NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER — What’s On in November

After a boisterous launch of the ArtSpring Presents 2024/25 Season in October, attracting sold out audiences to almost every show, November rolls out another month of must-see performances across a wide range of genres which often blend, contrast, and push new boundaries.

From Duo Cordelia’s improvisational take on chamber music to contemporary jazz being given a Caribbean Latin flare; ArtSpring’s first presentation of Indigenous hip-hop to the power of eight cello masters simultaneously assembled on stage — ArtSpring is the place to enjoy unforgettable experiences.

It’s also a busy month for community bookings, exhibitions, and off-island visiting productions — from the Salt Spring Film Festival’s first “Best of the Fests” screening and Salt Spring Island Foundation’s 40th Anniversary festivities to Graffiti Theatre’s “Sutureself” and African Chamber Music.

We hope you find buying tickets easier than ever as we made the leap to a new Box Office system this past month. Just a reminder that you will need to change your password, and thank you for your patience as we and our volunteers get up to speed. Thank you as well to those who filled out our survey about our provocative season opener, Cliff Cardinal’s Land Acknowledgement or As You Like It. Reaching out for your opinions about select performances throughout the season is a new way in which we can evaluate our programming and ensure it is reflecting our community.

Another way to participate is to consider a donation to our year-end annual appeal which we will be spotlighting over the next few weeks. You can direct your donation to what you connect with most, as well as enjoy a range of unique engagement benefits tailored by category.

Finally, save the date for ArtSpring’s AGM on December 2. We are excited to present the results of our 25th Anniversary Year, induct new board members, distribute the Annual Report, and hear from a special guest speaker about the state and role of the arts on our dynamic Island home.

See you soon at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER — What’s On in October

October is here! With ticket sales having started in September, the new 2024/25 ArtSpring Presents Season has been attracting attention for its diverse and richly colourful programming curated from across BC, Canada, and the world.

The popular Saturday morning Met Opera series gets the season started on October 5 with Offenbach’s fantastical Tales of Hoffman starring French tenor Benjamin Bernheim in the title role of the tortured poet. Opera fans and the opera-curious can look forward to five Live in HD experiences between October and May featuring ArtSpring’s enhanced sound system, brand new cinematic projector, and warm quiche intermissions.

ArtSpring’s highly-anticipated season opener promises to create a stir on October 8. Shakespeare’s As You Like It, a Radical Retelling comes from young Indigenous playwright and provocateur Cliff Cardinal.

Playing to sold out audiences in Toronto and New York, it was initially positioned with great mystery and many questions. How was the acerbic, mischievous Cardinal going to take on this classic of Western theatre, one of Shakespeare’s most accessible and whimsical plays?

The reveal was, what starts as a simple Land Acknowledgement continues for the duration of the show, cleverly recontextualizing the Bard’s storyline into an examination of the relationship between the Indigenous and settler communities and the state of the reconciliation process this country has been attempting for the last few decades.

Exulting in bawdy humour, difficult subject matter, and raw emotion, the work was the recipient of the prestigious Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama and called “a liberating night at the theatre; brutally funny and honest” by The Globe & Mail.

The momentum continues with the return of The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival, a curated screening of short films from around the world that captures the essence of human passion, persistence, and adrenaline in the mountain and adventure sporting worlds. We are again partnering to support Salt Spring’s Search and Rescue team and the work they do.

From visionary Montreal-based dance company Tentacle Tribe comes a mesmerizing kaleidoscopic dream, and monsters make their appearance with Salt Spring’s own renowned clown, movement, and performance artist Nayana Fielkov’s Underbelly. The theme continues with Ballet Victoria’s Sunday matinée of Frankenstein on October 27 just in time for Halloween.

Finally, for school and family audiences, from acclaimed Vancouver-based youth theatre company Axis Theatre comes Where Have All the Buffalo Gone? with stories about the Métis people’s history and relationships with the buffalo over time.

October is also busy with local community and off-island presentations. Tribute concerts for Creedence Clearwater Revival and Johnny Cash will get people clapping, while Salt Spring Forum’s free Provincial Election Candidates Debate on October 9 is a true town hall event.

We’re also putting out the call for students in grades 9-12 to join a new ArtSpring Youth Advisory Committee to encourage more voices, opinions, and participation from young people about programming in the future. If you have children in this age group, or know of any who might be interested – please encourage them to apply.

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

With ticket sales opening at the Box Office early September for the new 2024/25 Season, this year promises to be one of the most culturally diverse, captivating, and colourful yet with a record 37 ArtSpring Presents performances from artists across BC, Canada, and the world.

