tag:vettamusic.com,2005:/blogs/vetta-s-news-musings?p=2
Vetta's News
2023-11-05T21:03:54-08:00
Vetta Chamber Music
false
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/7299217
2023-11-05T21:03:54-08:00
2023-11-05T21:04:30-08:00
Attention Students: Free concert!
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/504404/cf56a77972aa27619281e468e48aa02a3b658db5/original/free-concert-social-post-kmc.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p> </p><p>We are pleased to offer free admission to students for Vetta's string orchestra program, Serenades and Divertimenti at <strong>Kay Meek on December 2nd at 7:30pm.</strong></p><p><i>Bring student ID if unaccompanied by an adult.</i></p><p><strong>The vivaciousness of Vetta’s young professional string ensemble has delighted audiences for several years. The knowledge and artistry of some of the best chamber musicians in BC, combined with the dynamism and youthful vigor of young professional emerging artists has created a scintillating crucible in which music making comes alive like never before. Prepare to be wowed with this group as they perform three stunning masterpieces for unconducted string orchestra by Mozart, Bartók and Dvořák! </strong></p><p>W.A. Mozart | Divertimento in D major, K 136 <br>Béla Bartók | Divertimento for String Orchestra <br>Antonin Dvořák | Serenade for Strings in E major</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/7285031
2023-10-09T10:52:36-07:00
2023-10-16T07:58:40-07:00
Amy Beach (1867-1944)
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/504404/ae3b140f4e16867fe0a1046c9a88f14e267d4557/original/amy-beach.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Amy Beach (1867-1944), the composer who inspired our first concert series of the season, Life’s a Beach, from October 13-16!</p><p>Amy Beach was a groundbreaking woman composer of the first half of the 20th century. When she married a man 20 years older, he told her to quit her concert performances and stick to composition because being in the public eye was not appropriate for a married woman! She put her heart and soul into her compositions and Jane Coop, special guest pianist, will pour all her creative energies into her performances of the work. While just as passionate about music, Jane can hardly have had a more different experience. She has been performing since a very young age and her husband, who first heard her play at the CMC competition, has been her most ardent supporter, even starting a recording label to support her creative endeavours! </p><p>Join the Vetta String Quartet and Jane Coop, for an exciting program including Haydn’s Sunrise Quartet, Shostakovich’s earliest quartet and the Amy Beach Quartet!</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/7275343
2023-09-18T17:42:02-07:00
2023-10-09T10:52:56-07:00
2024 Annual Volunteer Party
<div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Snapshots from our Annual Volunteer Party! Our board and volunteers are getting busy and excited for our concert season. Join in on the buzz and purchase your tickets today: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://vettamusic.com/concert-season-2023-2024?fbclid=IwAR1kdgX0rkFYhkM2HVyvEq7bmZ2M8Uk2mGWp1BVl-XqRqcGe9Hxtykuas4g" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>https://vettamusic.com/concert-season-2023-2024</span></a><br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? Send us a message! <span><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t50/1.5/16/1f48c.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="💌" height="16" width="16" /></span>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/504404/9547dde5a5824968ca370a8c171b001001e435e8/original/3.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/504404/24c06c2b85a6826f26c403d6e0184dea4c75d32e/original/1.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/504404/0316692a4ef89d0fcd9acebe1fe846fd6ddcc6d8/original/4.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/504404/f36fb4b9ee94337cd24a0ab5b45ab74ed799d099/original/2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/504404/5275da1fac11fc6e778088fa02d2abdb91d60a68/original/5.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/504404/2ab30645a0573c85a2de5bf379bd441abc4084fb/original/6.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
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Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/7201114
2023-05-01T22:23:44-07:00
2023-10-09T10:53:11-07:00
Welcome to Vetta's 2023-2024 Season, our 38th!
