Events

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.

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.

The 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.

Park 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,

Dr. Darryl Friesen has been praised for his “rich palette of tonal colour” and performances of “intimate, poignant simplicity” (Winnipeg Free Press, 2008).  

Olivia Shortt, saxophonist.  

Six degrees of separation: This is a recital featuring and celebrating the wonderful creative artists that I've met over the last few years and is a celebration of previously commissioned works as well as some new works by myself. Exciting and beautiful works by Finola Merivale, Olivia Shortt, Stephanie Orlando among others for solo saxophone. 

Program notes: Being premiered on Remembrance Day, this is a story of remembrance. It tells of a time in history, of the conflict of war and its impact on those caught in the middle of it, of a courageous woman who finds hope and a way forward through the challenges and obstacles life puts in her path. It is inspired by the life of my grandmother, Esther (Irina).

Starting January 27, 2021 and continuing through to March 24, recitals and interviews with professional musicians filmed specifically for our Noon Hour Concert series will premiere on the Grebel Youtube Channel at 12:30PM most Wednesdays. The series is free, and no registration is required. Simply subscribe to the Grebel YouTube channel for notifications, or follow the Grebel Facebook page for weekly reminders.  See below for the concert schedule and video links.

This concert is a collaboration between mezzo-soprano Michelle Lafferty and Pianist Kimly Mengyin Wan.  The premiere will be released on February 3 and will continue to be available on the Grebel You-tube Channel.

The Ekleipsis Guitar Trio had their first encounter during a solar eclipse in 2017 and out of that celestial event emerged a new guitar trio. This Canadian classical guitar trio - Lukas Bouda, Mariette Stephenson and Andrew Laughton - meld their diverse musical backgrounds into an ensemble that is at home both in contemporary music and music from earlier eras. All three members have performed extensively as soloists and in other ensembles, both in Canada and internationally.