A powerhouse pair of Burnaby singers are heading abroad to perform in a prestigious international choral festival.
The husband-and-wife duo of Steve Maddock and Siri Olesen are part of musica intima, an acclaimed self-directed choral ensemble that’s become known nationwide (and beyond) for its unique style and sound.
Now, musica intima is the only North American ensemble invited to perform as part of the Busan International Choral Festival in South Korea – running Oct. 18 to 21.
Before the choir leaves, it’s holding a concert featuring its touring program, set for Friday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at St. James Community Square.
A write-up about the show notes that the repertoire is “eclectic and unexpected, with a dash of folk, strong Canadian content and a few surprises.”
Arrangements of pop songs such as Pharrell Williams’ Happy and Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly’s True Colors (popularized by Cyndi Lauper) take their place on the program alongside three Korean folk songs arranged by Imant Raminsh – and much, much more.
Ticket holders can turn up for a pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. to learn about the upcoming tour and meet the singers.
St. James Community Square is at 3214 West 10th Ave. in Vancouver. Tickets are $25 regular or $15 for students. See www.musicaintima.org for tickets and details.
SHARING THE MUSIC
You can help to share music with people in need. A new non-profit society called Thank You For the Music is holding a launch party and fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 15 right here in Burnaby – at the Burnaby Lake Rugby Club, to be exact.
The casual evening will include music bingo (top prizes include a trip for two to Las Vegas or a Yamaha keyboard and stand), plus live music, complimentary snacks and a silent auction.
The new society, which officially incorporated as a non-profit in May this year, will be working to deliver programs and projects that overcome the barriers communities face accessing music, according to a press release.
“Being able to participate in music – whether it’s singing in a community choir, playing in a school band, or just jamming with some buddies – enhances life at every age and stage,” said the group’s founder and president, Shelley Gimbel, in the release. “Over time, we envision our society’s efforts helping to bring music into the lives of all ages from children to older adults, and including everything from funding instruments to supporting a variety of music programs.”
Money raised at the Oct. 15 event will help with startup operational costs and one of the group’s current projects – to provide new pianos to schools in Surrey.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and only for 19 and up. See www.tinyurl.com/TYFTMFundraiser to buy yours. The rugby club is at 3670 Sperling Ave., and the event runs from 7 p.m. to midnight.
See www.thankyouforthemusic.ca or www.facebook.com/TYFTMsocietyfor details about the group.
SPOOKY ART AT GALLERY
Burnaby Art Gallery is getting into the spirit of the season.
The Halloween season, that is.
The gallery is hosting a special program on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. For $1 per person, you can spend what’s billed as “a spooky surrealist afternoon playing ‘Exquisite Corpse,’ the collaborative, chance-based drawing game.”
Also at the gallery, don’t forget about a course coming up for the young artist in your house: Adventures in Printmaking, for six- to nine-year-olds, runs three Saturdays starting Oct. 22, with a cost of $36.15.
Burnaby Art Gallery is at 6344 Deer Lake Ave.
Check out www.burnabyartgallery.ca for more on these and other gallery happenings, or call 604-297-4422.
ENJOY SOME SCARY STORIES
In the mood for a few spooky stories?
Burnaby Public Library is hosting a Storytelling Circle on Sunday, Oct. 23 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Bob Prittie (Metrotown) branch.
The afternoon of spooky, scary and supernatural tales is open to everyone aged nien and up. It’s free, but register ahead to guarantee a spot – call 604-436-5400 or see www.bpl.bc.ca/events. If there’s space available, drop-ins are welcome.
If you want to take part by telling a story, then be sure to let the library know ahead – email [email protected].
SAVE THE DATE FOR INDIE THEATRE
Here’s a save-the-date reminder for local theatre lovers: The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts kicks off its Independents theatre series on Nov. 2 and 3 with Jake’s Gift.
The multi-award-winning drama, written and performed by Julia Mackey, tells the story of a Canada Second World War veteran’s reluctant return to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day.
While walking the shores of Juno Beach, he encounters Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old from the local village – and the encounter forces him to confront some long-ignored ghosts.
It’s onstage Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 2 and 3, at 8 p.m., with a school matinee on Thursday at 1 p.m.
Check out www.jakesgift.com for more, or buy your tickets at tickets.shadboltcentre.com or 604-205-3000.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
