June 2003 - Nr. 6
KW and Beyond
by Irena Wandschneider
Grand River Baroque Festival
Last year, I wrote a commentary on The Grand River Baroque Festival – after the event. Many concert lovers were disappointed last year as seats sold out early, probably because of two reasons: the quality of the concert and the ambience associated with this unique location. This year, it is best that you know now, that the Grand River Baroque Festival takes place from Friday July 4 to Sunday July 6, again at the Buehlow Farm. The Festival will have 6 concerts with added events such as a Master Class with Linda Melsted, pre-concert talks, Dinner and Brunch. Some of these events are extra, such as the dinner, others are included..
The opening concert on Friday features Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #4 and a reception afterwards. On Saturday there is a concert in the afternoon, a dinner at 5:30pm, and an evening concert offering two cantatas by Clerambault and Pergolesi. The voices to be heard will be the same as last year: Karen and Julie Baumgartel, Laura Pudwell, Colin Fox, Ben Butterfield, Daniel Lichti, Kimberley Barber – forgive me if I am unable to list them all. They are magnificent voices and unusual singers. Tremendous choices to combine dinner with a prior or a later concert or why not all three. The unequalled ambience will be tempting.
On Sunday there is Brunch with Bach, and in the afternoon is a performance of J.S.Bach’s Mass in B minor, a great timeless masterpiece, not that often performed. We are lucky to have such a Festival with these exceptional great voices and orchestra, specializing in baroque music, in close proximity. And the setting is memorable, the farm, the flower garden, catering by Part Time Catering. If it is the same service as last year it is worth attendance in itself.
Tickets are in the price range of $20 to $25 per concert, less for students. Dinner is $35 per person. The box office telephone number is 519-273-2908; fax requests 519-273-4976 and web page www.grbf.ca/ . And they will send you a flyer with the program and driving directions!
Irena Wandschneider