Five luxurious Met Opera broadcasts, a few surprise concerts, and a never-before-seen exhibition of the private art and artifact collection of Robert and Birgit Bateman round out this remarkably robust program.

This is the year of choice, curiosity, and contrast. You can look forward to a beautiful performance by young classical pianist/soprano Rachel Fenlon but also hit the beat with Indigenous BC hip-hop sensation Snotty Nose Rez Kids. Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” gets a very radical retelling in our Season Opener, as does the fast-paced “Juliet, A Revenge Comedy,” yet the exquisite pianist Sarah Hagan and powerhouse string quartets Borealis and Penderecki keep music history and technique alive and well.

From presenting Dave Brubeck jazz to the Haitian afro-funk of Wesli, spoken word superstar Shane Koyczan to Ballet Victoria’s Frankenstein, stand-up comedian Julie Kim to a second Banff Mountain Film Festival screening, this season spreads its wings. With storytelling workshops, school productions, Salt Spring’s own clown artist Nayana Fielkov, and community dance parties – ArtSpring is the place to be.

In a special pre-Season concert, Juno award-winning Elinor Frey returns to ArtSpring September 28 to perform Bach’s cello suites — the heart of the repertoire for nearly all cellists.

For community-led events, ArtSpring’s Roundtable Committee hosts a “Connect the Dots” brainstorm and discussion group on Thursday, September 26. Springboarding from the colourful community ideas posted to the lobby banner at the 25th Anniversary Festival in April, organizers will invite participants to review, flush out, and distill ideas suitable for future public programming.

Salt Spring Forum, Makana Youth Choir registrations, tribute performances The Doobie Brothers Experience and Tower of Song: A Creative Tribute to Leonard Cohen, Caravan World Rhythms’ Flamenco Ensemble, and returning favourite Vetta Chamber Music bring the hustle and bustle of a new fall season into the theatre. See you at ArtSpring!

Tickets on sale for members in person Tuesday September 3.

Tickets made public and available online Tuesday Sept 10.

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director, ArtSpring

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Box Office

Buy tickets online, by phone, in person. Box office open 10am-2pm, Tuesday-Friday, and one hour before each event for sales for that event only. Leave a message outside of these hours and we will contact you as soon as we can.
tickets.artspring.ca | 250.537.2102
All events are subject to change. Refunds, exchanges, or credits will be offered if events are cancelled or rescheduled.

JULY NEWSLETTER — What’s on in July?

Happy Canada Day long weekend! We hope you are planning to be enjoying the sunshine with family and friends.

If you are out at the Salt Spring Car Club’s “Show ‘n Shine” on July 1, be sure to stop by our Treasure Fair feature auction item — a Porsche 356 Speedster replica built from the ground-up based on the 1956 iconic model. It kicks off the countdown to our annual fundraising Fair, set to take over the gallery and light up its online bidding from July 10-13.

All donors and registrants are invited to attend the Preview Gala on July 10 from 4:00-6:00pm for an advance tour before bidding goes live at 6:00pm. The goal is to raise more than $55,000. Last year’s Treasure Fair exceeded that and became our most successful drive to date. We hope in this 25th Anniversary year, there is momentum to push it even further.

We are also proud to present this year’s Treasure Fair concert on Friday, July 12. I highly encourage you to experience Raagaverse — led by the talented Shruti Ramani (voice) and Jodi Proznick (bass) both of whom appeared in March with The Ostara Project.

A special summer concert by Barney Bentall, Tom Taylor, and Shari Ulrich is coming to ArtSpring July 16. While currently sold out, there is a waiting list that can be joined.

Finally, the Salt Spring Chamber Fest returns with two unique performances on Friday July 26 and Saturday July 27 under the common theme of “Time is an Island – 25 Years of Salt Spring Chamber Music.” Also, be sure to tour the Salt Spring Painters Guild’s Summer Show and Sale in the Gallery. Opening reception is July 26.

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director, ArtSpring

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Box Office

Buy tickets online, by phone, in person. Box office open 10am-2pm, Tuesday-Friday, and one hour before each event for sales for that event only. Leave a message outside of these hours and we will contact you as soon as we can.
tickets.artspring.ca | 250.537.2102
All events are subject to change. Refunds, exchanges, or credits will be offered if events are cancelled or rescheduled.

