I am thinking it is time to try to get back on the so-called horse again and start reporting on the arts, as I have done for many years now in this space. It has been a difficult process for me as I have written previously, as a lot of things in my life just didn't seem as important anymore once I lost Sophie almost two years ago. But the desire to write again is slowly coming back, so let's see how this goes...
Thanks to COVID many summer music festivals in the province went virtual the last couple of years, and only this year are starting to come back as in-person events, and it seems the public is ready to take the plunge as well. Having said that, it is wise to check with your festival prior to booking tickets to get the latest updates on protocols (if any) in place in that particular venue for the date you are going.
For me, I am taking a gradual, slow approach to returning to the arts this summer, having made two trips to the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake so far this season, wearing my mask the entire time I am in the theatre. I have had a difficult transition to doing these events alone again, of course, and I will be writing more about that and my return to Shaw in my next report in this space.
Most summer music festivals are either in full swing now or just about to, and I must apologize to my friends at the 2022 Collingwood Summer Music Festival as their events ended last night. The week long festival is still a young event and will continue to grow in the future but for now, the 2022 edition is now completed and in the books. My apologies again for not getting to this post before this weekend.
I've chosen three festivals I have grown quite fond of over the years, although one of them I have actually yet to visit. But the location, in Parry Sound, looks amazing and I always enjoy visiting that part of Ontario, so maybe next year I will be able to pay a visit.
Locally, Music Niagara got their 24th season underway back on June 17th at St. Mark's Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Artistic Director Atis Bankas has assembled a great roster of performers for the remainder of the run, through to August 20th. Some of the upcoming highlights include a performance of Richard Strauss' 1897 melodrama "Enoch Arden", scored for narrator and piano. Pianist Victoria Kogan accompanies Shaw Festival Artistic Director Tim Carroll for this performance tomorrow afternoon at 4 in the friendly confines of St. Mark's Church.
Almost all the performances this season are at St. Mark's in fact, with performances continuing July 23rd with a programme entitled "From Pergolesi and Bach to Stravinsky and Part, and July 31st with Portuguese pianist Artur Pereira presenting a programme entitled "A Fresh Look at Beethoven".
On July 9th a recital was held at Navy Hall featuring Julie Nesrallah and Guy Few, and the Toronto All-Star Big Band will perform August 1st at Club Italia in Niagara Falls. These were the only two events scheduled this season outside of St. Mark's.
Tickets for any and all of Music Niagara's events are available by going to www.musicniagara.org.
Week Two of the Elora Festival is in full swing and always worth a drive to the picturesque village of Elora, just north of Guelph. Last evening the Canadian Brass performed in the Gambrel Barn on the outskirts of town, and tonight that venue will be dark as there is a late-breaking concert postponement to report.
Autorickshaw was scheduled to perform with the Penderecki String Quartet and The Elora Singers in a concert entitled "Kaleidoscope" in the Gambrel Barn tonight, but yesterday afternoon I received word the event was postponed. No specific reason for the delay was given and so far there is no update on if and when the event might be rescheduled.
There are however two smaller events happening today: "Stars and Heavens" will feature Studio de musique ancienne de Montreal with Artistic Director Andrew McAnerney at St. John's Church this afternoon at 1:30 and a concert entitled "Being Lost" will take place in that same cosy venue this afternoon at 4. CBC Music host Tom Allen is the narrator and Patricia O'Callaghan is the featured soprano.
Tomorrow afternoon at 4 the Main Stage comes alive again with "Voice of the Weaver", featuring composer Peter-Anthony Togni, poet Mary Louise Martin, bass clarinet soloist Jeff Reilly and The Elora Singers.
Tickets and more information on all Elora Festival events this season can be found at www.elorafestival.ca.
Finally, tomorrow is the first day of the two-week celebration of the arts up in Parry Sound, as the Festival of the Sound gets underway for another season, with most events taking place at the beautiful Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts in Parry Sound. As I mentioned earlier, next year I hope to finally see that venue up close.
The Opening Concert takes place tomorrow with the Elmer Iseler Singers, followed by an Anniversary Concert July 18th with The Canadian Brass. Highlights this season include Live on the Sound: A Floating Festival on the Island Queen and the Jazz Canada Weekend.
For tickets and more information on the Festival of the Sound, go to www.festivalofthesound.ca.
Music is again all around us, so as safely as possible let's get out and enjoy it. Have a great weekend!
July 16th, 2022.
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