October 2002 - Nr. 10
KW and Beyond
by Irena Wandschneider
Centre in the Square
– Masterpiece Series –
Glorious Ninth
The Masterpiece concert series opened with two symphonies – Symphony No.9 by Ludwig van Beethoven and Symphony No.1 ("de Joie") by Canadian composer, K-W resident and newly appointed KWS Director of Contemporary Music, Glenn Buhr. His Symphony No.1 was recently composed and very very modern, using spoken rather than sung texts, and a background of electronic voice effects of children and breathing, and sound effects of clock chimes. Mr. Buhr was there to offer his commentary and interpretation. It was certainly different than Beethoven’s traditional well-known 9th Symphony. As Mr. Buhr said, each was written in the framework of the respective period. 200 years from now, we will need to make an appropriate comparative analysis.
The 9th was much awaited by the audience; Martin Fischer-Dieskau conducted the expanded K-W Symphony Orchestra, and the 280-voice-strong choir added to the spectacular performance. The conductor put his heart into leading without notes, as some of the violinists did as well. Four soloists, Donna Brown – soprano, Laura Pudwell, John Mac Master – tenor and Gary Relyea – bass- baritone (last time in Kitchener singing in The Book of Seven Seals) showed their unique talents.
It was truly a rare pleasure to hear 4 local choirs singing
in such smooth and seamless performance, as if they have always sung
together. Hopefully there will be more occasions to hear them singing
together. It was indeed a glorious night, great voices, choirs and a great
orchestra. The cello section was absolutely extraordinary in their powerful
interpretation. The audience jumped to their feet giving the conductor,
orchestra and choirs a thunderous standing ovation without hesitation and
numerous calls.
Oscar Wilde’s "An Ideal Husband"
at Theatre & Company.
It is the second year of Theatre & Company at the new location in downtown Kitchener on King Street. They have settled at their new premises and are enjoying the facilities, with ambitious plans for the future, both in stage productions and studio educational programs.
The "An Ideal Husband" cast has been seen before, some of them more mature than others, all very enjoyable and well guided by the director, Stuart Scadron-Wattles. His style is clearly visible in the show production, directing less experienced actors so they fit well with the rest of the cast. One of them was Jonathan Harrison, former columnist for The Cambridge Reporter, acting with great flair and clearly enjoying himself as Lord Caversham. Linda Bush known from the last season was also worth noting as devious Mrs.Chevely. The stage design was ingenious and the changes of decorations taking place during intermissions were interesting to look at. The limited, but imaginative setting was appropriate for the stage, created the interior, allowed for changes and did not distract. Overall the first play of the season was promising and the audience appreciative.
The only problem was the acoustics. Working without electronic voice support, the actors were not able to deliver the spoken word clearly to all of the audience at all times: half of the dialogues could be heard clearly by half of the audience, and then, when the actors turned around – another half would hear the other half. The positioning of the stage is interesting and permits a good view from both sides, however the voices cannot sufficiently cover the entire audience, as it is impossible to speak unidirectional from either end at all times. Something has to be done about it.
There are four more plays available by subscription and one specially intended for children at Christmas time. It is great to have a theatre right downtown Kitchener, it is great to have a professional cast and director, if only something could be done about the acoustics!