JUNE NEWSLETTER — What’s on in June

As we finalize our exciting upcoming 2024/25 Season launching in the fall, ArtSpring is an active hub in the summer with June’s school and community productions, as well as lobby exhibits by four Indigenous artists all month long and as a part of the SSI Indigenous People Weekend Event (Jun 21-23.)

We’re also gearing up for July’s ever-popular Treasure Fair, including the announcement of our Treasure Fair concert. This year we present Raagaverse! For those of you who caught The Ostara Project back in March, you’ll want to come out for Canadian bassist Jodi Proznick and vocalist Shruti Ramani who return with an intriguing one-of-a-kind Indo-Jazz sound that’s not to be missed.

Makana Youth Choirs, GISS Music, and GISS Theatre take to the stage for their end-of-year student performances, and Evolve Dance Collective explores the theme of womanhood. Those who love vibrant music with a beat will want to come out for 2024 Juno-winning artists OKAN, who fuse Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms.

Finally, ArtSpring’s community-driven Roundtable Committee is facilitating a free Pecha Kucha event that will bring together 10 local artists in different disciples to present what they do and what fires them up. Let the creative collaborations begin!

Don’t forget to register for Treasure Fair to be eligible to bid and attend our Treasure Fair Preview Gala July 10. It’s coming up soon.

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

 

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Box Office

Buy tickets online, by phone, in person. Box office open 10am-2pm, Tuesday-Friday, and one hour before each event for sales for that event only. Leave a message outside of these hours and we will contact you as soon as we can.
tickets.artspring.ca | 250.537.2102
All events are subject to change. Refunds, exchanges, or credits will be offered if events are cancelled or rescheduled.

MAY NEWSLETTER — What’s on in May

The welcome arrival of May and warmer weather coincides with the final ArtSpring Presents program for the 2023/24 Season. What a colourful, robust, sometimes risk-taking, sometimes crowd-pleasing Season it has been, culminating in the joyous 25th Anniversary Community Festival. Thank you for being part of the story.

In May, we hope you join us for a special month-long exhibition of the remarkable work of veteran island artist Ian Thomas, who in approaching his 90th birthday, feels this is his final statement about his life and his work as an artist. We are honoured to have this exhibition entitled “Past & Present,” curated by Margaret Day and Stephanie Denz, in the Gallery.

The opening reception is Saturday May 4th from 2pm-5pm with Thomas present. Enthusiasts are also welcome to attend two planned Sunday “walk-abouts” with the artist who will provide guidance, commentary, and context to individual pieces with Q&A opportunities. Mark you calendars for 2:00pm May 12 and 19.

In his new series, Poets and their Poetry, Thomas pays tribute to 36 writers close to his heart, including six published poets from Salt Spring. Selected work by authors in this series will be the driving narrative of an Evening Event of Poetry on May 15 with award-winning poet Murray Reiss as MC.

Also in the house this month is a dynamic line-up of community and school productions showcasing music, theatre, and dance, as well as an eclectic lobby exhibition by Salt Spring photographer Hannah Spray. Don’t miss Good Company’s fun filled musical Venus Conundrum playing for six days, with an opening night discount for those born in the 1950s or earlier!

As we finalize our exciting upcoming 2024/25 Season launching in the fall, ArtSpring is still an active hub in the summer with July’s ever-popular Treasure Fair (donations open May 1) and two major July concerts — Bentall, Taylor & Ulrich as well as Indo-Jazz fusion Raagaverse.

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

 

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Box Office

Buy tickets online, by phone, in person. Box office open 10am-2pm, Tuesday-Friday, and one hour before each event for sales for that event only. Leave a message outside of these hours and we will contact you as soon as we can.
tickets.artspring.ca | 250.537.2102
All events are subject to change. Refunds, exchanges, or credits will be offered if events are cancelled or rescheduled.

APRIL NEWSLETTER — What’s on in April

After months of work from staff, volunteers, and our dynamo festival producer Christina Penhale, we are thrilled to announce that schedules, tickets, and registrations are all live and available online and at the Box Office for ArtSpring’s 25th Anniversary Community Festival April 17-21.

You won’t want to miss the joyous Opening and Closing Celebrations which spotlight an all local line-up of singing, dancing, storytelling, and musical talent, with post show receptions and cash bars to mingle with neighbours. We all deserve to raise a glass and recognize the special place we are in, where we have come from, and what’s possible in the future for arts and our unique community.

Thursday through Saturday are open houses with several special presentations and workshops, but with plenty of free drop-in demonstations and activities for the whole family. Explore, share, tell your friends, come out to support your favourites and discover new artists in the process.

