Free Classical music concert

Here’s a fun way to introduce your budding musician to performing, and an exciting opportunity to enjoy contemporary classical music performed by some acclaimed musicians on February 9 at 7:30 PM. A concert at Summerhill Pyramid Winery in Kelowna will showcase the work of five Okanagan composers by a quintet (voice, piano, flute, violin, and cello) with the composers present to introduce their music – all for free.

The concert is presented by the Canadian Music Centre with Astrolabe Musik Theatre, and the goal is to offer classical music in unexpected venues rather than formal concert halls to make classical music accessible to Canadians across the country. While I’ve heard of a few of the composers on the program, I truly didn’t realize they were all from the Okanagan and that we have in our own backyards such respected composers.

I remember singing music by composer Imant Raminsh in my Queen’s University Choir (directed by Dr. Mark Sirett – a composer himself) and finding it soulful and a joy to sing. I didn’t realize at the time that he was from Vernon, but was impressed and proud to discover this years later. He, along with fellow composers Anita Perry (Summerland), Ernst Schneider (Penticton), Jean Ethridge (Salmon Arm), and Keith Tedman (Summerland), will be at the concert on February 9 to talk about their work, answer questions, and meet audiences. It should be a real thrill.

The series in question is called "New Music in New Places" and takes Canadian music out of traditional concert halls, presenting it in unexpected venues where one might not normally hear contemporary, classical music. The aptly named “Composers' Cuvée” (the February 9 concert) turns the spotlight onto the Okanagan. Summerhill Pyramid Winery will be a beautiful venue for the occasion, surrounded by their winter vines, and offering an intimate space in which to meet these composers and musicians.

The musicians are Kathryn Cernauskas (flute), Jane Hayes (piano), Heather Pawsey (soprano), Janna Sailor (violin), and Rebecca Wenham (cello). Admission is free; however, as seating is limited, reservations are essential. Be sure to book online as soon as possible at www.summerhill.bc.ca/wines/music.

Just the facts:

Venue:

Summerhill Pyramid Winery

4870 Chute Lake Road

Kelowna, BC

Telephone:  250-764-8000

Date and Time:

Saturday, February 9, 2013

7:30 p.m.

Tickets:

Admission is free; but reservations are essential because of limited space.  Book online at www.summerhill.bc.ca/wines/music

Photo courtesy of Heather Pawsey.

Flutist Kathryn Cernauskas and soprano Heather Pawsey, performing at Summerhill Pyramid Winery on February 9 with 3 other musicians, are pictured in an Okanagan vineyard earlier last year.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.