Upcoming Events › Summer 2012

Once of Cambridge’s finest mixed-voice ensembles is touring British Columbia with 25 university singers who bring us a programme of sacred music from Britten, Fauré, Saint-Saens, Scarlatti and others.  BBC Music Magazine has praised their “fresh voices, precise pitching and chording, and expert pacing.” LISTEN

At the annual ArtSpring Treasure Fair, there are tremendous bargains and a great sense of fun and accomplishment for the donors, the volunteers, and the bidders.

Here is how it works – Donations of goods and services pour in from generous supporters each spring. Volunteers then set out these goodies for sale July 19 – 21st in one of three areas in ArtSpring. There is a very popular Cash & Carry flea market for items under $50, a Silent Auction with a range of goods and services, and a Live Auction featuring a selection of unique, funny, strange and wonderful items. The proceeds go toward operating ArtSpring, our community arts centre.

Renee Sanden is waiting for a call to pick up your donations. You can contact her at 537-2727 to make arrangements.

We love almost everything we get, but the hottest items are always the ‘experiences’. Can you host a bridge lunch, take someone sailing, use the bidder’s name in your next book? These are great ways to support the arts through your own personal efforts. You can also give us your ostrich feathers, your dusty old Rolls, your art, your bicycle, and so on. What we regretfully can’t accept due to painful experience are books, used clothes, electronics and exercise equipment.

Are you interested in helping with the event this year? Call Nighean Anderson at 931-0931. We can always use help.

Our popular outdoor summer concert returns with Stephen Fearing, one of the most accomplished songsmiths of the international folk/roots music community, joined by Northern Ireland born Andy White, who has earned a global following for blending folk and pop stylings with a poet’s sensibility. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and a sweater for when the sun goes down.

Bongo Love plays a unique blend of Afrobeat fused with traditional Zimbabwean style music performed on guitar and traditional African acoustic instruments — the mbira (thumb piano from Zimbabwe), the marimba (Mozambique) the djembe/bongo (West Africa) and the congas. Their original songs and vibrant dances have captured audiences for nearly a decade, making them one of Southern Africa’s most diverse bands.

Fifth Salt Spring Chamber Music Festival
July 23-28

ArtSpring once again convenes a distinguished faculty for the week of July 23 to 28 to work with young musicians from BC and across Canada as they hone their skills as quartets, piano trios and the like. This year we welcome the famous Alcan String Quartet as guests for the last three days of the festival. You have three opportunities to hear great music during the week:

Festival Orchestra Concert:
Thursday, July 26  8:00 p.m.
Adult $18 / Youth $5

Festival Rising Stars & Alcan String Quartet:
Friday, July 27  8:00 p.m.
Adult $18 / Youth $5

Festival Finale:
Saturday, July 28  8:00 p.m.
Adult $20 / Youth $5

Taylor Brook

Quatuor Bozzini

New York-based Canadian composer Taylor Brook will spend a week’s creative residency on Salt Spring with Montreal’s acclaimed new-music ensemble Quatuor Bozzini and Quebec videographer Natalie Bujold creating a new work. The ArtSpring audience will get a preview of the result on August 4 in the company of the composer and video artist. A rare opportunity to participate in new creation.

Two-time Juno-winning banjoist Jayme Stone makes music inspired by folk traditions from around the world. His latest album, Room of Wonders, explores music from Norway, Sweden, Bulgaria, Brazil, Italy and North America. The repertoire includes a movement from Bach’s French Suite, a Moorish sword-fighting dance and Stone’s lush, edgy originals. The Globe & Mail has called him “The Yo-Yo Ma of the banjo.”

Carpe Diem is a boundary-breaking ensemble that has earned widespread critical and audience acclaim for its innovative programming and electrifying performances. With programming that reflects its passions for Gypsy, tango, folk, pop, rock, and jazz inspired music alongside the traditional string quartet repertoire, Carpe Diem has quickly become one of America’s premiere “indie” string quartets.