St Catharines Chamber Music Society

Successful Concert Feb 13

2011-02-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

We had a great presentation of Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time. Also on the program was a piece by local St Catharines composer Neva Tesolin called Miniatures in India.

A quote from an audience member about Neva's piece:

"Your pieces were beautiful. In my non-musician way I would say that they were an encyclopedia of emotions and nuances and intrigues and bellows of desires and questions and very much affirmed statements..lol sorry but they were sooo much."

Quartet for the End of Time - First Performance

2011-02-08T12:41:00.000-08:00

We had a very successful first performance of the Quartet for the End of Time today at Music @ Noon at Brock University in the beautiful acoustics of the Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary. Next Society performance will be Sunday February 13 at 2:30 pm at the St Catharines United Mennonite Church at 335 Linwell Road (near the corner of Vine and Linwell). Tickets will be $20/$15 for students and are available at the door. Also on the program :

Prayer by Bloch and Miniatures in India by local St Catharines composer Neva Tesolin.

Miniatures in India is an evocative work inspired by Neva's studies in India. She arrived there during a religious festival in which the city was strung with fireworks which could go off around you at any time and she beautifully captures the feeling of religious fervour accompanied by explosions in Prayers Ignite. Temple Incense captures the mood of being in a shrine and the River Pamba gives a wonderful mood of the sacred river.

Don't miss this exciting concert!

Concert at Brock University

2011-01-25T11:02:00.000-08:00

We had a great concert at Brock University today for Music @ Noon.

We performed works by Beethoven, Bruch, Elgar, Glazunov, and Popper.

An actual quote from a concert-goer, "Some of those pieces were totally epic!"

Next up - The Quartet for the End of Time on Sunday February 13 at 2:30 pm at the st Catharines United Mennonite Church at 335 Linwell Road..

Music@noon Series Concert Jan 25, 2011

2011-01-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

Konstantin Popovic

2011-01-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

Konstantin PopoviĆ began his violin studies at the tender age of five in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. A few months later, he was acknowledged as the most promising beginner violinist by the members of the board of education for strings. This recognition led to a performance on a national televisionprogram, about the history of violin music.

Parallel to his achievements in violin, at the age of seven, Konstantin was appointed vocal soloist in a renowned youth choir “Drinka Pavlovic”. This choir was frequently broadcast on radio and television and also created three separate recordings featuring Konstantin as a vocal soloist.

At the age of seventeen Konstantin graduated from a music high school in Belgrade having accumulated numerous awards at the highest national violin competition. Konstantin studied violin with Vlada Bobic in Belgrade. Shortly after graduation, Konstantin immigrated to Toronto, Canada where he continued his studies at the University of Toronto in the music performance department under Leo Wigdorchik.

After graduating from U of T, he extended his orchestral studies as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and National Academy Orchestra. As a member of the National Youth Orchestra, he toured most major Canadian cities, numerous countries in Europe and Asia.

In 2000, Konstantin became the Assistant Concertmaster of Windsor Symphony. The same year, he also won an equivalent position in Sinfonia Toronto, a string orchestra comprised of fourteen members. He performs chamber music with Wellington Music, the group that he started in 1997 and with First Generation Entertainment, a Greek ethnic music orchestra.

Konstantin has been featured as a violin soloist on numerous tracks of Kosta Arnakouros’ instrumental CD Mediterranean Rendezvous released in 2004.He recently finished studio work for composer-arranger Charles Cozens of Somerset Entertainment and will be featured as a first violinist of a string quartet on that recording.

As a soloist Konstantin has had the honor of collaborating with conductors such as Giuseppe Lanzetta, Nurhan Arman, Peter Wiebe, Charles Greenwell, Ivars Taurins, Janez Govednik, Mark Skazinetsky, Fabio Mastrangelo and Maestro John Morris Russell.

Of all his achievements Mr. Popovic puts most value on the arrival of his son Dimitri and daughter Tatiana. His never ending debt for encouragement goes to his parents and his brother. Finally his immeasurable gratitude for inspiration and support of “a not so starving” musician goes to his wife Dawn.

Upcoming in February

2011-01-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

The Quartet for the End of Time
Sunday, Feb 13 2:30 pm

The St Catharines Chamber Music Society Presents:

Olivier Messiaen’s The Quartet for the End of Time with Konstantin Popovic- violin, Gordon Cleland- cello, Michele Jacot- clarinet, Erika Reiman- piano.

“I saw a mighty angel descending from heaven, clad in mist, having around his head a rainbow. His face was like the sun, his feet like pillars of fire. He placed his right foot on the sea, his left on the earth, and standing thus on the sea and the earth he lifted his hand toward heaven and swore by Him who liveth for ever and ever, saying: ‘There shall be time no longer, but at the day of the trumpet of the seventh angel the mystery of God shall be consummated’.”

