Calgary's original chamber music ensemble, Kensington Sinfonia, is gearing up to present a season finale concert that promises to be an extraordinary musical experience. This year, they are excited to showcase two new commissions embody the essence of Calgary/Mokhintsiss, capturing its unique time and place. Audiences can expect an evening of mesmerizing performances and innovative compositions that celebrate both local and international heritage.
One of the highlights of the evening is UNESCO Heritage by Canadian composer Kristin Flores. This exceptional piece, crafted for solo violin and orchestra, takes audiences on a captivating journey through the remarkable UNESCO sites of Alberta - including Writing on Stone Provincial Park - and pair them with those in Italy. With her musical prowess, Flores skillfully conveys the awe-inspiring beauty of these locations, painting vivid sonic portraits in the minds of the audience. The soloist who will perform this special piece is Debra Fast, for whom this work was written for and dedicated to.
In stark contrast, Sonny-Ray Day Rider's commission, Grief Eater, invites the audience on an introspective journey into the psychology of loss. Day Rider, an exciting new talent hailing from southern Alberta, presents a thought-provoking composition that delves into the intricate emotions surrounding grief.
In addition to these captivating new commissions, the concert will also feature past commissions undertaken by Kensington Sinfonia, including Storm Clouds Over Camp Creek by Ashley Seward, Chinook by Calgary composer and former Artistic Director of Kensington Sinfonia Donovan Seidle. Additionally, Ravenswood by Arthur Bachmann and Silver City by the late Calgary composer George Fenwick, who passed away in 2020, will be featured. These pieces represent the diverse range of musical expressions that Kensington Sinfonia has been passionately delivering to its audiences over the course of 35 years.
The evening will conclude with a panel discussion with Fast, Flores, and Day Rider hosted by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS). It is a unique opportunity for audiences to gain a deeper understanding of the music's origins and the creative process that brought these remarkable compositions to life.
Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to celebrate music, heritage, and the remarkable artistic achievements of Calgary's own Kensington Sinfonia.
--------
UNESCO Heritage with soloist Debra Fast will take place on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 3 p.m. at St. Stephen's Anglican Church (1121 14 Avenue SW, Calgary). Tickets can be purchased for $25 (general admission) online through www.eventbrite.ca or at the door. Free admission for children 12 and under.
More information & tickets