Gallery Players of Niagara take the stage again after eight long months
It has been eight months since the Gallery Players of Niagara have been on a stage. The pandemic-induced drought ends Nov. 22 to kick off their 26th season.
The classical chamber group returns to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre with a pair of shows at 2 and 4 p.m., adhering to audiences of 50 people or fewer. For the first time, the group will also be recording its shows and offering them online throughout the season.
Artistic director Margaret Gay says it has been an “unbelievable response” to the group’s return, with all live shows already sold out (unless the government allows more people to indoor events in the near future).
Because of the ongoing pandemic, Gay adds, there are “no promises” all seven shows of the season will happen, but patrons who purchase the group’s new ‘Ticket Pledge’ for $50 will have access to everything.
“If the very unlikely happens and our seven concerts between November and June are all impossible to perform, or record for virtual viewing, all pledge holders receive a tax receipt in lieu of reimbursement,” she says. “If all seven concerts happen, pledge holders get an incredible bargain.”
The season opens with The Eybler Trio of Julia Wedman (violin), Patrick Jordan (viola) and Gay (cello) performing Mozart’s “Divertimento K.563.” The piece is Mozart’s longest chamber work.
The season continues with a Celtic-themed Christmas show Dec. 20, The returning Eyber Quartet Feb. 21, award-winning Niagara baritone Brett Polegato March 28, movie night April 17 with Buster Keaton’s “The General,” “Songs of Life — Bach on Turtle’s Back — Rebirth” May 2 and “Southern Exposure” June 6.
The ticket pledge is available at www.galleryplayers.ca and allows access to all online concerts, as well as seats should indoor gatherings be allowed to increase.