Spring is a time of new beginnings, and although the Arrow Lakes Arts Council Presents a Musical Spring Concert took place the day after the summer solstice, it accurately described the theme of a concert that showcased many firsts and highlighted new beginnings. Many of the performers who bravely and confidently occupied the limelight on the afternoon of June 22 were doing so for their very first time, while seasoned veterans experimented with their craft and brought new life to old favourites.
Massy assumed the familiar role as MC for the concert series, and began with a powerful message to parents; “Parents you are the ones that make the difference when it comes to kids who are dancing, or painting, or doing theatre or playing whatever instrument the kids want to play. It doesn’t happen without the support behind them. So you as the parents are really the power behind students who are going to be involved in any sort of arts program.”
Massy then introduced her first piece in the form of a lesson explaining the antithetical relationship between stringed instruments and electronic devices.
“Signing Strings, by Roberta Stephen was written in the 1980’s and teaches what a harmonic structure of a piano is all about. Strings tune to the harmonic structure, they do not get along with electronic devices.”
Massy artfully worked in a variety of lessons throughout the performances during the concert, weaving facts and lessons as preambles that provided depth to the various musical pieces.
The concert bill was filled with talented locals at various stages of their musical development. Guests were treated to a variety of instrument performances including piano, saxophone, violin and clarinet covering a mix of classical selections was well as familiar contemporary tunes. “I always include either Canadian or contemporary music” Massy stated.
The audience was also treated to unexpected surprises. Joy Soucy delivered two haunting and beautiful vocal selections written by composers who are obscured by a lack of biographical information. Massy teamed up with Rosmaire Parent and Bertoia for a lively concerto and the afternoon reached its crescendo with a performance by the Arrow Lakes String Ensemble.
The concert series was made possible by the generous involvement of the Saddleback Community Church as well as support from Andy Cruden and Nakusp Elementary School. Proceeds from the concert will be used to fund future art council initiatives.