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Joan Blackman, Artistic Director welcomes you to </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="/concert-season-2023-2024" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Concert Season 2023-2024" contents="Vetta's 2022/ 2023 Season"><strong>Vetta's 2023-2024 Season</strong></a><br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="/concert-season-2023-2024" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Concert Season 2023-2024" contents="BUY TICKETS NOW"><strong>BUY TICKETS NOW</strong></a></p><p><i><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/504404/a46f555dd85b7f93809147651a551bcda0dbaaba/original/hero-image-1500x597-concert-season-2023-2024.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></i></p><p paraeid="{6a82cb2e-a9a7-4f6d-ab84-1544c5b9ea85}{192}" paraid="5">This season is about the heart. Music has a way of connecting us to things that matter, perhaps because it skips over words, even concepts, and allows us to experience something that cannot be easily labeled, so we are free to attach our own meaning. </p><p paraeid="{6a82cb2e-a9a7-4f6d-ab84-1544c5b9ea85}{198}" paraid="6">Our programming this season reflects this idea, with a carefully curated selection of works that lend themselves to an expanded sense of compassion, of connection to the mysteries of the human heart. </p><p>We start off with the return of our beloved Jane Coop and the Vetta String Quartet and a sunny program entitled “<strong>Life’s a Beach</strong>”. Haydn’s <i>Sunrise Quartet</i> will wake us up to the witty joyfulness of Papa Haydn, who knew better than anyone how to delight our musical senses. Shostakovich said about his first quartet that he had "visualized childhood scenes, somewhat naïve and bright moods associated with spring” so even Shostakovich had his light moments! We will finish with the <i>Piano Quintet</i> by American composer Amy Beach. Think Brahms but more personal and intimate and luscious. </p><p>Our Mentorship Program returns for a third time in December with “<strong>Serenades and Divertimenti</strong>”. Our all-woman ensemble of Vetta veterans and young emerging professionals will perform the delightful Mozart <i>Divertimento in D major</i>, the striking Bartók <i>Divertimento for String Orchestra</i>, and the gorgeous Dvořák <i>Serenade for Strings</i>. </p><p>In January, at the very heart of our season, we present “<strong>Music of the Heart</strong>” with some of the most beautiful music ever. Toronto-based pianist Talisa Blackman will perform excerpts from Prokofiev’s <i>Romeo and Juliet</i> and will join Zoltan Rozsnyai and Joan Blackman in two highly romantic piano trios. The Brahms <i>Piano Trio in B minor Opus 8</i> is easily one of the most romantic of pieces ever written, but the Russian composer Babajanian has written the most expressive, loving Andante I have ever heard. I dare you not to be moved to tears! </p><p>As usual, our spring concert takes a little diversion, stretching our imaginations with “<strong>Music for Eternity</strong>”. First, enjoy a little frivolity with John Mackey’s <i>Breakdown Tango</i>, then experience the romantic maturity of the late great <i>Clarinet Trio </i>of Brahms. The real backbone of this program is Messiaen’s ethereal <i>Quartet for the End of Time</i>, which touches so many edges, bends time, and reaches into the depths of the human condition. </p><p>Finally, we are delighted to welcome internationally renowned pianist Angela Cheng to our series. On the slate is Schubert <i>F minor Fantasie for 4-hands</i>, Mozart <i>Piano Quartet in E flat major, K 493</i> and the effervescent <i>Trout Quintet</i>, a program to make our hearts sing! </p><p>From our hearts to yours, we offer this season of glorious chamber music … </p><p>Yours in Music, <br>Joan</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/7194807
2023-04-21T16:01:34-07:00
2023-05-01T22:19:11-07:00
Optimism in the ability of the arts to respond to crisis
<p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">From symphony orchestra to chamber ensembles to prison outreach, cellist Henry Shapard finds meaning as a musician.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">The youngest VSO member is about to make his Vetta Chamber Music debut with a Benjamin Britten solo.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/504404/db3ea6fee9f12d2a72e10f57c2a34fe10477349a/original/blog-image-398x217-henry-shapard.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">Vetta Chamber Music presents </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vettamusic.com/concert-season-2022-2023#concert-five" data-link-type="url">Wartime Masterpieces</a><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);"> on April 28 at 2 pm at West Point Grey United Church; April 29 at 7:30 pm at West Vancouver United Church; April 30 at 2 pm at Pyatt Hall; and May 1 at 7:30 pm at ArtSpring on Salt Spring Island.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">As the youngest member of Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the youngest principal cellist of any major orchestra, Henry Shapard is living a dream—and yet the position is only one part of how he defines his role as a professional musician. So is outreach, including playing in prisons. About to make his debut with Vancouver’s Vetta Chamber Music, the 24-year-old artist has done casual cello sessions at institutions for incarcerated adults and youth in his home state of Ohio, the experiences proving deeply meaningful to him.