-Revelation, X

The Quartet for the End of Time was written in the course of Messiaen’s captivity in a German concentration camp and first performed in Stalag 8 A on January 15, 1941. It was directly inspired by this quotation from The Revelation of St John. It’s musical language is transcendental. Certain modes, realizing melodically and harmonically a kind of tonal ubiquity, draw the listener into a sense of the eternity of space or time. Certain rhythms existing outside the measure contribute importantly toward the banishment of temporalities.

The quartet comprises eight movements. Seven is the perfect number, the creation of six days made holy by the divine Sabbath; the seventh in its repose prolongs itself into eternity and becomes the eighth, of unfailing light, of immutable peace.

The Quartet for the End of Time

I. Liturgy of crystal.
II. Vocalise, for the angel who announces the end of Time.
III. Abyss of the birds.
IV. Interlude.
V. Praise to the eternity of Jesus.
VI. Dance of fury, for the seven trumpets.
VII. Cluster of rainbows, for the angel who announces the end of Time.
VIII. Praise to the immortality of Jesus.

Accompanying Messiaen’s unique masterpiece will be:

Prayer, from Jewish Life #3
A powerfully moving piece for cello and piano by Ernest Bloch.

Miniatures in India
I. Prayers Ignite
II. Temple Incense
III. The River Pamba
A fascinating work by local St Catharines composer Neva Tesolin. It was inspired by her studies in India. She arrived in India during a religious festial in which the streets of the city were strung with fireworks and she captures the essence of religious fervour accompanied by explosions, the feelings of mystey in a shrine and the sacred beauty of the River Pamba.

Performing on Jan 25,2011

2011-01-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

Karin Di Bella: DMA (UBC). MMus (Washington University, St Louis), BMus (UWO), ARCT (Royal Conservatory of Music).

Dr. Di Bella is an accomplished teacher and educator. Her areas of expertise include music and politics of the 1920s and 1930s, historical instruments and techniques of the 18th and 19th centuries, and contemporary Canadian repertoire, particularly works by Jack Behrens. She has appeared as a concerto soloist with orchestras in the United States and Canada (including the Niagara Symphony in St Catharines), and has an active collaborative career with percussionists, string players, wind players, and vocalists around the continent. Previously on faculty at the Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music, Dr. Di Bella is currently Associate Professor of Piano at Brock University where she teaches piano lessons, master classes, accompanying, and piano pedagogy. She also adjudicates music festivals across Canada and adjudicates for the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Gordon Cleland: MMus (Boston University), BMus (BU), Associate of Music (Western Ontario Conservatory of Music)

Principal cellist of the Niagara Symphony, Gordon Cleland has performed across North America. He has appeared as soloist with the Niagara Symphony and Mercredi Musique. He has extensive experience as a chamber musician, being heard frequently on CBC FM Radio and has performed on TV5, the international French television network. His strong interest in contemporary and Canadian music is reflected in the repertoire he performs. In addition to his activities as a performer Gordon has made a strong commitment to music education. He teaches cello and string techniques at Brock University. He has been a featured performer for the Concertino Program of Jeunesses musicales, whose artists are carefully chosen for their pedagogical skills and their ability to communicate with young people. Gordon has adjudicated music festivals across Canada and runs a private studio in the Niagara region.

Tuesday@noon

2011-01-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

The first offering of the society for 2011 is coming up at Brock University for their Tuesday@noon series of free concerts on January 25 at the Sean O'Sullivan Theatre.

Songs my Students Have Taught Me will feature Gordon Cleland on cello and Karin Di Bella on piano. You get a very different viewpoint on a piece when you have taught it to someone else.

Bell Monashee, Three Lyric Sketches

Beethoven's First Sonata Op 5 #1

Bruch Kol Nidrei

James Street Night of Art

2010-10-15T05:02:00.000-07:00

The Society at James Street Night of Art

2010-09-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

The next presenation that CHUMs will do is a guest appearance at St Catharines' James Street Night of Art. This is an event on October 15, 2010 from 6pm - 9pm. St Catharines shuts down James Street to automobile traffic and presents local artists of all disciplines in a number of unusual venues including most of the stores in the downtown area. We will be presenting an initial version of our upcoming kids show, Fabulous Aesop, at Critelli's Fine Furniture.

Successful Presentation at Brock

2010-09-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

"The cello is sick!" An actual quote of a student at Brock University attending our season opener.

