Christmas 2022 Newsletter
Opera Improv in Victoria, Choral Concerts, Lessons and Carols Service and Christmas Treats
Presentation with Theatre Inconnu
On November 30th at 8pm, I will be joining Rob Hunter, Tim Gosley and STELUTA in Victoria, BC. We will be further developing Rob’s opera “Good Story” through live improvisation, which will include a visual component.
The result of our work will influence the opera through its future development. Currently, Rob has plans to expand the work and present it again in the near future.
‘Good Story comes from a long-held vision of kôkum or grandmother in Cree, singing opera as she makes bannock. She calls her grandkids, one of whom is my grandmother, to come sit and eat with her by the fire. With the time of Truth and Reconciliation that we are in, I strove to contribute my own family’s story to the midst,’ Rob Hunter.
Rob & Tim are joined by STELUTA - Martina Peladeau, Kate Rhodes, Alex Olson, Doug Hensley - plus keyboardist / composer, Ethan Hill.
We come together to riff sonically and visually around recent recordings of Rob’s indigenous opera Good Story that just premiered at Calgary’s GRAND Studio. Rob focuses on first nations drumming and voice. Tim utilizes a toy box of video projections, shadows and reflections. With limited preparation time, see what we all jam together.
Christmas Choral Concerts
In the past three months, I have been working with two community choirs to prepare a program of festive music.
Westwinds Music Society
On Dec. 3rd @7pm at St. David’s United Church, Westwinds Music Society’s Choral Ensemble will be presenting “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”, classic Christmas Carols as well as some indigenous-language music. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Savridi Singers
On Dec. 10th @7pm at Lakeview United Church, the Savridi Singers will perform an eclectic program of music for the Christmas season. Joined by a string quartet, we will present music from all over the globe.
Join us for a special evening of choral music to celebrate the wonder of the holiday season---its symbols, its unique sounds and the extraordinary backdrop of nature's stage.
We hope through this concert you will experience the warmth and meaning of the holidays!
Savridi Singers, a Registered Charitable Organization, is an auditioned treble voice choir in Calgary, AB. We celebrate treble voices through excellence in musicianship, embracing variety, and delivering exceptional performances for our community.
Lessons and Carols Service
On December 11th at 7:30pm, I will be accompanying several choirs at St. Anthony’s Church for a Nine Lessons and Carols service.
The service will be packed with traditional Christmas hymns for all to sing as well as choral music to complement the service. I will be playing Brahms’ Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen to begin the service and Percy Fletcher’s Festival Toccata to conclude it.
St. Anthony’s Catholic Church
German Christmas Goodies
My partner and his mother are beginning the process of opening a mulled wine manufacturing business. Their recipe reflects hundreds of years of German tradition and tastes delicious to boot! If you’re looking for a warm beverage for winter, or a wonderful gift for your loved ones, look no further!
They also offer other X-mas treats like stollen, chocolate Croissants and rum balls.
Contact Ute von Essen at (403)-688-1979 to place an order.
