2007 summer festival

The 2008 festival program was launched on Tuesday, April 15, 2008.

Summer tickets available online Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

The 2007 festival included: Classical Series, Jazz & Popular Series, Chamber Concerts, Elora Festival Singers Choral Series, Starlight Series, Festival Services, and Community Outreach.

For the 2007 Summer Festival's program and calendar of events please click here.

Classical Series - OPENING NIGHT

OPENING NIGHT
ELGAR'S DREAM OF GERONTIUS

Edward Elgar once said, "You will find Gerontius far beyond anything I've yet done. I have written my own heart's blood into the score." In this, the 150th anniversary of his birth, what better way to reflect upon his legacy than with an "opening night" performance of his masterpiece.

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2007
8:00 P.M., GAMBREL BARN
$65
Kimberley Barber, Mezzo-Soprano
Michael Colvin, Tenor
Tyler Duncan, Bass-Baritone
Elora Festival Singers
The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
The Festival Orchestra
Noel Edison, Conductor

Pre-Concert Lecture by Rick Phillips
7:15 p.m.
Admission Free to those attending the concert.

Elora Festival Singers sponsored by Max and Maureen MacIntyre.

ANTON KUERTI

Viennese-born Anton Kuerti has been hailed repeatedly as one of the truly great pianists of this century and the last. His distinguished performing career has taken him around the world, and his vast repertoire includes some 50 concertos. Experience the majesty of his technical and interpretive prowess in an exciting solo piano recital of music by Beethoven, Chopin and Schumann.

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2007
8:00 P.M., GAMBREL BARN
$45

CANTUS

The music-making of the nine unaccompanied male voices of Cantus is sheer beauty and spontaneous grace. Their repertoire spans all periods and genres, from contemporary works, art songs, and chant to folk music and spirituals. From the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to the Gambrel Barn in Elora, this will be a magical evening not to be missed!

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2007
8:00 P.M., GAMBREL BARN
$45

MEASHA BRUEGGERGOSMAN - DIVA!

This Canadian soprano has emerged as one of the most magnificent performers and vibrant personalities of the day. She is critically acclaimed by the international press as much for her innate musicianship and radiant voice as for a sovereign stage presence far beyond her years. Measha has all the makings of a great star.

Measha Brueggergosman, Soprano
Che Anne Loewen, Piano

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2007
8:00 P.M., GAMBREL BARN
$45

Sponsored by Miller Thomson LLP

OH SHENANDOAH

Folk songs reflect upon a living tradition of a community from anywhere in the world. Internationally renowned Canadian baritone Russell Braun joins our choir-in-residence for a voyage in song during an evening of the people's music.

Russell Braun, Baritone
Carolyn Maule, Piano
Elora Festival Singers
Noel Edison, Conductor

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2007
8:00 P.M., GAMBREL BARN
$38

Sponsored by Spaenaur and Deloitte

Jazz & Popular Series

MICHAEL KAESHAMMER

Consider this an invitation to fall under the spell of a charming, charismatic and talented young man who has redefined the purpose of a piano. Michael Kaeshammer has taken the jazz scene by storm with honky-tonk, boogie-woogie and in-the-moment improv magic that is guaranteed to delight. Michael was a hit at the 2004 Jubilee Elora Festival and we're glad he's back with his Trio!

SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007
8:00 P.M., GAMBREL BARN
$38

HARRY MANX AND KEVIN BREIT

An inspired meeting of musical minds occurs when guitarists Harry Manx and Kevin Breit take the stage together. Individually, each has an incredible reputation as a performer of everything from evocative blues to all things stringed. Together, the musicianship and chemistry of these two are on a decidedly higher plane than your average acoustical project and present an excitingly original approach to roots music.

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2007
8:00 P.M., GAMBREL BARN
$38

QUARTETTE

Cindy Church, Gwen Swick, Sylvia Tyson, and Caitlin Hanford first appeared together in 1993, combining formidable individual talents into an astonishing whole. Since then, Quartette has become one of the most electrifying collaborations on the Canadian music scene. The soaring harmonies and unique arrangements create a musical mosaic with flavours of folk, country, swing, and bluegrass all solidly rooted in traditional music.

