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February 2017

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Schola Magdalena meets Darbazi

When Darbazi first approached us to sing a concert together, I thought this was an unlikely partnership. We are so different. Schola Magdalena sings all ethereal and high, and Darbazi sings all earthy and low. Our music reaches for the celestial; their music strikes the heart. However, when we got together at St. Mary Mag’s, one cold night in the dim December light, we discovered the essence of our music is extremely compatible, even in its diversity. I was reminded of the words of the poet George Herbert who explained that, “all music is but three parts vied and multiplied.”… Read More »Schola Magdalena meets Darbazi

The Great Shoe Purge

It’s the February long weekend in Canada. Maybe you have resolved to do a bit of a clean up as I have. I could do with some serious streamlining of my belongings. I’ll share my process with you. I decided to start at the bottom, with all the shoes I have accumulated over several decades. My shoe purge method follows: Step 1. Bring out all the shoes in your house; all the boots sitting in corners, all the fancy dress shoes stacked in dark closets, the flip flops tucked under the bed, the dance shoes in bags, the winter shoes… Read More »The Great Shoe Purge

Toronto Consort tonight

Toronto Consort presents Kanatha/Canada: First Encounters tonight at Trinity St. Paul’s Centre in Toronto. I stepped out into the sub-zero temperatures last night to see the Toronto Consort’s stimulating new show. It features instruments from the time of Champlain, as well as some traditional music performed by First Nation’s People, who are keeping their own music alive and well. What did it sound like, centuries ago, when the original inhabitants of our land encountered visiting Europeans? The concert conjures up this imaginary soundscape. The programme is built around a new piece by John Beckwith who, at age 90, stands as… Read More »Toronto Consort tonight