We thank our 2023/24 Season Sponsor Island Savings Wealth Management, Country Grocer, and Sandra Heath for supporting what will be a celebration to remember.

Also, remember next week is the Matriarchs Uprising Festival April 10-13 with two dance workshops, one free Truth Talking circle, and an extraordinary evening of short films on April 12, followed by a live dance performance on the stage April 13. Matriarchs Uprising brings together Indigenous female choreographers who are nurturing the art of contemporary dance and weaving stories of transformation.

We can’t wait to welcome you to ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

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Box Office

Buy tickets online, by phone, in person. Box office open 10am-2pm, Tuesday-Friday, and one hour before each event for sales for that event only. Leave a message outside of these hours and we will contact you as soon as we can.
tickets.artspring.ca | 250.537.2102
All events are subject to change. Refunds, exchanges, or credits will be offered if events are cancelled or rescheduled.

MARCH NEWSLETTER — What’s on in March

Jazz, tango, alternative Indigenous country, opera classics, puppets and more make their way to the ArtSpring stage this March!

  

This spring is especially intriguing because of its culturally diverse line-up and the voices and points of view we get to experience. Yukon-based Diyet and The Love Soldiers is a country, folk, and roots trio with a sound and a story rooted in Diyet’s Indigenous world view and northern life. On International Women’s Day, The Ostara Project, a Canadian all female jazz collective, joyfully defy the narrative that women only account for five percent of jazz instrumentalists in the industry. We hope you come see this new super group!

  

Youth favourite Axis Theatre is back to entertain and engage young ones (and the young at heart) with Frog Belly Rat Bone, incorporating handcrafted puppets and an original pop musical score. The performers will be hosting a talk-back after the show, joining the many artists this season who have done post-show Q&As or workshops to students or the community.

As a lead up to ArtSpring’s 25th Anniversary month in April, which will include exhibitions and festivities, save the date for March 16 as our Community Roundtable Committee kicks off its first speaker series with a panel on the “pre-history” of ArtSpring. Perspectives and memories from community members engaged in the ArtSpring dream before the doors even opened are shared.

With the lively and passionate Payadora performing “Tangomania” on March 22, we thought it would be fun to offer an introductory workshop on the technique of tango dancing. We have partnered with the local tango society (yes, there is one) to have some fun on a Sunday morning. No experience required.

Wrapping up the month with the dance theme is the dynamic Shay Kuebler and company, who upon learning in 2018 the UK had appointed a Minister for Loneliness, created a powerful piece inspired by what has become even more relevant given our collective Covid experience.

Community productions, presentations and concerts, Spring Break creative camps, and our final two Met Opera broadcasts round out a busy March.

See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang, Executive & Artistic Director

 

ArtSpring Presents in The Theatre

DIYET & THE LOVE SOLDIERS | Tue Mar 5 | 7:30pm | Tickets $5-$35 | Tickets $5-$35

Diyet & The Love Soldiers is an alternative country, folk, roots and traditional ensemble with catchy melodies and stories deeply rooted in Diyet’s Indigenous world view and northern life. Diyet sings in both English and Southern Tutchone (her native language) and plays bass guitar. Backed by Love Soldiers — husband Robert van Lieshout and Juno winning producer, Bob Hamilton — this trio from the Yukon has a sound and story that have captivated audiences across Canada and Europe.

THE OSTARA PROJECT |Fri Mar 8 | 7:30pm | Tickets $5-$35

An estimated five percent of jazz instrumentalists are women. In 2022, Canadian bassist Jodi Proznick (JUNO nomination 2007, 2018) and pianist Amanda Tosoff (JUNO nomination 2022) decided to challenge the almost-exclusive male narrative by bringing together seven outstanding Canadian female jazz musicians, each one a composer and bandleader in her own right. ArtSpring is proud to be presenting The Ostara Project on International Women’s Day.

MET OPERA: La Forza Del Destino | Sat Mar 9 | 8:55am | Tickets $15-$20-$25

Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Verdi’s La Forza del Destino, with stellar soprano Lise Davidsen in her role debut as the noble Leonora. Director Mariusz Treliński delivers the company’s first new Forza in nearly 30 years, resetting the scene in a contemporary world. Please note the broadcast begins one hour earlier than usual. Two intermissions.

