– by Gillian Crowley –
March winds may blow, but on the Peninsula we shall have art, readings and music shows.
QuintEssence
Favourite opera arias and other well-loved classics will be delivered by internationally renowned vocalists Robyn Driedger-Klassen, Barb Towell, Frédérik Robert and Peter Alexander. With celebrated pianist Tina Chang, the five members of QuintEssence offer a fresh and innovative concert experience for lovers of classical music of all styles. Their concerts showcase the most beloved and familiar opera favorites, along with musical gems by celebrated songwriters who span the ages, from Schubert to Poulenc, Britten to Heggie, and Gershwin to Weill. Friday, March 13, 7.30 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre. Tickets online or call 250.656.0275.
Plein Air Artists
When the rain stops, what could be more pleasant than painting outdoors? Brian Buckrell and Jim McFarland know all about creating art on-site, or en plein air. Penticton born and raised, Jim enjoys painting outside where he can capture the ever-changing colours and light of the world around him. Brian’s paintings also reflect his love of the outdoors, travel, agriculture and rural communities. The more he paints, the more his work moves towards abstract impressions of his subjects. All March at the Village Gallery, 2459 Beacon Ave., Sidney.
M.A.C. Farrant and Stephen Hume
Two well-known BC writers will read excerpts from their work in support of the 2015 Sidney and Peninsula Literary Festival. M.A.C. (Marion) Farrant’s writing has been described as “infused with acerbic wit and iconoclastic innovation.” Her unusual life growing up in Cordova Bay is revealed in her 2004 memoir My Turquoise Years which she later adapted for stage. Her most recent book, The World Afloat – Miniatures, won the City of Victoria Butler Book Prize in 2014. Stephen Hume is a well-known journalist and writer who for 25 years has been a columnist and senior writer at The Vancouver Sun. His most recent book is A Walk with the Rainy Sisters which invites readers to share his love and awe of this beautiful province. Advance tickets $10 at Tanner’s Books, Sidney, and Munro’s Books, Victoria. (Hint: the February readings sold out well in advance. www.sidneyliteraryfestival.ca.) Thursday, April 2, 7.00 p.m. (doors open 6.30) Red Brick Café, 2423 Beacon, Sidney.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe
Iolanthe is the seventh of the Gilbert and Sullivan collaborations and is their most charming with some of the best music Sir Arthur Sullivan ever wrote. Fairyland, splendorous peers of the realm, a singing Grenadier guardsman and memorable music, all led by Maestro George Corwin and a 13 piece professional orchestra. You’ll be humming the tunes as
you leave. March 20 & 21 at 8.00 p.m.; March 22, 2.00 p.m. Mary Winspear Centre.
Small Expressions
“Small is beautiful” could be the motto of this art show. Artists are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild and whatever they create is accepted into the show – as long as it is within 12x12x12 inches. Painting, fibre art, slumped glass, metal sculpture, photography … the list goes on. What’s more, the viewer tends to linger and really look when the image is small. Tulista Art Gallery, Sidney. Sponsored by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula.
