This show had sold out performance and standing ovations last December during its run in Oakville and has now been remounted for the Panasonic theatre in Downtown Toronto. If you have the chance, I encourage you to to be among the first to see this next generation of talented young theatre artists who are taking the world by storm! Directed by Leslie Wade, music directed by Bob Foster, and choreographed by Marc Kimelmen, you are sure to enjoy this groundbreaking show in its Toronto debut.

RENT opened on May 16th and runs through to June 3rd at Toronto’s Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge Street. Tickets available at mirvish.com or call TicketKing at 416-872-1212 or toll-free at 1-800-461-3333.

Congrats to my “chicklets” on their outstanding achievements! Much love to you all!

The Matriarch and founder of the Cingolani Academy (formerly known as Lindy’s School of Music passes away.

Gerlinde Baumgarten (“Mrs. Lindy”) died peacefully surrounded by family and friends at Royal Victoria Hospital on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at the age of 85.

Beloved mother of Ingrid and husband Derni, Ernst and wife Alexis; Loving grandmother to Renée (Darryn), Erin (Thai), Tyson, and Keir; and dear friend to Maria, Faithe, Marcel and Liliane, and second mother to Lydia (Ralph).

Lindy will be sorely missed. A pillar to the Canadian and American music scene, she emigrated to Canada from Germany in 1955. Lindy was a strong woman and as a single mother of two, she supported herself and children by renting rooms and teaching accordion at the Mundinger School of Music. As the demand for classes grew, she founded her own accordion studio, “Lindy’s School of Music”. She traveled to Midland, Owen Sound, Orillia, and Barrie to teach and touched many lives both young and old, instilling a passion for her craft in students and family. Her selfless contributions to the music community resulted in the expansion and development of music festivals, competitions, and an appointment to president of the Canadian Accordion Teachers Association. She moved on to New York in 1978 and collaborated with Faithe Deffner (past-president of the American Accordionists Association) to found the “Keyboard Studies Centre”. Mrs Lindy (as she was fondly called) worked closely with Faithe to help develop outstanding accordion students and brought national and international attention to the studio taking multiple top honors at competitions throughout the world.

Upon her retirement and return to Canada, she continued to inspire the same love for music that she passed to her children, on to her grandchildren. Lindy was never more proud when watching one of them perform at a competition, recital, theatre show, or concert. She also led and accompanied the German Black Forest Singers who would travel around Simcoe County performing at local events.

Lindy was a caring, generous and giving soul and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

There will be a private celebration of life for family, however messages of condolence may be forwarded through www.marshalldrivercremationandburialservice.com.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in Lindy’s memory to the following organization: http://www.heartandstroke.com/site/c.ikIQLcMWJtE/b.3479069/k.1A2C/Donate_to_the_Heart_and_Stroke_Foundation.htm

I am happy to say that at the end of the live audition, I was asked to join their database for all upcoming female vocal roles. They have taken my personal information, passport, and all travel documents in the event that I am asked to take over an existing contract on short notice. In addition, I am also now being considered to submit for music direction, bandleader, and keyboardist. Although there are no immediate openings, I have been asked to make myself available for anytime within the next 2 years and on into the immediate future.

I have prided myself in carrying on the family run business that was established by my grandmother back in 1965, but unfortunately, due to these new circumstances, this is the end of the road for me. After much consideration and thought, I have made the difficult decision to remove myself from the studio and sell the business.

On August 1st, the Cingolani Academy of Music and Performing Arts will be taken over by Margot Hamilton of The Melody in me. Margot holds her Bachelor of Music Degree in voice and is a wonderful person, experienced teacher, administrator, and valuable member of our developing arts community. She will be expanding the studio, offering new programs in addition to the ones already in existence, while continuing to maintain the high quality and standards set by the Cingolani family. Most teachers and programs will remain the same with one one main exception. I will not be part of the regular teaching staff. I will continue to work in the area until my situation with Cirque changes, however it will not be at the studio.

As has happened in the past, we will proceed with our regularly scheduled fall registration for our existing student body. Students and parents will be required to come to the studio to sign up and fill out a registration form on pre-selected dates during June. At this time, you will have the chance to meet and speak to Margot as well as register with your current teachers for summer and fall lessons, and come say your goodbyes.

I encourage everyone to contact me with any questions or concerns and hope that you understand the choice I have had to make. It was not an easy decision and I will miss you all as you have become a part of my extended family. I wish you the best of luck for the future and continued success in your artistic endeavors. Please be sure to keep in touch!

Thank you and I will see you soon!

Renée