendees are invii- cd to dress in their lînest for the special Valentines concert. On Aprîl 4 and 25, MCP will bring to towii the Hamnilton Philharmonic Orchestra and a to of soloists per- fonning "Broadwsay t Opera" respec- tively. Tickets cost $35 each for adults, $30 for seniors and $25 for stcîdents. For more information, visit www.niltonconcertpresentations.com. To order tickets in advance, caljoyce Scott at (905) 878-1526. SIcplaiunî Houoîscll con bc i-cached a( sthicssen«Pnilîoncanadianc banio(n.com. GRAHAM PAINt / CANADIAN CHAMPION YOU'RE INVITED: Milton Concert Presentations president John Dorris and secretary Heather Shoemaker show 2008 season brochures and a poster of the group's upcoming event.