For some, the number 45 now has a bad rap. Unfortunately it is now forever tied to a certain bombastic U.S. Presidential candidate and as such, I rather feel badly for that pair of digits. Who could blame them for wanting to downgrade or upgrade their stature if at all possible?!
But take heart, dear 45. You are also associated with not one, not two, but three arts-related anniversaries of note in Ontario this year, and that is truly cause for celebration.
Both the Festival of the Sound in Parry Sound and Toronto's Elmer Iseler Singers are celebrating their 45th anniversaries this year, as well as my much-loved Elora Festival. There. That should put a smile on at least our version of 45's face!
Oddly enough, both the Festival of the Sound and the Elmer Iseler Singers will be joining forces with the Elora Festival for the latter's Closing Gala this season at the spacious Gambrel Barn in the village of Elora on Saturday night, July 20th. The performance will also feature a host of Canadian classical luminaries such as Russell Braun, Leslie Fagan, Beverley Johnston and the duo piano team of Anagnoson and Kinton. The forces come together for a suitably bombastic (coincidence?!) performance of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
The 45th season of the Elora Festival kicks off a three-week run at various locations throughout Elora and the surrounding area this coming Friday night, July 5th., also at the Gambrel Barn, with a performance of Haydn's The Creation, an absolute masterpiece for choir and orchestra. For the opening gala The Elora Singers will be joined by a host of soloists as well as Musicians of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. It promises to be a wonderful kickoff to the three weeks of music-making in and around Elora.
In between there are performances for most any musical taste, with artists ranging from The King's Singers to Laila Biali. Performances include everything from a collection of Benjamin Britten's Canticles, Hymns and Folk Songs to music by Faure, Messiaen and of course, J.S. Bach.
One of the Bach concerts will be attended by your humble scribe again this season, and I am grateful for the opportunity once again to attend. It's at the always-welcoming St. John's Anglican Church in Elora, and is entitled J.S. Bach's Long Walk in the Snow.
CBC Music host Tom Allen leads an afternoon of music, storytelling and history that features such artists as former K-W Symphony Principal harpist Lori Gemmell, vocalist Suba Sankaran, Dylan Bell, and violinist Rebekah Wolkstein. I attended the Bach recital that featured Tom Allen and friends last season and it was delightful on a Saturday afternoon, so I am happy to return for the encore performance again this season.
The Elora Festival has long been one of my favourite summertime music escapes in Ontario, and this year promises to be no different. I am looking forward to good food, music and friends all coming together on Saturday afternoon, July 13th at 1:30 pm.
If you're interested in finding out more about the 2024 edition of The Elora Festival, go to their website at www.elorafestival.ca or call the box office at 1-519-846-0331.
For me there is no better way to enjoy a July day in the village of Elora.
Have a great weekend!
June 29th, 2024.
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