A very successful presentation with over 300 people in the audience of some of the most romantic music ever written in a concert dedicated to the memory of Chopin and Schumann featuring Erika Reiman on piano and Gordon Cleland on cello with Patricia Dydnansky - flute, Xiaoling Li - violin, Andree Simard - viola.

Upcoming Events

2010-09-20T09:21:00.001-07:00

January 25, 12 Noon, at the Sean O’Sullivan Theatre at Brock University for the Music at Noon Series, free Songs My Students Have Taught Me – Music by Beethoven, Bruch, Elgar. Gordon Cleland – cello, Karin Di Bella – piano.

February 13, 2:30 pm at the St Catharines United Mennonite Church, 335 Linwell Road,$20/$15 studentsThe Quartet for the End of Time - Don’t miss Messiaen’s unique masterpiece composed and premiered in a German concentration camp. Michele Jacot – clarinet, Konstantin Popovic – violin, Gordon Cleland – cello, Erika Reiman – piano.

March 19, 1 pm, at the St Catharines Centennial Library, 54 Church Street, freeFabulous Aesop – Wit and wisdom from the ancient Greek master of stories. A concert for kids at the St Catharines Central Library with the Symphonic Storytellers of Newfoundland and Suzuki Niagara. Michele Jacot – winds, George Cleland – violin, Gordon Cleland – cello, Marcia O’Neill – keyboard and narration.

April 15, 7:30 pm, at the NAC, 354 St Paul Street, $20/$15 for studentsDancing Duo – An exciting presentation of works for violin and cello with choreography presented by Niagara Dance Company. Music by Ravel, Glière, Bloch. Xiaoling Li – violin, Gordon Cleland – cello with Mary Jo Mullins.

May 15, 2:30 pm, at the St Catharines United Mennonite Church, 335 Linwell Road$20/$15 for studentsGrand Finale – Featuring the Franck Sonata and a world premiere of music for cello and piano by St Catharines composer Mark Steiger. Jonathan Dick – Baritone, Gordon Cleland – cello, Erika Reiman - piano.

Second Concert Season Underway

2010-09-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

St Catharines Chamber Music Society at the Encore Series
Friday Sept 24, 2010, 7:30 pmBrock University Centre for the ArtsSean O’Sullivan Theatre
2010 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of two Romantic masters: Frédéric Chopin and Robert Schumann. Join the talented performance faculty of the Department of Music, featuring Gordon Cleland - cello and Erika Reiman - piano, with Patricia Dydnansky – flute, Xiaoling Li – violin, Andrée Simard – viola, in an evening of celebratory chamber music by two of the 19th century's most enigmatic composers, the most romantic of the Romantics.
Tickets - Centre for the Arts Box Office, 905-688-5550 x3257

Program

Chopin - Polonaise-Fantaisie Op 61
Chopin - Cello Sonata, Opus 65
Schumann - Fantasy Pieces, Opus 73
Schumann - Romances op. 94
Schumann - Piano Quartet, Opus 47.

Sneak preview Saturday Sept 18, 7:30 pm at the MacNeill Church, 1145 King Street West in Hamilton

The Quartet for the End of Time

2010-04-10T04:45:00.000-07:00

Next up, the Quartet for the End of Time. Come hear Messiaen's remarkable masterpiece, created while he was a prisoner of war in a German concentration camp when the end of time felt like it had already arrived.

Where:

the St Catharines United Mennonite Church, 335 Linwell Road in St Catharines

When:

On June 13 at 2:30 pm

The performers:

Michele Jacot - clarinet

David Leung - violin

Gordon Cleland - cello

Erika Reiman - piano

Concert at Stella's

2010-04-10T04:42:00.000-07:00

For the In the Soil Festival Gordon Cleland will perform Gallery Suite by Robert Muczynski, La Rosa Variations, by Barnes and solo Bach. It's at 1 pm on Sunday April 18 at Stella's in downtown St Catharines.

Upcoming Events

2010-03-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Cellist Gordon Cleland will perform at Stella's on James street in St Catharines Sunday April 18 at 1 pm as part of the In the Soil Festival. Music by Bach, Barnes, Muczynski and Ware.

Library Concert This Weekend

2010-03-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday,March 20 at 1 p at the St Catharines Centennial Library at 54 Church Street. The Musicians of Ochre Pit Cove will be presented. Be sure to get out for this interactive concert!

George Cleland - Violin

2010-03-01T20:21:00.000-08:00

George Cleland - Violin

2010-03-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

Violinist/violist George Cleland is the Music Coordinator for the Niagara Suzuki Association, the Conductor and Music Director of the Peninsula Orchestra and the Viola Coach for the Niagara Youth Orchestra. He has been an instructor for Brock University since 2004. A performer, teacher and conductor, George is a founding member of the Luthien Ensemble, and he performs frequently as a chamber and orchestral musician with the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, and other orchestras in Ontario. Prior to moving to the Niagara region, George was a violin instructor for the Medicine Hat College Conservatory of Music and Dance, and the conductor of the Medicine Hat Junior String Orchestra and the founder and director for the Medicine Hat Community Orchestra.

