Canadian music

Jen Thiessen and Ben ReimerPark Sounds is a new duo comprised of Manitoba-raised, Montreal-based musicians Jennifer Thiessen (viola, viola d’amore) and Ben Reimer (percussion). Both members of Park Sounds are rooted in the Manitoba classical, pop and new music communities,

Goodchild Grady DuoThe Goodchild Grady Duo will present an all Canadian program of works for clarinet/bass clarinet and percussion. Featuring Toronto based composer Shelley Marwood, Saskatoon composer Kendra Harder as well as other contemporary composers. Some of the works incorporate theatrical elements and contemporary techniques.  The duo is comprised of  clarinetist Melissa Goodchild, and Kevin Grady on percussion.

The featured composition for this noon hour concert is a 25-minute piece titled Mama’s Painting: Louis Riel’s Dream by Dr Karen Sunabacka. The piece is inspired by an unfinished collection of paintings by her Métis grandmother Lenore Clouston titled “Louis Riel’s Dream.” The five paintings were to highlight the history of Western Canada through the stories of the indigenous peoples, illustrating the clashes of cultures and politics in Canada and pointing to a future where people of all races could live in harmony.

This concert will explore chamber music repertoire by two Canadian composers: Seven Tableaux from the Song of Songs by Srul Irving Glick, and Selections from Trio, composed by Grebel alumna Erica de la Cruz, setting poetry by University of Waterloo Professor Sarah Tolmie.

Elizabeth Lepock, soprano