Grand River Baroque Festival begins tomorrow!

Back by popular demand, the Grand River Baroque Festival launches its seventh season!

CAMBRIDGE ’Äì The Grand River Baroque Festival's seventh season presents a captivating weekend of concerts, June 13 - 15, beginning in the charming Buehlow barn and moving further afield to the historic centre of downtown Galt (Cambridge)

Internationally renowned director Kevin Mallon returns to the festival as Artistic Director and brings with him Baroque musicians of the highest caliber from across the continent. Performances by Mallon's critically acclaimed Aradia Ensemble will be presented this season alongside concerts by Kitchener's own Nota Bene Baroque Orchestra, and a vibrant team from Montreal led by Canadian master Cristina Zacharias.

The festivities will commence with a concert illuminating the four main national styles of music in the 17^th and 18^th centuries: German, Italian, French and English. A talk from Mallon will underline the uniqueness of each approach, and a reading from Don Quixote will help to bring the music alive. These Baroque works will be compared with Fratres, the incredibly popular piece by modern-day Estonian composer Arvo Pˆ§rt.

The Festival is pleased to continue its traditions. As in previous years, a picnic on the beautiful grounds of the Buehlow property will offer music lovers a chance to relax outdoors while perhaps hearing sounds of rehearsal drifting up from the Barn. Following the picnic, a performance of German chamber music will honour the heritage of many families in the Grand River region.

The Festival activities will then shift to Cambridge where guests will enjoy a delicious three-course dinner at 20 Hobson Street Restaurant. Following the meal will be the largest concert of the weekend, a vocal and instrumental performance at Cambridge's magnificent Central Presbyterian Church (a structure has seen the movements of the Grand River for some 199 years FIX!).

Kevin Mallon, who comes to the Festival with extensive international experience, is looking forward to its future. He is keen to connect the festival to the international scene by having the great baroque musicians in the area perform with some of the finest from North America and abroad.

This year's talent includes internationally known artists including, Kathryn Montoya, oboe; Teresa Van der Hoeven, soprano; and homegrown alto Jennifer Enns Modolo.

For more information or to arrange for an interview, please contact Emily Lockhart, 519-404-5757, grbf@rogers.com.

Event Dates and Times

Friday, June 13th 8pm - Five Nations - Buehlow Barn, Ayr

Music from Germany, Italy, France and England, with a special nod to Estonia

Saturday, June 14th 12:00pm ’Äì Pre-Concert Picnic ’Äì Buehlow Barn, Ayr

Picnic on the grounds, catered by David's Gourmet

Saturday, June 14th 1:30pm ’Äì Bach Meets Buxtehude - Buehlow Barn, Ayr

Chamber music from Germany by Bach and Buxtehude

Saturday, June 14th 1:30pm ’Äì Tafelmusik ’Äì 20 Hobson St. Restaurant, Cambridge

An old-fashioned feast with casual live music

Saturday, June 14th 8pm - Gloria - Central Presbyterian Church, Cambridge

Transcendent vocal masterpieces by Vivaldi, Hˆ§ndel, Purcell and Blow

Sunday, June 15^th 10:30am ’Äì Fathers Day Brunch ’Äì 20 Hobson St. Restaurant, Cambridge

A scrumptious brunch with the musicians

Sunday, June 15th 12pm - Nota Bene - Galt Little Theatre, Cambridge

Orchestral suites, concerti grossi and more from Kitchener's own Nota Bene

Grand River Baroque Festival
PO Box 29014, Frederick Plaza, Kitchener ON N2H 6S6
tel: (519) 404-5757
www.grbf.ca