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2007
8:00 P.M., GAMBREL BARN
$38

SAMBACANA

Elora meets Rio! Join Alan "Canadense" Hetherington and his talented Brazilian colleagues: a ten person ensemble of musicians and dancers in an explosive evening of delirious musical energy. Come enjoy an evening that features a taste of Brazil from many of its rich cultural regions. From the romance of Bossa Nova to the rhythmic power of samba; the voice of the jazzy urban soundscape mixed with the folklore of its African roots, Sambacana will show you, through song and dance, the magic of the Brazilian spirit. The Gambrel barn has never seen or heard anything like it - bring your dancing shoes!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2007
8:00 P.M., GAMBREL BARN
$38

Chamber Concerts

DYACHKOV AND SAULNIER - IN RECITAL

Cellist Yegor Dyachkov and pianist Jean Saulnier have a dynamic, balanced partnership that recharges chamber music - a soliloquy for two. Russian-born and Montreal-based Dyachkov has drawn the praise of audiences and critics at home and abroad for the intensity and richness of his playing, his remarkably mature musicianship and the diversity of his repertoire. Saulnier, a much respected and in-demand recitalist and chamber musician, is his perfect accompanist. A program featuring the music of Prokofiev, Schubert, Britten and Desterle.

Yegor Dyachkov, Cello

Jean Saulnier, Piano

SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007
3:30 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$35

SOOKHYUNG PARK

In spite of still being on the threshold of an exciting operatic career, this young coloratura soprano from New York City has already made her mark on the professional stage. Critics have noted the unusual beauty of her voice, her extraordinary range, her astonishing agility, and her sincere musical artistry. Come hear it for yourself in the intimate setting of St. John's Church.

Sookhyung Park, Soprano
Jim Bourne, Piano

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2007
2:00 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$35

WORLD'S GREATEST FUGUES

From Bach to Mozart and into Beethoven, the fugue takes leave of its origins as an improvisational and imitative compositional technique and is elevated to a sublime form. This form fuelled the development of the string quartet as each composer both employed and overturned conventional fugal practices. This performance aims to recapture the spirit of innovation of these three masters.

Linda Melsted,Violin
Julie Baumgartel, Violin
David Rose, Viola
Shane Neill, Cello

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2007
4:00 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$35

ORGAN RECITAL

Andrew Henderson, a recent graduate from The Juilliard School with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in organ performance, is the Organist and Director of Music at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City. Because of his local connection to Ontario and to the village of Elora, we've asked him back to once again charm us with his skilful musicianship in a mid-week, late afternoon recital.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2007
5:00 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$18

WORLD'S GREATEST QUINTETS FOR PIANO AND WINDS

Mozart and Beethoven established a standard of writing music for winds that has never been surpassed. The works on this program are, without question, the finest of their genre. Add to that five of Canada's finest musicians, including the accomplished pianist Robert Silverman, and you're in for a real treat!

Robert Silverman, Piano
James Mason, Oboe
Peter Shackleton, Clarinet
Nadina Mackie-Jackson, Bassoon
Derek Conrod, Horn

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2007
8:00 P.M., KNOX CHURCH
$35

musica intima

Internationally renowned for performances and recordings that sparkle with fresh insight and vibrant musicality, musica intima has earned a reputation as one of the country's most exciting vocal groups. Distinctly Canadian, the twelve members of the ensemble hail from coast to coast and perform repertoire equally eclectic and diverse.

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2007
3:30 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$35

SANCTUARY TRIO

Sanctuary is a musical trio, based in Halifax that has established a unique form of rich, intense and lyrical contemporary music. Much of their music is based on Gregorian chant, but that is merely a point of departure; they transcend these ancient materials using improvisation, contemporary music atonality and extended techniques to create a new form of contemplative plainsong for the 21st century.

Christopher Both, Cello
Jeff Reilly, Bass Clarinet
Peter Togni, Organ

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2007
4:00 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$35

HANDEL'S WATER MUSIC

Legend has it that George Frideric Handel composed the Water Music Suite to regain the favour of King George I. This much-loved popular classic was first performed on a boat floating down the river Thames. Though Elora is famous for its waterways, our concert will be indoors, but we guarantee that it will be no less spectacular!

The Elora Festival Chamber Players
Noel Edison, Conductor

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2007
3:30 P.M., KNOX CHURCH
$35

THE ALCAN QUARTET

The Alcan Quartet, from Chicoutimi, Québec, has been known for musical excellence throughout Canada and internationally since its formation over sixteen years ago. The group's originality, contagious enthusiasm, unique sonority, and remarkable cohesion have all contributed to its reputation as one of the best Canadian string quartets in the country. Come hear them perform music by Beethoven, Brahms and Piazzola.

Laura Andriani, Violin
Nathalie Camus,Violin
Luc Beauchemin, Viola
David Ellis, Cello

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2007
4:00 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$35

ENSEMBLES MASQUES

Masques is a Montreal-based early music ensemble founded in 1998, performing vocal and instrumental music of the baroque era. What better way to spend a summer Saturday afternoon than travelling through 17th-century Italy, England, Germany, and France with music by Monteverdi, Purcell, Bach, and Couperin.

