The Winspear Presents
Edmonton loves its folk music festival. There’s no denying that when you see how quickly the weekend (though it’s starting to stretch out to most of the week) sells out each summer.
So I’ve been meaning to write about The Winspear Presents series of concerts happening this spring. Programmed by Edmonton Folk Music Festival producer Terry Wickham, it’s a selection of folk, troubadour, and world music, well in advance of the annual pilgrimage to Gallagher Hill. (more…)
Beautiful Music
Thanks to The Choir Girl I found this video with conductor Bob Bernhardt.
As we head into the Labour Day long weekend, we recognize the end of festival season here in Edmonton.
There are still festivals to be had through the fall and winter, it’s just not the same as our end-to-end festivals of the summer. This weekend, however, we get one more summer festival. It’s the Symphony Under the Sky (SUTS).
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) kicks off its 2010-2011 season with SUTS tonight. There are performances all weekend in Hawrelak Park (which is pretty much the summer festival park), including two with fantastic violinist Karen Gomyo, and everything culminates Monday with artillery fire (and the 1812 Overture).
I figured this would be a good time to talk about the entire ESO season, so I dropped an e-mail to Philip Paschke, the ESO New Media Specialist.
There’s plenty of choice in the new season. So I asked what would be of note. First, for those of us that aren’t necessarily regular symphony-goers. (more…)
I’m a good little symphony-goer
Jacket. Check. Button-up shirt. Check. Axe bodyspray. Nope.
Thanks for your tips, Edmonton.
You totally Eliza Doolittled me. I’m sure that sounded better (and less dirty) in my mind.
Anyway, I attended the symphony Saturday and had a great time. It helped that I had a few pointers from you, including attire, and I was much more at ease.
It also helped that the show was “Broadway Rocks,” and it’s the PERFECT show for someone just getting into the symphony. It’s also good if you like Broadway and all those songs they do. I won’t go into a review (I’m sure my request from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is on the way) so check out what my ticket-holding friend had to say about the show at her blog.
I also have to give shout-outs to Kerri (and the future help I’m sure to glean from her blog) and Sarah. Sarah is a ringer, with inside experience at the Winspear Centre.
I’m also glad I had suggestions about tuxedo shirts and leather chaps. You have to have a sense of humour about things you don’t know about.
Oh, and Philip Paschke, the ESO’s New Media Specialist (Yes, they have one.), had great tips all around, which I’ll share with you. It will be helpful in case you are like me, and don’t really know which side of people to walk on, what an oboe is and other life/orchestra items. (more…)
Symphony Under the Sky
I have never considered myself smart or cultured enough to enjoy something as high end as the symphony. I envision any attempt I make to go to the symphony as being received about as well as Julia Roberts shopping for clothes in Pretty Woman.
“I’m sorry, Samsonow, We have nothing for you here. Please leave.”
But this weekend, there’s an event that may change my mind.
First off, “Symphony under the Sky” is in Hawrelak Park. So tuxedos and evening gowns (or whatever people wear to such events) are out. It’s a park, the weather is supposed to be decent (it better be, Classen!) and the atmosphere is casual. Interested? You’re interested. (more…)