AXIS THEATRE: Frog Belly Rat Bone | Wed Mar 13 | 1:00PM Tickets $5-$35

A delightful production for Vancouver’s Axis Theatre, suitable for young children and the young at heart. Incorporating beautifully handcrafted puppets and an original pop/rock musical score, Cementland comes to life as two enigmatic garbage collectors tell the story of a very special boy whose singular wish is to find TREASURE! Elementary school classes have been invited to a morning show. This afternoon show is open to all other kids, parents, grandparents, and puppet lovers.

PAYADORA: Tango Mania | Fri Mar 22 | 7:30pm | Tickets $5-$35

Join us for music that excites the heart and feeds the soul! Payadora is an award-winning ensemble who performs its own arrangements of a core repertoire drawing from Argentinian/ Uruguayan traditions (tangos, milongas, waltzes, and folk music such as the Zamba and chacarera,) as well as original songs inspired by that tradition.

MET OPERA: Roméo et Juliette | Sat Mar 23 | 9:55am | $15-$20-$25

Two singers at the height of their powers—soprano Nadine Sierra and tenor Benjamin Bernheim—come together as the star-crossed lovers in Charles Gounod’s Shakespeare adaptation, Roméo et Juliette with Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the podium to conduct one of the repertoire’s most romantic scores. (REVIVAL)

SHAY KUEBLER: Radical System Art (MOI) Momentum of Isolation |Wed Mar 27 | 7:30pm | $5-35

A strong and iconic voice from Vancouver, the dynamic Shay Kuebler returns with a poignant and virtuosic piece that delves into the pain of solitude. In today’s world, isolation has taken on a whole new meaning and even greater resonance. Through inventive and powerful choreographic language, Momentum of Isolation beautifully translates this universal emotion. Kuebler’s signature style—highly physical dance rooted in his background in martial arts, urban dance, and theatre—is on full display.

Community Presentations

The Legacy of Lightfoot: Gordon Lightfoot tribute | Fri Mar 1 | 7:30pm | $25-35

The musicians who have come together to celebrate The Legacy of Lightfoot combine their decades of experience as performers and songwriters to give a meaningful and engaging performance of Gordon’s enduring catalogue of music.From his days playing the coffee houses in the 1960s to the mega hits of the 70s and all the way up to the beautiful music written in his later years, The Legacy of Lightfoot shines a light on the entirety of Gordon’s masterful career.

Vetta presents Music for Eternity | Mon Mar 11 | 2:30pm | $20-25

Featuring the return of Ariel Barnes, cello and Jose Franch-Ballester, clarinet, we bring you music by Brahms, Messiaen and Canadian composer Joan Mackey that explores the edges of time.

Backbeat Presents The Cavalcade of Stars: A Complete 60’s Music Experience |             Fri Mar 15 | 7:30pm | $45

A live multi-media celebration featuring the music of six of the world’s greatest musical groups — lovingly performed by BackBeat, Canada’s most authentic musical tribute to the 60s. This magical evening of entertainment features Top 10 pop hits from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, The Monkees, The Dave Clark Five and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Be transported back in time to the greatest decade in pop music history!

Caravan of Desire: Burlesque | Sat Mar 16 | 7:30pm | $30 | 19+

Salt Spring born-and-raised Chai Tease brings her Victoria burlesque company to town! Come watch her dance the night away with her performance sisters Jacqueline Daniels, Tommy Tricker and Ginger Vicious, and favourite drag daddy, Oliver Clozoff! Explore the glittering, shimmering world of burlesque and its different styles. Show is strictly 19+. Two pieces of ID required at the door.

 

Musical Theatre Camp presented by StageCoach Theatre & ArtSpring | Mar 18-22 | 10am – 3pm | (ages 6-13)

Join Sue Newman for an adventure into the world of musical theatre and what it is to become a “triple threat”! Acting! Singing! Dancing! Throughout the course, the group will not only learn skills in each genre, but design posters and come up with costumes and props! Problem solving together and the overall creative process culminates in their ensemble performance for family and friends at the end of the week.

Musical Theatre Camp presented by StageCoach Theatre & ArtSpring | Mar 18-22 | 10am – 3pm | (ages 6-13)

Join Sue Newman for an adventure into the world of musical theatre and what it is to become a “triple threat”! Acting! Singing! Dancing! Throughout the course, the group will not only learn skills in each genre, but design posters and come up with costumes and props! Problem solving together and the overall creative process culminates in their ensemble performance for family and friends at the end of the week.

Exhibitions & Galleries

Salt Spring Painters Guild Exhibit (ArtSpring Lobby)
Mar 1-29 | Open during Box Office hours and before evening performances.