Marcia O'Neill, Our guest Artist for the Musicians of Ochre Pit Cove

2010-03-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

Marcia O’Neill has been involved in music education more than twenty years. She currently teaches piano and theory privately to students from beginner to Grade 10 (Conservatory Canada/ RCM) ages 4 to Adult. She is former Education Director for the Niagara Symphony Association. In addition, she was Coordinator and Camp Director for the Niagara Symphony Summer Music Camp, an orchestral camp serving more than 300 children and adults annually. She was developer and teacher of the Tickle the Ivories course, a continuing education course atBrock University in St. Catharines, ON. She frequently presented music education workshops to teachers for theGrand Erie District School Board. She is coordinator of the Canadian Music Festival.

Ms. O’Neill holds a B.Music (Honours) with focus on piano pedagogy and harpsichord performance from Brock University. She also has a diploma in Theatre Arts fromNiagara College

The Musicians of Ochre Pit Cove

2010-03-01T08:12:00.000-08:00

The St Catharines Chamber Music Society, in a coproduction with the Symphonic Storytellers of Carbonear, Newfoundland and with members of Suzuki Niagara, presents a premiere production:

Saturday, March 20, 1 pm at the St Catharines Centennial Library

MUSICIANS OF OCHRE PIT COVE
A twist of the folk tale, The Musicians of Bremen, collected by the Brothers Grimm
Retirement for a tabby cat, a dog, a rooster and a Newfoundland pony does not look promising. No longer able to work, they learn that they will soon be turned out to pasture - or worse.Perhaps a new career? But what?In quest for a new life, each beast finds adventure and new purpose.

A chamber music concert for kids; be prepared, some audience participation will be required!

Next Up - The Town Musicians of Bermen

2010-02-28T05:52:00.000-08:00

Our next offering is a Canadian version (set in Newfoundland of the Town Musicians of Bremen. March 20, 2010 at the St Catharines Centennial Library at 1 pm.

Cello-Vision Niagara This Week Interview

2010-02-28T05:51:00.000-08:00

Mike Zettel
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Feb 23, 2010 - 8:20 PM
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0

Cello-Vision at NAC an audio-visual journey

Cello-Vision at NAC an audio-visual journey. Cellist Gordon Cleland and multi-media artist Marinko Jareb combine their talents for “Cello-Vision” which is being performed Friday, Feb. 26 at the Niagara Artists’ Centre. COURTESY PHOTO

Audiences walking off St. Paul Street into the Niagara Artists’ Centre this Friday night will be greeted with sounds unlike anything they’ve heard before.

The other-worldly music, courtesy of multi-media artist Marinko Jareb, is not a part of the main working he’s performing in but more of a warm up act.

He likens the electronic composition to a palette-cleansing, something to prepare the ears for what is coming next.

“Very distinctly, we want to clear out people’s eardrums, give them an other-worldly sound,” he said.

The work that follows is a collaboration between Jareb and St. Catharines Chamber Music Society cellist Gordon Cleland.

Cleland initiated the project years after Jareb approached the Niagara Symphony with a similar concept. Then director Daniel Swift put out a call to individual musicians after explaining to Jareb the logistics and expenses involved with hiring the full orchestra to play alongside his images.

The work, a chance to bring chamber music to a whole new audience, also involves Toronto actor Peter Higginson and the direction of Stray Theatre director Peter Feldman.

The nearly 90-minute program involves four pieces of music: Sonnets by Nicole Carigan; Gallery Suite by Robert Muczynski, who wrote nine movements based on paintings by Charles Burchfield; After Reading Shakespear by Ned Roren, which involves Higginson reading out selections that inspired the muisc; and finally La Rosa Variations by Milton Barnes, a piece with a Spanish stylistic flair that commemorates the expulsion of the Hebrew people from Spain in 1492.

Cleland said the music, although classical in style, is contemporary. And by pairing it with Jareb’s visuals, the entire performance surrounds the audience.

“The idea is you’re pulled right into the entire piece,” he said. “You’re pulled right into it and you experience music from the inside.”

The music, he said, was written specifically for the cello and takes the instrument in every direction it can go.

“Pretty much anything you can imagine a cello being able to do is going to be done,” he said. “It really uses the instrument to its full potential.”

