SIDNEY EVENTS
VIA Choralis Concert IN REMEMBRANCE Sunday, Nov. 11, 2:30 p.m. St. Elizabeth’s Church 10030 Third St., Sidney
The Remembrance Day program features guest trumpet player, Ben Parker and choral music to honour veterans and promote peace and reconciliation. Works by international and Canadian composers are on the program. Guest trumpeter, Ben Parker first encountered the instrument in 2006 in a small Turkish music store. He became seriously interested in music in 2012 while studying with Timothy Quinlan in Victoria. In 2016, he went to McGill to study with the principal trumpet of the Montreal Symphony, Paul Merkelo. The following year, he began studying physics at UBC, but the pull to music overcame his interest in science. This year, Ben has returned to his pursuit of music. He is currently studying classical trumpet performance under Merrie Klazek at UVic. Highlights of his musical career include soloist with the Victoria Symphony at Symphony Splash and winner of the solo brass category at the Canadian National Music Festival. Ben plays locally in several pop bands for festivals and recordings.
SHOAL Annual Christmas Craft Fair & Bake Sale Sat, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Beacon Community Services
Shoal Centre’s biggest fundraiser, with great door prizes from Sidney businesses to delicious shortbread cookies. This day will give you lots to see and purchase as part of your early Christmas shopping. Fair highlights items from craft departments, and a huge bake sale with delicious treats made by the Sidney Single Seniors. SHOAL Centre, 10030 Resthaven Dr. 250-656-5537
Sidney Classical Orchestra BACH AND HANDEL MEET SALLY Friday, Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m. St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church 10030 Third St.
Join the Sidney Classical Orchestra for two very special works — JS Bach’s ‘Piano Concerto in D minor’ — his most substantial and exciting concerto, and Stephen Brown’s ‘The Adventures of Sally and Her Motorcycle’ for orchestra and speaker, Robert Holliston. Brown has written this creative work just for this performance. “It will knock you off of your feet!” the composer says. “This concert is an event you will not want to miss.”
JS Bach — Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1062
Susan de Burgh, piano Stephen Brown —The Adventures of Sally and Her Motorcycle — Premiere
‘The Adventures of Sally and Her Motorcycle — Premiere’
Robert Holliston, speaker ‘The Adventures of Sally and Her Motorcycle’ is a story both young and old will enjoy. It tells the tale of Sally, an 11-year old girl, who sets off on a road trip on her motorcycle and sidecar with her eight-year old brother, Tomas, and Tomas’ dog, Dog Billy. They are searching for a Giant Thing to build beside the road that will bring happiness and prosperity to their impoverished small town in Canada. On their adventures, they visit a variety of spectacular Giant Things, tough it out on a very bad day, before discovering the perfect solution. Tickets available at Tanner’s Books, City Scribe, Long & McQuade. sidneyclassicalorchestra.ca.hostbaby.com
VIA Choralis Concerts HANDEL’S “MESSIAH” Sunday, Dec. 16, 2:30 p.m. St. Elizabeth’s Church 10030 Third St., Sidney
Via Choralis combines with the 45-member Sooke Philharmonic Chorus, Sooke Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra and four fine soloists under the baton of Nicholas Fairbank — in this full performance of G.F. Handel’s favourite masterpiece. One performance only. Buy your tickets early as this show is sure to be sold out. soprano: Anna Shill mezzo: Alana Hayes tenor: Adam Dyjach bass: Nathan McDonald Advance tickets available from selected vendors, choir members and online. For details, visit: viachoralis.ca
SING WITH VA Choralis
New singers are welcome on a continuous basis. For info or to arrange an audition, email: viachoralis@shaw.ca.