Tracy Smith Bessette, Soprano
Matthew Jennejohn, Baroque Oboe and Cornetto
Mélisande Corriveau, Recorder and Bass Viol
Olivier Fortin, Clavecin

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2007
3:30 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$35

Elora Festival Singers Choral Series

The Canada Council for the Arts has acclaimed the Elora Festival Singers as one of the finest Chamber Choirs in Canada. The Choir was founded by Noel Edison in 1980 as the principal vocal ensemble for the Elora Festival. Its activities include summer residency at the Festival, a popular Winter Series in Elora, Toronto and Guelph, and touring across Canada and the United States, most recently in 2007 to Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. The Singers also record regularly, with eleven releases on the international Naxos label. Since 1997, the Elora Festival Singers have formed the professional core of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.

Elora Festival & Singers sponsored by Spaenaur
Noel Edison sponsored by Deloitte

TAKE THREE!

Swans and Lambs and Masses, oh my! The Festival Company of Musicians presents three striking works from three daring composers of the twentieth century: Gary Kulesha's Wild Swans, Benjamin Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb, and Igor Stravinsky's Mass.

Elora Festival Singers
Noel Edison, Conductor

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2007
2:00 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$35

THE GLORY OF MENDELSSOHN

Some of the world's most glorious choral music was written by Mendelssohn. Some of the world's most inspired organ music was written by Mendelssohn. Two everlasting disciplines under one eternal pen. Don't miss this happening!

Paul Halley, Organ
Elora Festival Singers
Noel Edison, Conductor

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2007
8:00 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$35

PARADISE FOUND

This is the recipe that choral spiritualists will love - the rich and haunting compositions of Eric Whitacre added to the hypnotic austerity of Arvo Pärt. Stir in the evocative motets of 16th-century Cristóbal de Morales and serve under the plaintive improvised sounds of a saxophone. A rapturous feast found only in Paradise!

Willem Moolenbeek, Saxophone
Elora Festival Singers
Noel Edison, Conductor

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2007
2:00 P.M., ST.MARY'S CHURCH
$35

SUMMER LESSONS AND CAROLS

The Nine Lessons and Carols have been made famous by the annual Christmas broadcast from King's College Chapel, Cambridge. This successful interwoven choral and dramatic format has been adapted for summer in Elora, and includes the premiere of two newly commissioned works by Tim Corlis and John Burge.

Christopher Newton and Jennifer Phipps, Narrators
Michael Bloss, Organ
Elora Festival Singers
Noel Edison, Conductor

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 2007
2:00 P.M. AND 4:00 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$35

Starlight Series - Emerging Artists

This third year of offering an "after-hours" outdoor concert series under the stars sees some significant change. The Starlight Series now includes both experienced and emerging artists, both with a penchant for jazz and blues, and does so, after two happy years at the Elora General Store, in a new tented location, the gardens of the Elora Centre for the Arts.

Starlight Series sponsored by Jaz Integrated Graphics Inc.

LADY SON Y ARTICULO VEINTE

A Latin fusion band with personality! From the female lead vocalist to the funky bass, to the wild antics of the keyboard player, the piercing violins, the various hard core percussion, electrifying vocals, and terrific trumpet, Lady Son exudes a vibe never seen or heard before. Bringing classic Afro-Latin roots into a new century.

SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007
9:00 P.M., ELORA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

BRANDI DISTERHEFT

Brandi Disterheft's dynamic performances have earned this young, exciting artist the title "rising star." Nominated for the "Rising Star Prize" at the 2004 National Jazz Awards, she has already performed at the Vienna Jazz Festival, Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival, Chicago's Ravinia Jazz Festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and Carnegie Hall.

Brandi Disterheft, Acoustic Bass
Chris Gale, Tenor Saxophone
Sly Juhas, Drums

FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2007
9:00 P.M., ELORA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

THE MARIGOLDS

Three of Canada's best singer/songwriters in one great group. Each one of these women has loads of charisma, talent, versatility, and they sing like angels... this is totally lovable music! Caitlin Hanford, Gwen Swick, Suzie Vinnick, with Randall Coryell on percussion.

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2007
9:00 P.M., ELORA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

SOPHIA PERLMAN AND THE VIPERS

Sophia Perlman is a vocal treasure, from opera and musical theatre to jazz. She has performed with The Toronto All-Star Big Band, The Top Brass Orchestra and The Swing Gang in Canada, and has charmed audiences in Germany, India and the United States.

