Backstage Notes
History
- Eight years of sold out summer festivals under the skilful artistic direction of Alexander Tselyakov.
- The weekend has traditionally offered four concerts plus a free concert ‘Chamber Music Doesn’t Bite’ given by the musicians to the community to draw a young and new audience to this genre. Due to demand, an additional full concert was added in 2012.
- Past performers include internationally acclaimed musicians such as Andrew Dawes, Penderecki String Quartet, Jonathan Crow, Antonio Lysy, Lafayette String Quartet, Matt Haimovitz, Barry Shiffman, George Zukerman, Gryphon Trio, Corey Cerovsek, James Ehnes, and the Borealis String Quartet, among others.
- Increasingly we are finding that our audiences from across BC and several US states are building their travel plans around our Festival weekend.
- In 2009 we commissioned and premiered Pender Harbour Suite for piano trio, composed by Stephen Chatman for the fifth anniversary Festival. It was favourably reviewed by David Gordon Duke of the Vancouver Sun.
2012 Highlights
- In 2012 we were honoured to present Dale Barltrop ,Kai Gleusteen, Guylaine Lemaire, Julian Armour, Dylan Palmer, James Campbell, Guy Few, Sal Ferreras, Nicholas Jacques, Catherine Ordronneau, Alexander Tselyakov, and local narrator, Alec Tebbutt.
- Our outstanding programme was hugely enjoyed and noted for its creativity and variety.
- Festival firsts were the introduction of trumpet and percussion, two matching Yahama pianos, and a themed opening concert devoted to influences of jazz on 20th century classics.
- Performances of works by composers ranging from Fasch and Mozart, to Debussy and Prokofiev, and on to contemporary composers such as Ewazen and Gilliland, enthralled our audiences.
- Although the entire programme resonated with nearly everyone, concert goers highlighted James Campbell’s performance of Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet in A major. They also responded emotionally to trumpet virtuoso Guy Few playing songs by Fauré and Duparc and reading the poems that inspired them
Pender Harbour Community
- With seating for 100-120 people, our venue is nestled in a village in bloom, amongst fir trees and soaring eagles, overlooking the harbour. It’s the perfect setting for chamber music.
- Host families provide accommodation in their homes for the musicians who arrive several days in advance of the Festival for intensive rehearsals. The musicians appreciate the exceptional hospitality that is offered.
- Community volunteers help with everything from taking tickets to setting out chairs. As more people become involved in various ways, this Festival is truly becoming a community affair.
Festival 2013 and beyond
Artistic Director Alexander Tselyakov has worked hard with our committee to bring quality musicians and exceptional musical programming to Pender Harbour for 2013. Confirmed musicians are Lara St. John, violin; Yehonatan Berick, violin/viola; Rachel Mercer, cello; Joyce Lai, violin; Ian Clarke, viola; François Houle, clarinet; and Jonathan Goldman, bandoneon. And, we are looking towards and planning our 10th anniversary in 2014 with great excitement. Our constant goal is to maintain the high quality of performance that has characterized our Festival.
For more information please explore our website or call the Festival cell phone: 604.989.3995.