Classics, swing and history at Music Niagara
Classics, swing, history, and a wine and music concert dedicated to the memory of a former Music Niagara volunteer.
For the upcoming long weekend, Music Niagara presents a remarkably varied series of eight concerts in Niagara-on-the-Lake, beginning on Friday with the Syréne Quartet’s Ragtime show.
This talented group of Dutch seductresses of the saxophone delighted a Music Niagara audience two weeks ago at its opening gala, with their classical program. On Friday night they lighten the mood with a lively program of swing, syncopation and ragtime.
Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Peller Estates, the CamerAtis Quartet joins guest artist Anita Anton for a pairing of Mozart and Haydn with the wines of Peller. The concert is dedicated to the late Liz Ikonikov, a music enthusiast and keen Music Niagara volunteer.
On Saturday evening at St Mark’s, celebrated Polish violinist Bartosz Bryla visits to headline a program of Polish music in tribute to the Polish patriots who lived, trained and died here in Niagara-on-the-Lake a hundred years ago during the Great War. The program includes works by eminent Polish composer and Polish Prime Minister Ignacy Paderewski.
Later on Saturday night jazz trumpeter Mike Field and his quintet return for a sold-out performance at the patio at the Epicurean. This group has built a loyal following with Music Niagara audiences with their high-energy, bold and brassy musicality.
The Thorold Reed Band is one of the oldest concert bands in Canadian history, playing since 1851 — older than our country itself. The band will perform at the bandshell in Simcoe Park at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Expect a lively program of classics, pops, film music and traditional favourites.
Canadian novelist, playwright and journalist David Macfarlane wrote about his Newfoundland family and their involvement in the Great War in his novel The
Danger Tree. From the muddy trenches of France to the lonely towns of Newfoundland, it depicts a family and the war that changed it forever. Macfarlane has teamed up with musician Douglas Cameron to render the saga in words and music for a passionate, poignant and deeply funny tale of a gang of heroes, dreamers and charlatans. Catch this story on Sunday evening at St Mark’s.
The Toronto All Star Big Band has become a Music Niagara favourite over the past few years and their Simcoe Day concert at Ravine Winery is already sold out. This group of passionate and talented young musicians never fails to entertain.
On Tuesday, Aug. 2, Canadian pianist Janina Fialkowska performs. It’s been two years since Fialkowska appeared on the Music Niagara stage. Fialkowska has built a global reputation for her understanding of Frédéric Chopin and accordingly she will present an all-Chopin program. This is indubitably “a must see” for lovers of the piano.
Tickets are available through the Shaw Box office at 905-4682172 or the Music Niagara web site musicniagara.org.