Jareb said the collaboration allowed him the opportunity to expand his horizons beyond the techno and house music he creates visual for at Toronto and Montreal parties. The challenge was in slowing down the pace from the typically quick percussive fare he works with, and using more subtle imagery appropriate for the lyrical music.

“When you’re ‘rocking the show’ it’s got to be a lot more punchy and over-the-top,” he said.

While all the still images and video components that make up the show will be pre-edited, in order to synch with the music they will be switched by him live.

“He’s (Cleland) not going to be responding to my visuals,” he said. “It’s sort of the other way around.”

Cello-Vision will be performed at 7:30 p.m. at 354 St. Paul St.

Cello-vision Feb 26, 2010 7:30 pm at NAC

2010-02-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

Cello-Vision Feb 26, 2010 7:30 pm at NAC

2010-02-04T06:16:00.001-08:00

Cello-Vision

St Catharines Chamber Music Society in association with the Niagara Artists’ Centre proudly presents “Cello-Vision”, a multimedia and theatrical chamber music recital by acclaimed cellist, Gordon Cleland.

Gordon Cleland initiated this project to bring chamber music to a new audience and enlisted new media artist, Marinko Jareb and Toronto-based actor, Peter Higginson to add a new dimension to an exciting repertoire of contemporary classical music. Peter Feldman, a director with St. Catharines' Stray Theatre, will direct the performance which is scheduled for Friday, February 26^th, 2010 at 7:30pm at the Niagara Artists’ Centre, 354 St.Paul Street.

The program involves four main pieces of music. The show begins with Sonnets by Nicole Carignan, then moves through Gallery Suite by Robert Muczynski which consists of nine movements based on 20^th century paintings of Charles Burchfield. After Reading Shakespeare by Ned Rorem is another series of nine movements. Peter Higginson will read the selections which inspired Rorem's music. Finally La Rosa Variations, composed by Milton Barnes, is a piece with Spanish stylistic flair commemorating the expulsion of the Hebrew people from Spain in 1492. Marinko Jareb will provide a video backdrop for the entirety of the performance.

Gordon Cleland - “This evening of contemporary music and performance art is an experiment to see how far we can push a chamber music concert in Niagara. We have a very talented and unique group of individuals collaborating on what is guaranteed to be an exciting and innovative performance.”

Marinko Jareb - “I am used to performing multimedia visuals for techno and house music warehouse parties in Toronto and Montreal, so it will be an exciting challenge to create a mix of visuals that will complement the subtleties, tones and textures of classical music.”

Stephen Remus, NAC director -“We’re looking forward to supporting the presentation of work by two of NAC members working in very different disciplines. Hopefully Cello-Vision will combine not only chamber music and digitally manipulated images, but will mix audiences as well.”

Review

“The show is definitely worth seeing…driven by some great actors. Stage veteran Peter Higginson was the perfect Lear.”

- Mooney on Theatre reviews King Lear presented at University of Toronto’s Hart House Theatre

Biographies

Gordon Cleland is the principal cellist of the Niagara Symphony and has extensive experience as a chamber musician, notably with pianist Karin Di Bella at Brock University (a cofounder of the St Catharines Chamber Music Society). Gordon has broadcast frequently for CBC and has performed on TV5, the international French television network in addition to teaching cello and string techniques at Brock, adjudicating music festivals across Canada and running a private studio in Niagara. Gordon began his musical training in London, Ontario and completed his studies with a Master of Music degree from Boston University.

Marinko Jareb is a multidisciplinary artist, musician and DJ. Marinko was signed to Helsinki, Finland based, Mono Records which released two EP’s and one full length album of electronic music by Marinko under the name DJ Machine. Marinko has performed and shown his work internationally. Working in multimedia, video, toy design and sound, Marinko has formalized his own visual practice with a new gallery and studio space, The Disco Gallery, located at 24 James Street in St.Catharines.

Peter Higginson is a Toronto based actor with over 50 years of stage and screen experience. He is connected to the Niagara region through his relationship with the Essential Collective Theatre Company as an actor and a member of their Board of Directors. Selected credits include: 2007, Prospero, ‘The Tempest’, Anthony Kilgallen, ‘The Paris Letter’; 2008, Lear, ‘King Lear’, William K, ‘Criminals in Love’; 2009, various roles in ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and ‘Clyomon & Clamydes’. Peter has also been involved in a variety of film and voice over projects and is presently preparing for a short new one character play, ‘Catcher’, that will be presented as part of the New Ideas program at the Alumnae Theatre, Toronto in March.