Works from the Salt Spring Painters Guild will be on display in the Lobby in March. These are works done in groups, under instruction, or in workshops, and reflect our diverse activities.

The Guild promotes the artistic growth and self-expression of our members through encouragement, fellowship, mentoring and workshops. The only prerequisite to join us is a desire to draw and paint!

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Box Office

Buy tickets online, by phone, in person. Box office open 10am-2pm, Tuesday-Friday, and one hour before each event for sales for that event only. Leave a message outside of these hours and we will contact you as soon as we can.
tickets.artspring.ca | 250.537.2102
All events are subject to change. Refunds, exchanges, or credits will be offered if events are cancelled or rescheduled.

JANUARY NEWSLETTER — What’s On in January

Happy New Year! As we approach a fresh new year, ArtSpring’s official 25th Anniversary, there is much excitement in the air. This includes the special announcement of our headlining act for April’s four-day Celebration Festival — Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo). We are also pleased to announce his opening act will be none other than young country up-and-comer Salome Cullen, who graduated from GISS this past June and has performed many times on the ArtSpring stage with his school music program. He now records his own music. Advance tickets will go on sale Tuesday January 16.

Our Community Festival organizer, Christina Penhale, is on the look-out for other local performers and artists interested in being featured during our four days of celebration. She is calling for proposal submissions until January 31 for consideration. Please see the link later in the newsletter.

For ArtSpring Presents programming, January is bursting at the seams with two passionate operas from The Met: Live in HD simulcast series, Shakespearian-inspired music from Baltimore Consort, and the return of Victoria Baroque, now as a Saturday matinee. Makana Youth Choirs is opening choir registration for the Spring term, with rehearsals starting Friday, January 19.

As a special event, we are also pleased to have Deb Williams, Co-founder and Artistic Producer of the The Flame — Vancouver’s premier storytelling event — to lead her two day personal storytelling workshop, helping people structure and tell more compelling stories about their lives and experiences. Whether you are an accomplished speaker or are shy and don’t think you don’t have stories worth telling, Deb assures me everyone has a story to tell and connections to make. Storytellers of all ages, genders, and orientations learn, laugh, and discover new insights in her encouraging and supportive space.

ArtSpring also plays host to community events such as GISS Theatre’s high school presentation of Alice in Wonderland, GISS Dance’s performance of contemporary, jazz, and hip hop stylings, the Salt Spring Photography Club’s annual photography exhibition, a Vetta Monday matinee, and a special screening from Salt Spring Film Festival of “Physician, Heal Thyself,” featuring Dr. Gabor Maté, one of the world’s most influential thinkers on trauma, addiction, and mental health.

How can the arts enrich, uplift, and connect you this month? See you at ArtSpring!

Howard R. Jang

Executive & Artistic Director, ArtSpring

ArtSpring Presents in The Theatre

MET OPERA: Live in HD:  Nabucco (Verdi) Sat Jan 6 | 9:55am | Tickets $15-$25

REVIVAL. Ancient Babylon comes to life in a classic Met staging of biblical proportions. Baritone George Gagnidze makes his Met role debut as the imperious king Nabucco, alongside Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska reprising her thrilling turn as his vengeful daughter Abigaille. Join us for intermission quiche!

VICTORIA BAROQUE | Sat Jan 13 | 2:30pm | Tickets $5-$35

With signature fiery energy, celebrated violinist Aisslinn Nosky leads Victoria Baroque in concerti by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Telemann, and a mesmerizing contemporary piece, ‘Falling Still’ by Canadian composer, Emily Doolittle. Nosky has captivated audiences around the world with her innovative interpretations and impeccable technique as a soloist, director, and conductor. Hailed as “superb” by The New York Times and “a fearsomely powerful musician” by The Toronto Star.

THE FLAME: PERSONAL STORYTELLING WORKSHOP & PERFORMANCE                   Sat Jan 20-Sun Jan 21 | 10am-4pm | $80 \\  Performance | Jan 21 | 7:30pm | $10

No matter who we are, what we have in common is a story to tell and the need to be heard. It’s how we connect. But what makes a great story, and how can you be a better personal storyteller?

Enter Deb Williams, storyteller, actor, comedienne, playwright, teacher, and co-founder and Artistic Producer of The Flame — Vancouver’s premiere storytelling event – who brings her transformative workshop to Salt Spring for the first time. With practice, tips, and encouraging feedback, you will leave with several polished and meaningful stories about your life experiences. Select stories to be performed. Space is limited!

