December 2002 - Nr. 13
K-W and Beyond
by Irena Wandschneider
Sing-Along Messiah at Massey Hall - Toronto
The idea of the general audience participating in Handel’s Messiah is not new; it has been a seasonal event in Toronto for some time. It is scheduled for December 22 at 2 pm at Massey Hall
This particular event is a standing tradition among choir singers and the population at large. Last year the concert was sold out, people were standing in line from 10 am and groups were forming on the sidewalk practicing their singing. The show is something very memorable, with conductor Mr. Handel (Ivars Taurins) dressed up in period costume, directing not only the soloists but the entire public in Massey Hall. The concert hall is divided into voices and the audience sorts itself out accordingly. The first time I attended I expected an enthusiastic crowd singing their hearts out – and that’s it. It turned out to be indeed an enthusiastic crowd singing their hearts out – in a coordinated fashion, in voices and in totally professional style. Most people brought their own notes. Clearly they were mostly members of church- and other choirs from near and far. But you do not need to be a choir member and many are surely not. It is an unforgettable experience; my vocal participation was limited to "Hallelujah, Hallelujah", and that was probably for the best.
Calling 416-964-6337 and paying $25 plus service charges for
general admission can still get you tickets. Do it, whether you can sing or
not, it is an unforgettable experience.
Masterpiece Series – Brahms Celebration - Kitchener
Again a spectacular concert in The Centre In The Square, it was performed on Friday December 6 and repeated December 7, two Brahms concertos and a Bach’s fugue. The Violin Concerto in D Major, easily one of the most beloved violin concertos of all times, with soloist James Ehnes was particularly breath-taking. The young and already accomplished violinist from Manitoba found time to come and perform in Kitchener, raising the standing of out city, concert hall and the orchestra. The conductor was Martin Fischer-Dieskau and the orchestra outdid itself. The bond between the musicians and the conductor was clearly audible and visible. One had the feeling that the violinist was almost embraced by the orchestra and certainly by the audience.
The Brahms concertos were presented in Schoenberg
orchestration, for the sake of the audience, may they always be presented in
this version. Thomas Kay, the principal flutist offered introductory
comments before the concert as usual and his presentation was enjoyable and
informative. All I can say: what a concert, what a performance! It does not
get much better than this!
Shaking the Dew from the Lilies
at the Registry Theatre - Kitchener
The Registry Theatre in Kitchener is an older building next to the police station. Sometimes they rent space for shows or events to local groups, sometimes they put on a show of their own.
"Shaking the Dew from the Lilies" closed November 30 after 10 days of totally sold out houses. The reviews in The Kitchener Record and Waterloo Chronicle spread the news about this brand new a bit risqué comedy play.
The play tells the story of five women accidentally locked up in a public washroom of a shopping centre and thus forced to spend a night there. They start talking, gradually the superficialities of "the life outside" fall off and they disclose the most intimate details of their lives, old fears, and past experiences. Supported by flashbacks, the comedy turned at times serious to illustrate the impact learned behaviour has on current lifestyles and insecurities.
The language is very "women’s talk", their behaviour what women do, without men present, once they are comfortable with each other. Playwright Paddy Gillard-Bentley wrote the dialogues with easy fluency, the director (a male!) George Joyce worked with the actors and succeeded to flow the conversation and flashbacks as natural as possible. The acting was good, stage décor and props well assembled. I applaud Shelagh Ranallli, Krista Sweeney, Sue Rose, Rachel Molnar and Tracie Holmes for their performances. Yes, it was provocative, even explicit, but shocking it was not, perhaps better said, it should not be for women with some life experience. It may be an eye-opener to men, who cannot know how women, on a personal comfort level, talk between themselves. Above all, it was a real-life comedy with serious undertones. Many will learn from absorbing and thinking a bit about the impact early life experiences have on current behaviour.
K-W has several live theatres, the best known are Theatre & Company, Waterloo Stage Theatre and The Registry Theatre. The talent is there and with continued support by the public they should prosper.
I wish all
the readers of Echo Germanica
a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
