Gallery Players bring you Bach on a sunny Sunday afternoon

I know it's difficult being indoors on these early spring days with the sun shining and the promise of warmer weather on the horizon, but hey, everything in moderation, right?  After all, you can get your fill of sunshine this morning and later in the afternoon since Daylight Savings Time is here once again.

In between, I humbly suggest an indoor diversion that will be both edifying and enjoyable at the same time, and supremely entertaining.

This afternoon at 2 The Gallery Players of Niagara present the latest concert in their current series in The Recital Hall at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in downtown St. Catharines, entitled "Songs of Life, Year 2:  Bach on Turtle's Back - Death."  A rather unwieldy title, perhaps, but worth further investigation.

Human expression can take many forms, not the least of which are creation, destruction and transformation, all of which present themselves as connective themes of said expression.  These truths are explored through "Songs of Life" by way of solo performances by Tafelmusik violinist Julia Wedman, the dance performances of Brian Solomon and indeed the always transcendent music of J.S. Bach.

This is the second year of a three-year project, with support provided by the Pluralism Fund.

Brian Solomon is not only the dancer for the performance but also the director and choreographer for "Songs of Life".  Along with violin soloist Julia Wedman, performers include soprano Sinead White, tenor Asitha Tennekoon, mezzo-soprano Jessica Wright and baritone Keith Lam.  Instrumental accompaniment is provided by Alison Melville on flute, Michelle Odorico on violin, Patrick Jordan on viola, Maho Sone on keyboard and Gallery Players Artistic Director Margaret Gay on cello.

There's not a lot of explanation given about the subject matter to be explored in this edition of "Songs of Life" but for those who attended the first instalment last year the continuation will certainly make sense.  For those latecomers who missed the first instalment they should readily be up to speed during the concert and even if not, the experience should still prove both interesting and enjoyable.

So with the coming of spring comes new life, new experiences, new ideas.  Looks like you can experience all that and more over a two-hour span this afternoon.  That to me seems to be time well spent!

Tickets for "Songs of Life" are available in advance by calling Gallery Players at 905-468-1525 or by going to www.galleryplayers.ca.  You should also be able to pick up tickets at the door prior to the performance this afternoon at 2 pm.

Have a great weekend!

March 8th, 2020.