BALTIMORE CONSORT | Fri Jan 26 | 7:30pm | Tickets $5-$35

Baltimore Consort takes to the stage with In Angel’s Wede: Music for Mary Queen of Scots, created in 2020 when the ensemble was asked if they could perform a women-themed program to celebrate the centennial for women’s right to vote in the US. Founded in 1980 to perform the instrumental music of Shakespeare’s time, the internationally acclaimed music ensemble has explored early music from England, Scotland, France, Italy, and Spain, focusing on the relationship between folk and art song and dance.

MET OPERA: Live in HD: Carmen (Bizet) Sat Jan 27 | 9:55am | Tickets $15-$25

NEW PRODUCTION. Acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell makes her Met debut, reinvigorating the classic story of deadly passion with a staging that moves the action to the present day, amid a band of human traffickers. Mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina leads a powerhouse quartet of stars.

Community Presentations

GISS Drama presents “Alice in Wonderland”
Wed Jan 10 – Fri Jan 12 | 7:30pm | $15

This seventy minute trip down the rabbit hole was entirely designed and adapted by these grade 10-12 students. Come through the Tulgey Woods with them and meet the Tweedles, Humpty, the Cheshire Cat, Caterpillar, the Mad Hatter and more as Alice finds her way past the Red Queen. With a snicker snack of her Vorpol sword, she manages to slay more than the Jabberwocky.

GISS Dance presents “Affinity”
Wed Jan 17 – Thu Jan 18 | 7:30pm | $15

The GISS Dance performance of “Affinity” will offer new works of choreography for the stage. These vibrant and enthusiastic youth have been working hard in the studio to plan their grooves and moves and will be performing lyrical dance, contemporary, jazz, and of course, hip hop and funk.

Salt Spring Film Festival presents “Physician, Heal Thyself” with Gabor Maté
Wed Jan 24 | 7:30pm | $13

One of the world’s most influential thinkers on trauma, addiction, and mental health, Dr. Gabor Maté is widely admired as the author of such bestsellers as In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, The Myth of Normal and When the Body Says No. In this engaging and painfully honest review of his life’s work, Dr. Maté shares not only his professional theories, but also his personal story. Winning an Audience Award at VIFF, the film encourages us to own our failings, accept our imperfections, and prioritize our mental health.

Vetta presents “Music of the Heart”
Mon Jan 29 |  7:30pm | $25
From Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet to the Russian composer Babajanian to the great Brahms, this piano trio program will speak directly to the heart. A Monday matineé.

Exhibitions & Galleries

Salt Spring Photography Club (ArtSpring Lobby)
Jan 8 – 31 | Open during Box Office hours and before evening performances.

Every year, Photo Club members are invited to submit their best photos without the constraints of size or subject matter for its annual January Lobby Show at ArtSpring. From the unusual to the beautiful to the most technically challenging, the photographs showcase Salt Springs’ range of photographic talent. Most images are offered for sale.

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Box Office

Buy tickets online, by phone, in person. Box office open 10am-2pm, Tuesday-Friday, and one hour before each event for sales for that event only. Leave a message outside of these hours and we will contact you as soon as we can.
tickets.artspring.ca | 250.537.2102
All events are subject to change. Refunds, exchanges, or credits will be offered if events are cancelled or rescheduled.

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER — What’s On in December

The holiday season promises to sparkle at ArtSpring, with one major ArtSpring Presents performance, a Met Opera premiere, and a busy house of local and regional choirs and concerts to capture the festive spirit.

Saturday’s opera schedule at ArtSpring is one of the island’s best kept secrets according to ardent fans. Broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the simulcast event has Salt Springers take their seats in concert with the in-person audience but with the added experience of behind-the-scenes interviews, footage of scene changes and production design, and the all-important coffee and quiche intermission.

On December 9, The Met premieres Florencia en el Amazona. Sung in Spanish and inspired by magical realism, Mexican composer Daniel Catán’s story focuses on opera diva Florencia Grimaldi, who returns to her native Brazil to perform and search for her lost lover who has vanished into the jungle. If you’ve never been the the opera, come give it a try!

On December 15, ArtSpring welcomes UK-based Gothic Voices for the first time. In what BBC Music Magazine chose as its number one “unmissable Christmas event,” Nowell Synge We Bothe Al and Som is a reimagined carol evening with choral performances that take us back to medieval times.

