Summer at the Barn 2023
FRom transcendent Chamber Concerts
to the
Saugeen Opera Festival
Join us for two weekends
July 28, 29 & 30 and August 4, 5 & 6, 2023
July 28 8.00 PM
“A Poe Cabaret” with CBC’s Tom Allen
A Poe Cabaret” was initially co-commissioned by Luminato and the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival and is a program co-created and curated by Tom Allen and Lori Gemmell. It features an original and dramatic setting of Poe’s The Raven for narrator, harp and string quartet by Canadian composer Alexina Louie, as well as André Caplet’s Conte Fantastique (inspired by Poe’s The Masque of Red Death) for harp and string quartet and Debussy’s string quartet all woven together through story telling, narration and poetry.
Debussy was deeply inspired by Poe (as were many of the symbolists around him) and was commissioned by the Met to write an opera on Poe’s story The Fall of the House of Usher. He was paid $10,000 (in 1910!) but never finished it. As it dragged on, and as his personal public and financial life crumbled around him, he began to see himself as being David Usher, who’s ancient house collapsed around him, pulled down by the guilt and grief of some horrible, unstated crime in his past.
Caplet’s Conte Fantastique is a musical paraphrase of Poe’s The Mask of the Red Death, and includes many specific references embedded in the music to tell the story.
Lori Gemmell, harp
Bethany Bergman, violin
Emilie Paré, violin
Angela Rudden, viola
Kerri McGonigle, cello
July 29 8.00 PM
“Sublime Schubert to beautiful Brahms; an evening of transcendent chamber music”
The concert will include Schubert's Nocturne Trio, a stunning piece composed for piano, violin, and cello. Schubert wrote this sublime music while he was on his deathbed.
Brahms' Piano Quintet is a masterpiece that takes the listener on an emotional journey featuring piano and string quartet. Brahms wrote this piece as a tribute to his dear friend, the violinist Joseph Joachim. The two were close collaborators and it shows in the beautiful interplay between the piano and strings.
Come experience the timeless beauty and emotional power of these incredible chamber music works.
Christopher Burton, piano
Patrick Goodwin, violin
Emilie Paré, violin
Angela Rudden, viola
Kerri McGonigle, cello
July 30th 2.30 PM
Surprise Serenade
July 30 8.00 PM
“Grieg and Prokofiev Center Stage”
Richard Herriott Piano
Sarah Boyers Violin
A rare treat to hear Edward Griegs C Minor Sonata combined with the D Major Sonata by Sergei Prokofiev
August 4th 8.00 PM
Saugeen Opera Festival in collaboration with COSA, Center for Opera Studies and Appreciation.
Gilbert and Sullivan: HMS Pinafore in Concert
"Join us on Friday, August 4th, 2023, for Gilbert & Sullivan's delightful operetta, H.M.S. Pinafore, where love and the British class system collide. Will Ralph Rackstraw, the lowly sailor, win the heart of Captain's daughter, Josephine? Discover the answer in this light-hearted production featuring the artists of COSA Canada! Featuring Kathryn Rose Johnston as Josephine and Jacob Abrahamse as Ralph Rackstraw!"
This is a concert version with piano. Young talented Singers from the Opera Program at the University of Toronto have an amazing opportunity to shine on the Symphony in the Barn Stage. We are planning to gradually develop the mounting of operas with Orchestra in collaboration with COSA, Center for Opera Studies and Appreciation.
August 5th 8.00 PM
Saugeen Opera Festival in collaboration with COSA, Center for Opera Studies and Appreciation.
Puccini: La Boheme in Concert
"Don't miss Giacomo Puccini's timeless opera, La Bohème! Set in 19th Century Paris, it follows the passionate and tragic love story of struggling poet Rodolfo and fragile seamstress Mimì as well as the joys, obstacles and heartbreaks of their young bohemian artist friends. Our COSA Canada artists will breathe life into Puccini's lush music, capturing the beauty and transience of life. Featuring Ryan Downey as Rodolfo and Shantelle Przybylo as Mimì!"
This is a concert version with piano. Young talented Singers from the Opera Program at the University of Toronto have an amazing opportunity to shine on the Symphony in the Barn Stage. We are planning to gradually develop the mounting of operas with Orchestra in collaboration with COSA, Center for Opera Studies and Appreciation.
August 6th 2:30 PM
Sunday Surprise Serenade “Going for Baroque”
Prepare to be transported to a world of Baroque elegance and exuberance with the upcoming concert featuring historical informed practices (hip!) of music by Bach, Handel and Corelli . The musicians will introduce their period instruments and share some insights on being hip!
Bach’s double violin concerto is a tour-de-force for the violinists, featuring intricate harmonies and dazzling virtuosity. The interplay between the two solo violins is simply sublime, creating a rich and complex tapestry of sound that is both hauntingly beautiful and thrillingly exuberant.
Corelli Trio Sonatas are masterful works that showcase the interplay between the violin, cello, and harpsichord. Truly exciting and delightful
Handel's Chaconne is another stunning work that features a beautiful melody that is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
Finally, we'll be featuring Bach’s Chaconne arranged for 2 violins and cello by the late Jeanne Lamon, our dear friend, teacher and mentor.
“Going for Baroque” is a concert filled with beauty and splendor that is sure to delight and inspire.
Emily Eng, violin
Andrew Fouts, violin
Kerri McGonigle, cello
August 6th 8.00 PM
Saugeen Opera Festival in collaboration with COSA, Center for Opera Studies and Appreciation.
“Fairy Tale Mayhem!”
"COSA Canada and Symphony in the Barn present: Fairy Tale Mayhem: A Jukebox Opera in Concert! Our COSA Canada artists' powerful voices will ignite your soul and transport you to a world of musical brilliance. Don't miss the chance to witness the artistry of our fabulous artists as they grace the stage and immerse you in a world of musical splendor. Featuring music from some of the world's most beloved operas!"
A jukebox opera in concert with favourite melodies and an imaginatively scripted story!
This is a concert version with piano. Young talented Singers from the Opera Program at the University of Toronto have an amazing opportunity to shine on the Symphony in the Barn Stage. We are planning to gradually develop the mounting of operas with Orchestra in collaboration with COSA, Center for Opera Studies and Appreciation.
Tickets are available in advance or at the door. There is plenty of seating for everyone