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| Wilhelmina, in costume, welcomes all |
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Variety certainly was the spice of life as Zerf Productions' celebrated its 22nd anniversary at Loyola Chapel in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce this past October 30th with a Halloween Benefit Concert of classical, gospel, instrumental, opera and choral music. The mood of the evening was magical as many cultural communities came to celebrate and introduce their young ones to classical music and concerts. Audience and performers alike buzzed around in Halloween costumes, while the NDG foodbank table started to fill up with groceries, the recording engineers and photographers rushed to set up their equipment before showtime, and the reception table brimmed with goodies just waiting to be raided by the children. Local MNA, (NDG) Madam Kathleen Weil, and her attaché Louise Sansregret escorted by Borghild Joa, were present to see what kind of trouble we were up to!
The fun began as our mystery narrator, dressed in a black cape and mask, Beverly McGuire, lit the candles and Robert Sigmund treated us to a spooky Bach organ fantasia. Robert Schumann`s Waldesgesprach followed, narrated by Ms. McGuire and accompanied on piano by Geneviève Jalbert. Mezzo-soprano, Johanne Patry sang the part of the hunter, and soprano, Colleen Bartley, sang the part of the evil witch, Lorelei, in this German art song based on an ancient myth whereby, upon ignorantly entering a haunted forest, a man is deceived by what he believes is a beautiful lost bride and offers to escort her out. But during a brief conversation her demonic constitution is revealed, and she declares that never more shall he leave these dark woods. The story was beautifully sung by the two performers, Johanne Patry , mezzo soprano and Colleen Bartley soprano
Swiss piccolo ensemble, PiccB'ois, added to the ambience with light classics which gave us the impression that little birds were flying around the Chapel. Virtuoso classical guitarist, Charles Hobson, played music from South America by Astor Piazzola and Carlos Rafael Rivera.
| Wilhelmina's wig holds a surprise! |
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| In solidarity with victims of HIV and AIDS |
Vivienne Deane and her Gospel Ensemble, Nancy Hinkson and Deborah Burrowes greatly impressed the audience with two new pieces, Jean-Baptiste and Peace Be With You, from their upcoming album. Our guest choir from Montreal West United Church, joined by members of the Loyola Chapel Community Choir and directed by Mr. Sigmund treated us to some more gospel favourites, including the grand finale, Hymn to Freedom by Oscar Peterson.
Madam Kathleen Weil, was beaming with delight as she promised to take the good news of the excellent work and talent of our emerging and established artists, and the commitment of the Zerf community back to Québec with her. Upon leaving the Chapel that evening, we were greeted by the icing on the cake - the year`s first beautiful snowfall.
The concert was recorded by David Bloomer and Gil Hymer, videotaped by Roger Kenner and Nadia van Leeuwen and beautifully photographed by Howard Kay (www.project51.howardkay.ca ). Kudos to Concordia University staff and administrator, Helen Downie, and the Loyola Chapel Community for their support beyond and above the call of duty.
Wilhelmina and Johanne
| Special Guest: Kathleen Weil |
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| The Organ and the Hall |
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| The group: PiccB'ois |
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| Vivienne Deane & Gospel Ensemble |
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| Charles Hobson |
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| Montreal West United Choir & Zerf Ensemble |
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| Josef Schmidt, flute; Johanne Patry, guitar |
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| Johanne Patry | Beverly McGuire |
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| Colleen Bartley |
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| Geneviève Jalbert |
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| The Ensemble |
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