It was a chance meeting at a previous event for Langley Hospice Society that put Matthew Silverman’s classical guitar music in front of Shannon Todd Booth, communications and funds development manager with the society. 

Now Silverman will be making beautiful music, together with a couple of friends, at Frosting Cupcakery on Saturday evening. 

“Matthew approached us [the hospice society] in the late fall and said, ‘I’d like to do this concert for you’,” noted Todd Booth of how Saturday’s event came about. “He’s quite an accomplished musician.”

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on May 23 and along with classical guitar from Silverman and trio, Tres Guitarras, there will be a silent auction, wine tastings from Kalala Organic Estate winery, and additional beverages and food available for purchase.

“The program is amazing,” Todd Booth said of the music that will be played. 

The first part of the performance will be Silverman playing solo, then, he will join his two band members as Tres Guitarras.

Selected pieces include variations on a theme from Mozart’s Magic Flute Fernano Sor, Vivaldi’s Concerto in G Major, and Venezuelan Waltz No.2 by Antonio Lauro.

Tickets must be purchased in advance from Frosting Cupcakery at 20411 Fraser Hwy, the hospice at 20660 48th Ave., by email at info@langleyhospice.com, online through eventbrite, or by phone at 604-530-1115.

Funds raised from the $30 ticket price and other aspects of the evening will support the initiatives of the hospice in its work to support those dealing with terminal illness, death, or bereavement in some aspect in their life.

“We are thinking of new ways to engage the public,” said Todd Booth, adding that often, people in the community don’t know what the Langley Hospice Society does.

A woman who had undergone a sudden and traumatic loss in her life told Todd Booth that she hadn’t looked into support and hospice programs because she didn’t think she could afford it. Yet, hospice programs are provided free. 

Todd Booth is “thrilled” with paring up with Silverman and other musicians as it will be a new way to reach out to those who may not know what hospice provides. 

For more information about the work of the society, visit langleyhospice.com.

Langley Advance