– by Laura Backstrom –
Chamber music in the country! Twenty-seven years ago, an inventive and musical family dreamed up an idea for a unique sort of chamber music festival. Instead of a typical city location, this would be held among the fields and farms of the Saanich Peninsula. Larry and Dayna Fisher selected a rustic old community hall, convinced their musician friends from near and far that they simply must come and play, and created a friendly, informal, yet musically first-rate series. As years passed and the audience grew, Eine Kleine Summer Music moved a short distance up the road into a more comfortable hall, the newly-built Unitarian church across from the Red Barn Market on West Saanich Road. Eventually some of the musicians found that they also loved the acoustics and intimacy of the Muse Winery on Chalet Road, so EKSM began to repeat some of the concerts there every summer.
As always, this year’s EKSM roster includes artists of international standing. The Alcan String Quartet, one of Canada’s premiere chamber ensembles for over 20 years, will play in both the church location and at Muse Winery. Enthusiasts are looking forward to the ASQ’s interpretation of Bedrich Smetana’s first quartet, the beloved, semi-autobiographical work subtitled “From My Life.”
Lately there is a buzz of excitement surrounding the critically-acclaimed Canadian cellist Ariel Barnes. Canada Council awarded him the use of their finest cello: proof of his position as one of our country’s top instrumentalists. Known internationally as a mesmerizing soloist and chamber musician, he was recently appointed Principal Cellist of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Local talent includes two of our region’s most popular artists: Terence Tam (Concertmaster and frequent soloist with the Victoria Symphony) and pianist Lorraine Min (a Steinway Artist with a large and enthusiastic following).
Sundays: June 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th at 2:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 5575 West Saanich Road. Saturdays: June 14th, 21st at 2:30 p.m. at Muse Winery, 11195 Chalet Road, North Saanich. Tickets: 250-413-3134.