Sophia Perlman, Vocals
Howard Moore, Trumpet
Pat Carey, Saxophone
Robi Botos, Piano
Mitch Lewis, Guitar
Terry Wilkins, Bass
Jeff Halischuk, Drums

FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2007
9:00 P.M., ELORA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

Sponsored by Highland Pines

SHAWN KELLERMAN

Guitar wizard Shawn Kellerman is poised to join the inner circle of musicians who define modern blues. Traditional forms are reinterpreted - a not-so-subtle union of past and present delivered with ferocious authenticity. Come hear why Colin Linden has said: "He's spectacular. he plays with the authority of someone who's been playing for a really, really long time!"

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2007
9:00 P.M., ELORA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

Sponsored by 1460 CJOY

All Starlight Series concerts begin at 9:00 p.m. at the Elora Centre for the Arts. $18 Admission (free for the second set by displaying your Gambrel Barn ticket stub of the same evening). Bring your lawn chair! Licensed.

Festival Services

EVENSONG

The office of Evening Prayer is a model of liturgy, biblical imagery and poetic language. Little wonder composers have been attracted to the choral possibilities of Evensong from the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I to Queen Elizabeth II. Join us on Thursday evenings throughout the Festival.

Elora Festival Singers
Noel Edison, Conductor

THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2007 (Andrew Henderson, Organ)
THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2007 (Paul Halley, Organ)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2007 (Michael Bloss, Organ)
6:00 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
FREEWILL OFFERING

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES

Join the Elora Festival Singers, Noel Edison and special guest organists on Sunday mornings during the Festival.

JULY 15, 22, 29 AND AUGUST 5
11:00 A.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
JULY 15
The Rev'd Canon Dr. Cathie Crawford Browning
Rector of St. John's, Thorold
JULY 22
The Rev'd Fr. Mark Andrews
Rector of St. Thomas's, Toronto
JULY 29
The Rev'd Susan Bell,
Doctoral Candidate, Assistant Curate,
St.Martin-in-the-Field's, Toronto
AUGUST 5
The Rt. Rev'd W. Ralph Spence D.D.
Bishop of Niagara
FREEWILL OFFERING

Community Outreach

FAIR IN THE SQUARE

One week before the Festival formally begins, we'll be as high as a kite as we celebrate the arts, and Elora's 175th anniversary, with a street party! With main stage performances in MacDonald Square, buskers, clowns and magicians roaming around the heart of the village and hands-on arts and crafts activities for children in Hoffer Park, this will be a day of free family fun that you won't want to miss! Offered in cooperation with the Elora Centre for the Arts, the Elora merchants and Elora-Fergus Tourism.

SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2007
MACDONALD SQUARE (and all around the village)
11:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
FREE

DREAM OF GERONTIUS - OPEN REHEARSAL

We welcome the community to sit in on the final rehearsal of the Opening Night concert and see that magic takes a lot of hard work. But practice does make perfect!

FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2007
3:00 P.M., GAMBREL BARN
$5

SOUND ADVICE

Join Rick Phillips, host of CBC Radio's classical CD review program, for an informative and entertaining talk about the life and music of Edward Elgar, on this 150th anniversary year of his birth. (Rick will also give a free Pre-Concert lecture on Dream of Gerontius just before the Opening Night concert.)

SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007
1:00 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$18

FESTIVAL KIDS CAMP

Our Festival Kids spend a full week learning about singing, acting, choreography and building and painting sets as they prepare to perform in a musical version of The Emperor's New Clothes. The camp runs from July 16-20 for children 8-13 years, and culminates with a performance on Friday afternoon. No previous experience is necessary. Space is limited.

REGISTRATION: THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2007
6:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M., ELORA FESTIVAL OFFICE, 33 HENDERSON ST.
$125 (plus $10 refundable deposit for score)

PERFORMANCE: FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2007
4:00 P.M., ELORA PUBLIC SCHOOL
$5

Festival Kids Camp is made possible by a grant from the Township of Centre Wellington and the support of Ken and Marilyn Murray

TD CANADA TRUST YOUNG PERFORMERS COMPETITION FINAL ROUND

Join Final Round jurors Paul Halley, Daniel Warren and Rick Phillips in choosing your favourite young performers: from strings to winds, brass to voice to piano. Our 17th annual competition encourages young artists by offering strong competition, financial support and the opportunity to perform in a major festival. Be the first to hear the performers of tomorrow, today! Cash prizes of $500 to $3,000 plus a future engagement with The Elora Festival Singers are awarded to the top finalists. New this year is an "Audience Favourite" Prize!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2007
8:00 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$18

Sponsored by Canada Trust Music

CONDUCTORS' WORKSHOP

Discover what happens before the baton rises in this 90-minute mini-workshop. Noel Edison coaches guest conductors in the art of choral music.

Elora Festival Singers
Noel Edison, Conductor

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2007
1:00 P.M., ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
$18