Aventa Ensemble presents the world première of Gavin Bryars opera, Marilyn Forever, in Victoria BC September 13/14, 2013. I had (ashamedly) never heard of the critically acclaimed and local new-music ensemble Aventa before an insert for the upcoming world première of their commissioned opera, Marilyn Forever, arrived with a local art gallery’s regular mailers. Intrigued, I contacted artistic director Bill Linwood to learn more. The … [Read more...]
Aventa Ensemble presents Marilyn Forever, a world premiere Sept 13/14 in Victoria BC
August 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment
My Fair Lady by Blue Bridge Theatre, a review
August 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Simply magnificent. There are no other words to describe the wonderful production of My Fair Lady by Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre currently playing at the McPherson Playhouse until August 18th. From the moment the audience enters the theatre, to a glorious vintage view of London (a scrim specially commissioned by designer Patrick Du Wors) the sense of anticipation is palpable. Brian Richmond (Henry Higgins) and Amanda Lisman (Eliza … [Read more...]
Music in the Park. The Rutledge Park Series 2013.
August 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Music in the Park. The Rutledge Park Series 2013 (corner of Cloverdale and Inverness), Tuesdays in August, from 6 – 8pm. Free concerts for the entire family. Years ago when I lived just off Quadra, near the intersection of Cloverdale and Inverness, the area now occupied by RutledgePark was populated with houses that were past their prime. The district of Saanich has long had a policy of buying up properties in areas where they wish to … [Read more...]
Vertical Orchestra 2013:Transpondings. August 11th at the Atrium.
August 1, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Victoria audiences will be thrilled for the opportunity to experience Vertical Orchestra 2013: Transpondings, August 11th at 8pm at the Atrium, featuring compositions by Victoria-based experimental composers. From August 9 to 11, Vancouver’s Redshift Music and Victoria’s Open Space Arts Society will present a series of free new music concerts in alternative, public venues in Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Victoria. Inspired by the … [Read more...]
Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre Presents My Fair Lady
July 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment
If the respectful collegiality evident during my recent conversation with cast members of My Fair Lady (running August 6-18th at the McPherson Playhouse) is any indication, then Producing Artistic Director, Brian Richmond, and everyone involved with Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre have achieved their mandate of mentoring young artists, while creating a company that consistently aims for the highest levels of artistic excellence (as indicated by the … [Read more...]
Fear No Opera presents Don Pasquale, June 15 2013
June 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Fear No Opera presents Don Pasquale Saturday June 15th 2013 at Oak Bay High School. Opera lovers, from aficionados to neophytes, can only cheer the arrival of Fear No Opera to the Victoria BC opera scene. While the city has long had an enviable reputation as a hot-bed of opera interest (Pacific Opera Victoria has the highest subscriber renewal rate in the country) there is still room for a new company. Fear No Opera’s (FNO) co-founders Amy … [Read more...]
A Place to Listen 8 – June 19, 2013
June 11, 2013 By 1 Comment
Summer brings time to slow down, relax and simply be – nights spent round campfires listening to the crackle of wood and flame, afternoons at the beach as waves lap the shore and children giggle in the distance, mornings deep in the woods where birds titter and leaves sigh. Since last fall, composer Daniel Brandes has curated a listening series that hearkens to these times and provides A Place to Listen. “Rather than a concert series, this is … [Read more...]
Epiphany Productions presents Godspell! May 30 – June 2, 2013
May 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Epiphany Productions presents a family-friendly version of the hit 1970s musical Godspell May 30 – June 2, 2013 at St Matthias Church. This brand-new theatre company was created by Noelle Antonsen and Joseph Goble, two young performers in their very early 20s who graduated from Victoria’s Canadian College of Performing Arts third year diploma program in late 2012, with the goal to “celebrate faith through theatre, create jobs for emerging … [Read more...]
Victoria’s First AfriCa Fest celebrates the 50th anniversary of the African Union
May 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Did you know 2013 is the 50th anniversary of the African Union? To celebrate, join members of the African, Caribbean and Créole communities for Victoria's first-ever AfriCa Fest, May 17th - 25th. Free family-friendly activities will be centered around Centennial Square for the opening weekend May 17th - 19th and include musical performances, activities for children, exhibitions, and interactive games. … [Read more...]
Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Belfry Theatre – a review
April 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment
At a time when age-ism is on the rise and it has become perfectly acceptable to poke fun at, and deride, the stereotype of the “little old lady”, the creators of Let Me Call You Sweetheart (currently at the Belfry Theatre) are to be applauded for this tale of fortitude and grit, told with humour, and staged with the light and deft touch of director Michael Shamata. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare, getting old and being shunted off, out of sight … [Read more...]
