The Coast Recital Society leads the local vanguard of worldwide celebrations of Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday.
On Sunday afternoon, March 20, at 2:30 p.m. at the Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt, the Society presents “The Young Beethoven: a program of rarely-heard works,” all written before the composer was 30 years of age.
The actual anniversary of Beethoven’s birth was in November 2020, but along with other concert organizations around the world, the Coast Recital Society delayed the party because of the pandemic.
George Zukerman, the host-narrator of the Young Beethoven concert, commented: “Better late than never. Beethoven waited 250 years. Another few months won’t bother him unduly!”
The ensemble of Vancouver soloists will be headed by distinguished violinist Nancy DiNovo, and will include Yuel Yawney, violin, Rebecca Ruthven, viola, Brian Mix, cello, Michael Vaughan, bass, Milan Milosevic, clarinet, Jesse Read, bassoon and three of Vancouver’s most celebrated horn virtuosi, Steve Denroche, Dawn Haylett and Andrew Clark.
The concert is part of an extensive tour of the province, that includes performances in Parksville, Kelowna, White Rock, Chilliwack, Vancouver and Salt Spring Island.
For ticket information, email [email protected] or call 604 885-0991.
A little night music
The choristers of Coast Vespersong are leading a service of prayer and contemplation that will feature music by George Dyson, Thomas Tomkins, and Tomás Luis de Victoria.
The service of choral evensong takes place on the third Sunday in Lent: Sunday, March 20 at 5 p.m. at St. Hilda’s Anglican Church in Sechelt.
The tradition of evensong is almost 500 years old, with origins in England. It is practiced daily in churches throughout the United Kingdom.
The director of Coast Vespersong, David Poon, says “Many find it [vespers] to be a perfect transition from daytime to evening: rest for the body, meditation for the mind, and nourishment for the soul.”
Belief (or disbelief) in any particular deity is not required to enjoy this ageless music that promotes peace and healing.
The Biggest Little Farm crops up again
The Sunshine Coast Film Society is offering another opportunity to view the documentary The Biggest Little Farm.
The film will be shown at 7:30 p.m. at the Gibsons Heritage Playhouse.
The 2018 documentary is the inspiring story of a California couple that follows their dream to return to life on the land.
Its listing in the online Internet Movie Database includes credits and biographies for each of its barnyard stars, including Greasy the Rooster.
Proof of vaccination is required and masks are recommended. Tickets will be available at the door ($5 for Sunshine Coast Film Society members, $9 for non-members).