December is also the time for local and regional productions such as Metta Grove, a Tribute to Ukraine, Salt Spring Film Festival’s revival of The Last Waltz, the GISS Music concert, Vetta’s Monday mid-day concert, and Viva Chorale’s Food Bank Fundraiser event.

Don’t forget tickets or gift certificates are available for purchase as holiday presents and we hope you consider a donation to ArtSpring in time to receive a 2023 tax receipt.

See you at ArtSpring! Please note ArtSpring closes December 23 and reopens for the new year on Tuesday January 9, 2024.

See you at ArtSpring!

With thanks,

Howard R. Jang, Executive & Artistic Director

ArtSpring

ArtSpring Presents In The Theatre

MET OPERA: LIVE IN HD — Florencia en el Amazonas

Sat Dec 9 | 9:55am | $15-$25

PREMIERE. The new production brings the mystical realm of the Amazon to the Met stage as opera diva Florencia Grimaldi returns to her native Brazil to search for her lost lover who has vanished into the jungle. Sung in Spanish with subtitles, an all star cast navigates intrigue and emotion on board the riverboat El Dorado to its final destination and story conclusion.

 

GOTHIC VOICES: Nowell Synge We Bothe Al and Som 

Fri Dec 15 | 7:30am | $5-$35

For what the BBC called an “unmissable Christmas event,” join us in welcoming UK’s Gothic Voices who for 30 years has been renowned for its excellence and spirituality in harnessing the haunting choral legacy of Medieval English carols, chants, and music.

Community Presentations

Metta Grove
Sat Dec 2 | 7:30pm | $35 | 19+

Multimedia artist Simon Haiduk presents a concert of digital art animations and ambient soundscapes curated to engage the soul, explore creativity, and emphasize nature and spirituality. Presentations will be given by Simon on his creative process and integration of plant medicines and by his partner Jane Calm, a therapeutic counsellor, on accessing psychic abilities.

Tribute to Ukraine
Sun Dec 3 | 2:30pm

As a rich celebration of heritage and homeland, the folk songs, dance, and music of Ukraine are performed by a collective of national and international artists in this passionate cultural performance. The concert is a fundraiser for the purchase of medical supplies.

Vetta Chamber Music  Mon Dec 4 | 2:30pm | $30

Vetta’s ensemble of the mentorship program is back by popular demand, this time as a dynamic string orchestra playing Mozart, Bartók and Dvořák! This is concert two of five in Vetta’s new Monday matinee format. A beautiful way to spend an afternoon.

 

Salt Spring Film Festival presents The Last Waltz
Wed Dec 6 |  7:30pm | $13
A rare opportunity to see the greatest concert film of all time on the big screen, now with restored quality and sound! On the 45th anniversary of Martin Scorsese’s 1978 masterpiece of music cinema, THE LAST WALTZ is being re-released across Canada to celebrate the life of the legendary Robbie Robertson, who died in August at the age of 80.
GISS Music presents All Together We Are Love
Wed Dec 13 | Thu Dec 14 | 7:30pm | $10-$15

Come join the GISS Music winter showcase! The show will feature students from the Composition/Songwriting Class, GISPA Music, Concert Band, Jazz Band and Choir. The comp class will be divided over two nights, so come to both nights to make sure you get all the music!

Viva Chorale! presents Food Bank Fundraiser Concert 

Fri Dec 22 | 7:00pm | $$2-$25

Viva Chorale’s annual Food Bank Fundraiser is a joyous evening of choral music, story-telling, and sing-alongs that will get the whole family in a holiday mood.

Embrace the spirit of Peace On Earth and Goodwill to All with Beatrix Potter’s beloved “Tailor of Gloucester,” narrated by actor Chris Humphreys. Viva Chorale! community choir performs seasonal music in between readings, and audience members can join in carol-singing.

Exhibitions & Galleries

Katie Watt: A Retrospective (ArtSpring Lobby)
Dec 1 – 22 | Open during Box Office hours and before evening performances.

Katie’s work is inspired by her somatic and tactile relationship with dance and nature. She predominantly focuses on the human body utilizing form, colour, and shadow to depict darker themes. This collection of paintings embodies these themes and the pieces are selected from work spanning the last three to five years with a handful from her much earlier work.

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Box Office

Buy tickets online, by phone, in person. Box office open 10am-2pm, Tuesday-Friday, and one hour before each event for sales for that event only. Leave a message outside of these hours and we will contact you as soon as we can.
tickets.artspring.ca | 250.537.2102
All events are subject to change. Refunds, exchanges, or credits will be offered if events are cancelled or rescheduled.