Peter Feldman Most recent productions: Criminals in Love, Possible Worlds, True West, St. Catharines; A Lie of the Mind, Village Theatre, Waterdown; Salt Water Moon, Hamilton Players Guild. Directed over 60 (mainly fringe theatre or university) productions in NY, Netherlands, UK and Canada, incl. Toronto and Vancouver. Taught theatre courses at 6 colleges and universities, incl. 20 years at Brock University (3 of them as Chair of Dramatic Arts). Was Co-Director of The Open Theatre, the award-winning NY theatre ensemble, and previously Assistant Director of The Living Theater, NY. Guest leader of acting and directing workshops at many community theatres and universities. Published articles on acting, theatre training, etc. in Drama Contact, Canadian Theatre Review, Theatre Research In Canada, Theatrum, Theater (formerly Yale Theater), Gestus, The Drama Review. He lives in St. Catharines, where he directed for Theatre Arts Niagara and co-founded Stray Theatre, a troupe of actors most of whom he trained himself and whom he has directed in plays by Sam Shepard, Samuel Beckett, and Canadian playwrights George F. Walker and Jason Sherman.

Tickets are on sale at the NAC and at the St Catharines & Area Arts Council Office or 905-934-8148 for further information.

$20/$15 for students

2010-01-29T14:50:00.001-08:00

We have applied to be part of the In the Soil Festival (the festival that celebrates local Niagara talent) at Brock University today.

2010-01-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

The concert at Brock was a great success. The Rorem piece in particular was well received. Now there are two new works to prepare to be ready for February; the Muczynski and the Barnes.

2010-01-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

Preparations are well under way for the Solo Cello concert at NAC on Feb 26, 2010 7:30 pm. Gordon will be performing part of this recital at Brock University on Jan. 26 in the Sean O'Sullivan Theatre for Brock's Tuesday at Noon series (that will be this Tuesday... at noon). A chance for a sneak preview!

Sonnets by Nicole Carignan

After Reading Shakespeare by Ned Rorem

Kluane - Dream of a Dark Winter Waltz by Peter Ware

2010-01-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

The St Catharines Chamber Music Society thanks the City of St Catharines. We are delighted to have received a grant from the city through their SCCIP program.

2010-01-23T19:28:00.000-08:00

2010-01-23T19:26:00.000-08:00

Solo Cello

Gordon Cleland – Cello

Peter Higginson – Actor

Marinko Jareb – Visual Artist

Peter Feldman – Director

An exciting presentation of virtuosic contemporary solo cello pieces expanded and enhanced by the visual art of Marinko Jareb and the acting of Peter Higginson.

Sonnets by Nicole Carignan - a work in 3 contrasting movements crafted from and reevaluating the work of 15 Provençal women Troubadors from the Middle Ages Gallery Suite by Robert Muczynski  - a lyrical suite in 9 movements inspired by the paintings of Charles Birchfield.  After Reading Shakespeare by Ned Rorem  - a virtuosic showpiece in 9 movements loosely based on several of the plays and sonnets of Shakespeare; one of the most impressive works for solo cello from the 20th Century.  La Rosa Variations by Milton Barnes  - a colourful and Spanish flavoured work on the theme of unrequited love; Milton Barnes was a former director of the Niagara Symphony.

Four great works in contrasting styles by Canadian and American composers; come and enjoy them!

2010-01-23T19:22:00.000-08:00

February 26, 7:30 pm

Niagara Artists Centre

354 St Paul Street, St Catharines

Featuring: Gordon Cleland – cello with actor Peter Higginson and visual projections by Marinko Jareb

We would like to thank the NAC for their invaluable support in this presentation.

Later this season:

March 20, 1 pm

St Catharines Centennial Library

54 Church Street, St Catharines

The Town Musicians of Bremen at the St Catharines Centennial Library in conjunction with Suzuki Niagara

June 13, 2:30 pm

St Catharines United Mennonite Church

335 Linwell Road, St Catharines

The Chamber Music of Brahms with Jody Wieler – soprano, Gordon Cleland- cello, Michele Jacot – clarinet, Erika Reiman – piano

2010-01-23T19:14:00.000-08:00

The concert that was held on September 20th will be televised on Cogeco Tv this Saturday, Oct 3 at 11:30 am (Channel 10 or 14). Hope you tune in and watch this fantastic presentation!

Program

Beethoven - Eyeglass Duo

Obradors - Del Caballo Mas Sutil

Poulenc - Hotel and A Sa Guitare

PDQ Bach - Duo for 1 Viola 4 Hands

Handel - O Thou that Tellest and Ombra Mai Fu from Xerxes

and the Ontario premiere of Carlyle Sharpe's Cello Sonata

Featuring - Andree Simard and George Cleland - violas, Gordon Cleland - cello, Erika Reiman - piano, Margaret Bardos -Mezzo-Soprano

Special thanks to Cogeco for broadcasting the show and to the St Catharines United Mennonite Church for hosting us!

