The allure of fine acoustics simplifies the task for concert co-ordinator Catherine Young to draw talent to St. Mary’s Anglican Church.
“People like to perform in the church, it has fantastic acoustics, people enjoy that,” Young said.
Added to her history as an instructor at the conservatory and her husband’s connections at the university, Young has a “rich field from which to draw”.
She’s utilized it to her best for a pair of concert series at the Oak Bay church.
“The Music for a Sacred Season is paired with an advent series that we had before Christmas. The proceeds of both of those series goes to Abbeyfield Housing Society,” Young said. “Each year we do these series for some charitable cause. … We gather roughly $2,500 to $3,000 a year, so it’s enough to be helpful.”
The series features performances by mostly advanced students, in some cases masters students, and instructors in a variety of classical styles. Concerts are at 1701 Elgin St. Wednesdays from 12:10 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. Admission is by donation ($8 suggested) and starts with the Piano Artists of Tomorrow on Feb. 25.
The series continues through April with: March 4 Canadian Organ Music of Warren Steck; March 11 Music for Viola and Piano; March 25 Chamber Music for Strings; April 1 Stabat Mater by Pergolesi sung by Marnie Setka-Mooney and Sara Weicker-Partridge with pianist Curt Bergen.
The Listen Series continues with a “partly music and partly lecture” concept with three concerts and a lecture to wrap it up June 3.
March 4 features Matt Antal and Friends with Music for Viola and Piano. On April 8 is Spring Song with Nicholas Fairbank on the organ; May 6 hear the Vancouver Island Chamber Choir led by conductor Wade Noble; and June 3 learn all about Historical Hymnals with Warren Steck.
All performances at 7 p.m. in the chapel. Admission is by donation ($8 suggested amount) and are split between the church and the artists.
Call 250-598-2212 for more information on any of the concerts.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com
