ANYTHING GOES – Cole Porter with a twist
Slip out of the office and into something a little more glamorous. Vocalist Michael Hope teams up with pianist Claire Stevens and flutist Emily Phernambucq for a stylish lunch-hour escape inspired by the wit, swing, and sophistication of Cole Porter and classic popular song. Expect sharp lyrics, silky ballads, and plenty of knowing smiles as Broadway sparkle meets cocktail-hour cool—just served a bit earlier in the day. With music that moves effortlessly from playful to poignant, and a few iconic favorites to round things out, this is a midday concert with big personality: smart, relaxed, and guaranteed to make your afternoon feel a little more fabulous.
Michael Hope is a singer, bassoonist, and full-time music enthusiast who has somehow turned all of that into a life of great fun. He is the Assistant Principal Bassoonist of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and a proud graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He lives in Calgary and is an ardent fan of the Calgary Flames, a loyalty strengthened by long winters, deep playoff hopes, and at least one Heated Rivalry to the north.
Alongside his orchestral life, Michael has enjoyed a solo singing career, performing the music of Cole Porter and Broadway with orchestras across Canada – often in front of audiences who didn’t expect to hear a deep baritone voice coming from a bassoon player.
When he’s not making music and obsessing over NHL hockey, he loves building model kits, fixing his own car and enjoying the fine art of binge-watching TV shows. His days are divided between reeds, wrenches, lyrics, goals, glue, and remote controls. Whether onstage or off, Michael brings curiosity, humour, and an appreciation for both precision and chaos—ideally in equal measure.
Flutist Emily Phernambucq splits her time between solo, chamber, and orchestral gigs—basically, if it’s music, she’s in it. Second Flute with the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra since 2023, she also pops up with the Calgary Philharmonic, Regina Symphony, Victoria Symphony, and Calgary Civic Symphony. Her Canadian résumé includes Jack Singer Concert Hall, Koerner Hall, the Winspear Centre, and the National Arts Centre.A contemporary music advocate, Emily performs with Ammolite Opera, supporting new works and Western Canadian artists. She teaches at Mount Royal University Conservatory and inspires through recitals, masterclasses, and band clinics across Southern Alberta.Trained at the Glenn Gould School and McGill, her flute journey was guided by Denis Bluteau, Carolyn Christie, Nora Shulman, Susan Hoeppner, and Lauren Eselson.
British-Canadian pianist Claire Stevens has gained a reputation for the quality of her collaborations, which range widely from chamber music with members of the Calgary Philharmonic and faculty at the University of Calgary, to performing with Calgary Civic Symphony, and appearing in the ProArts recital seri. A versatile artist at home in many styles from art song to musical theatre and beyond, she studied at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, and went on to become Principal Keyboard Player for the Kantanti Ensemble, a chamber orchestra of young professional musicians based in the south of England.She is also an experienced vocal coach, currently working with the Vocal Academy at Mount Royal Conservatory, and recently designed & led a credit course on voice & piano collaboration at the University of Calgary. Claire is passionate about supporting her students and fellow musicians to reach their highest potential, and thrives on building positive, encouraging partnerships.