2010-01-23T19:13:00.001-08:00

Hungarian-born Mezzo-Soprano Margaret Bárdos is in growing demand as a versatile performer with a unique, rich sound. A recipient of the Christine Stanton-Opera Ontario Scholarship, Ms. Bárdos made her Canadian mainstage début with Opera Ontario in the role of Flora in Verdi's La Traviata, and was heard as Third Lady in Mozart's The Magic Flute with Symphony Guelph. Ms. Bárdos has been a featured soloist with the Canadian Male Orpheus Choir, the All Saints Choral Society, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, and has appeared at Les Escales Improbables, The Junction Arts Festival, Soundstreams' NAISA, Kitchener's Celebrate Our Artists Festival, and the Stratford Summer Music Festival. Recent solo appearances in Ontario include Pergolesi's Stabat Mater and Franz Liszt's Via Crucis, Handel's Messiah in Guelph and Burlington, as well as cross-over concert appearances in Toronto, Montréal and Michigan.

This past year's performances included Vivaldi's Gloria in March, a massed choir gala in May, a tour of Northern Ontario in June, appearances at galas for the National Ballet Company and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, a Bach Cantata with the Hamilton Children's Choir, as well as the Toronto premiere of Karl Jenkins' Requiem. Ms. Bárdos made her European concert debut in July 2008, singing at various locations throughout Hungary and the Ukraine, including a solo recital at the famed Mátyás Templom in Budapest, as well as a broadcast performance for the opening of a UNESCO joint exhibition co-sponsored by the Canadian Embassy.

Ms. Bárdos will be heard in the world premiere of R. Murray Schafer's The Children's Crusade this June, and the gala Sondheim in September in Toronto. Upcoming highlights for 2009 include the solo in the North American premiere of Karl Jenkins'Stabat Mater, appearances at the Burlington Sound of Music Festival and the Stratford Summer Music Festival, as well as workshops and coaching for the international award winning Hamilton Children's Choir. 2010 will see a return to Europe to fulfill further singing engagements as well as to continue her exploration of the works of her great uncle, composer Bárdos Lajos. Ms. Bárdos continues her studies with Tom Schilling of Vocalway Studios.

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2010-01-23T19:10:00.000-08:00

Next concert for CHUMS!

The next concert that the St. Catharines Chamber Music Society (affectionately called CHUMS) will be on:

Sunday 2:30 pm, at

St Catharines United Mennonite Church

335 Linwell Road, St. Catharines

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

See you there!

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Xiaoling Li began to learn playing violin when she was 12 years old. After nine years of intensive professional training at Xian conservatory of Music under professor Zongde Wang, she became a member of the Shaannxi Symphony Orchestra. During the time with the orchestra, she regularly appeared as soloist. She also appeared on the local and National television and radio as well. Twelve years ago, she joined Niagara Symphony Orchestra when she moved to Canada. She has held an associate concertmaster position since then. She also plays with many different orchestras and Chamber groups in south Ontario. In addition, she teaches at music school and privately.

Recent performer bio

Jody Wieler, soprano

Based in St. Catharines but hailing originally from Sarnia, Ms. Wieler leads an active musical life.

During her music studies at Brock University (B. Mus. Hon. 1997), she studied voice, conducting, choral music and early music histories. She is the soprano soloist and assistant choir director at St. George’s Anglican Church in St. Catharines. Since 1992, she has been an integral part of the award-winning Niagara Vocal Ensemble (Harris Loewen, director), a twelve-voice women’s group which performs regularly throughout the Niagara peninsula, Stratford and greater Toronto area; she also performed on their recording Voices of Niagara (1996), which features many Niagara-related composers including Robert Hunter Bell, Ronald Tremain, John Butler and Leila Lustig. The group recorded another Niagara-themed collection of Christmas music this past May. Jody has also sung under the direction of Robert Cooper, as a member of Chorus Niagara. She continues studies with Tom Schilling of New York City, with whom she is preparing her first opera roles.

1999 brought her a successful audition with the Opera Ontario Chorus, with which she performs on a regular basis. To date, she has appeared in Faust, Eugene Onegin, Die Lustige Witwe, Elisir D’amore, La nozze di Figaro, Les Pêcheurs des perles, Lakmé (English-speaking Canadian Premiere), La fille du regiment andCarmen.. As a member of their Ambassador Choir, she enjoys going to Hamilton-area schools promoting opera and performing for young students. She was 2004’s honoured recipient of the Christine Stanton Memorial Scholarship through Opera Ontario, awarded to promising singers. She has performed at such prestigious functions as the Kitchener Opera Ball and the re-opening of the Hamilton Art Gallery in conjunction with Opera Ontario. Recent concert appearances include being soloist with Brock University’s choirs, Niagara Vocal Ensemble, James Street Night of Art, the early music group Hildegals (Holly Gwynne-Timothy, director) and The Messiah with Choralis Camerata and the International Symphony Orchestra (Sarnia/Port Huron).

