Critic’s picks: Emotions in War Time; Victoria Symphony; Ensemble Laude
A DICTIONARY OF EMOTIONS IN WAR TIME
Where: Metro Studio,
1411 Quadra St., Victoria
When: Friday to May 11, including evening shows (7:30 p.m.) and matinees (2 p.m.) Tickets: $26.25 from ukrainehelpvi.ca
Why: Nine performances of a play about the 2022 invasion of Ukraine are on tap May 3-11, giving Victoria audiences the opportunity to revisit a moving piece of theatre that had its world premiere here in January.
A Dictionary of Emotions in War Time details the reality of war with unflinching clarity, and features the contributions of several Ukrainians who relocated to Victoria after fleeing their war-torn country, including stars Anastasiia Konstantynova and Kseniia Sinelikova.
The story from Ukrainian playwright Olena Astasieva (whose proceeds benefit the Help Ukraine Vancouver Island Society) deserved a second run in this city. Don’t miss it.
Note: A Dictionary of Emotions in War Time is not deemed suitable for attendees 16 and under, due to its themes.
JIM WITTER: IT’S STILL ROCK AND ROLL TO ME
Where: Royal Theatre,
805 Broughton St., Victoria When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $29-$108 from the Royal McPherson box office (250-386-6121) or rmts.bc.ca
Why: With his The Piano Men tribute, Jim Witter has made a career out of interpreting the music of Billy Joel and Elton John. The Hamilton, Ont., singer and pianist clearly knows the catalogue of the Hall of Fame hitmakers inside and out, which makes him an ideal participant in It’s Still Rock and Roll To Me, the latest pops concert from the Victoria Symphony.
Under the guidance of conductor Sean O’Loughlin, the orchestra will follow Witter as he strolls though the 1970s and ’80s and some of the signature John and Joel songs of the era.
ENSEMBLE LAUDE WOMEN’S CHOIR
Where: St. Mary of the Incarnation, 4125 Metchosin Rd., Metchosin
When: May 4, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $25 ensemblelaude.org; $30 at the door
Why: A picturesque Metchosin church built in 1873 seems like the ideal place for a baroque concert blending medieval repertoire and contemporary choral works, especially a springthemed one entitled Bloom.
The program highlights contemporary Canadian composers, including Sarah Quartel, Katerina Gimon, Marie-Claire Saindon, Eleanor Daley and Sherryl Sewepagaham, and is presented in tandem with the release of the choir’s similarly themed new album, Vox Femina.
There’s an added incentive for longtime supporters, as Bloom will be the final concert under the direction of artistic director Elizabeth MacIsaac, who is taking a year-long sabbatical.