Jody enjoys singing all classical music, giving regular performances with select colleagues from Niagara, including benefit concerts for Women’s Place St. Catharines, St. Barnabas’ Church and Hospice Niagara. She also enjoys singing and discovering modern classical repertoire. She maintains a private voice studio from her home where she enjoys teaching children and adults alike, working toward increasing their love of music. Other diversions include teaching an Italian Opera appreciation course for Brock University’s Continuing Education programme, adjudicating music festivalsand making art glass beads.

Gordon's bio

Gordon Cleland

Principal cellist of the Niagara Symphony, Gordon Cleland has performed across North America. He has appeared as soloist with the Niagara Symphony (Schumann Concerto in A minor and Vivaldi Double Concerto in G minor with Gisela Depkat) and for the Debut Series in Montreal, and will be playing a concerto this spring with Mercredi musique (Boccherini Bb Major). He has extensive experience as a chamber musician, notably with pianist Karin di Bella at Brock University. Gordon is a member of the Thorold String Quartet with violinists Xiaoling Li and George Cleland and violist Andree Simard. Gordon has broadcast frequently for CBC FM Radio and has performed on TV5, the international French television network. His strong interest in contemporary and Canadian music is reflected in the repertoire he performs.

In addition to his activities as a performer Gordon has made a strong commitment to music education. In addition to teaching cello for Suzuki Niagara he teaches cello and string techniques at Brock University. He has been a featured performer for the Concertino Program of Jeunesses musicales, whose artists are carefully chosen for their pedagogical skills and their ability to communicate with young people. Gordon has adjudicated music festivals across Canada and runs a private studio in the Niagara region.

Gordon started his musical training in London, Ontario and completed his studies with a Master of Music degree from Boston University. His principal teachers were George Neikrug, Walter Joachim and Gisela Depkat.

2010-01-21T15:53:00.001-08:00

A big thank you to everyone who came out to our inaugural concert on June 28th! We enjoyed your hearty applause, and were very excited to experience your enthusiasm for CHUMS!

Here are a few bios of the performers who were in this concert:

Stephen Bomgardner

Stephen Bomgardner combines an active singing career with a dedication to teaching. He has performed 85 solo and chamber music recitals in Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Houston, Wichita, and numerous other cities across the United States. Recent performances include recitals at Pepperdine University (Malibu, CA), Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA), the Weisman Art Gallery (Minneapolis), and the Cathedral Church of St. Paul (Boston).

In 2009, he presented the lecture recital “Celebrating Haydn’s Chamber Music: Trio Songs for Voice, Violin, Cello, and Piano” at the Texas Music Educators Association convention (San Antonio, TX), the College Music Society South Central conference (Norman, OK), and the College Music Society Great Plains conference (Kansas City, MO).

In opera, he specializes in character and buffo tenor roles, most recently performing Goro (Madama Butterfly) and Mr. Erlanson (A Little Night Music) with Springfield Regional Opera, King Kaspar (Amahl and the Night Visitors) with the Messiah Project (Springfield, MO), and the Major General (The Pirates of Penzance) with the Saint Peter Choral Society (MN). His repertoire includes twenty-three different roles including Basilio (The Marriage of Figaro), Witch (Hansel and Gretel), Monostatos (Die Zauberflöte), Mayor Upford (Albert Herring), and Vasek (The Bartered Bride).

He is Associate Professor of Music at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, where he teaches voice, vocal pedagogy and literature, diction, music history, and directs the opera workshop. Prior to coming to Missouri, he taught at Minnesota State University-Mankato, Gustavus Adolphus College, Pittsburg State University, and the University of Texas-Pan American. He also spent four summers teaching at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute (BUTI), the high school component of the Tanglewood Music Festival.

July 28, 2009

Our inaugural concert was held today at Ridley College Chapel, and I must say, I think it was a great success! Many thanks to the guest musicians, John Butler, Xiaoling Li and Stephen Bomgartner - you were delightful!

Please stay posted to the Society's blog (this site) - add it to your feed for all the blogs you watch, and you'll be the first to be notified of future announcements, including the

2010-01-21T05:33:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the St Catharines Chamber Music Society. We are a new organization in our first season in St Catharines performing chamber music. We have some exciting concerts coming up.

The first happens Feb 26 at 7:30 pm at the NAC, 354 St Paul Street in St Catharines.

Come enjoy the show!