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">In a Zoom interview with Stir, Shapard explains that the impetus to perform in jails stems from the fact that he considers himself to have one foot in and one foot out of the music world; he studied history at Yale and all of the friends he went to university with are in other disciplines. This got him thinking about the role of a musician in society.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">“<i>I’ve come to think that there is a stewardship component of that that is not done justice by simply only playing for paying audiences,” Shapard says. “I started about eight months ago playing in prisons. The arts are not a significant part of things there, and I feel very strongly that this is not something that I do for fun, but it’s actually a significant responsibility of being fortunate enough to work as a professional musician and a professional artist. And this is part of the job.</i>"</span><br><br><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">> </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.createastir.ca/articles/henry-shapard-vetta-chamber-music" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Continue reading</a><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);"> the article written by </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.createastir.ca/articles?author=5f47ffddd91d2d2457cbfdc3" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">Gail Johnson</a><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);"> in Vancouver's arts and cultural </span>digital magazine Stir<span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">. </span></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/7191492
2023-04-16T19:54:23-07:00
2023-04-16T19:54:48-07:00
Music deeply affected by world wars
<h4><span style="color:rgb(30,30,30);">Concert ‘Wartime Masterpieces’ April 28 - May 1</span></h4><p><span style="color:rgb(30,30,30);">What do Benjamin Britten, Maurice Ravel and Dimitri Shostakovich have in common? Their compositional styles may be diverse, but all three composers were deeply affected by the world wars in the first half of the twentieth century. Their music was written both despite and because of the strife they encountered. </span><br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/504404/f1403d737e363d53f38c317161b7fa10bcae2e06/original/concert5-fraizer-dunleavy-cy0pcqe93vw-unsplash.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>Ravel had already started writing his Piano Trio before World War I broke out, but he had reached a hiatus. When he heard the announcement of France’s entry into the First World War, Ravel hurried to complete the work, revealing to his close friend Maurice Delage, “If you only knew how I suffer . . . . I just keep working so as not to hear anything. Yes, I am working with the persistence and concentration of a madman. But suddenly the hypocrisy of this conduct overwhelms me, and I begin to sob over my note paper.” Whatever he was feeling, Ravel managed to transcend his suffering and help us escape to a better world through his music. <br><br>Britten was born in 1913 so he lived through both World Wars. He was a pacifist, a conscientious objector, and his music reflects the edginess of living in a world where the possibility of war is always looming. In the early sixties, about the same time as he wrote the Solo Cello Suite No.1, he composed the War Requiem, which was written to commemorate the dead in both World Wars. Shostakovich himself declared this to be one of the greatest works of the twentieth century. </p><p>Shostakovich was profoundly affected by the horrors perpetrated by the retreating German army during the last years of World War II as well as stories featured in the Soviet press that SS guards at the death camps of Treblinka and Majdaenk had forced Jewish prisoners to dig their own graves and dance upon them. The composer used both Russian folk tunes and a Jewish dance to portray the juxtaposition between innocent beauty and macabre cruelty. The piece is still today one of the most powerful dramatic and moving statements about the horrors of war, and, in my view, it would be too much to bear except for its icy perfect beauty of expressiveness. <br><br>A little background on this choice of program- as the war broke out in Ukraine, I was feeling the horror of war. At the same time I was thinking about the <a class="no-pjax" href="/concert-season-2022-2023" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Concert Season 2022-2023">2022- 23 Vetta season</a>. Originally, I wanted this program to begin the season. It would explore how war can motivate composers to write great works of art even though it causes great suffering. The last program was supposed to be about peaceful inspiration, other works of art inspiring composers, to create an evolution from war and strife to peace and resolution in the season programming. Well, artist availability dictated a reversal in the order, and here we are, the war still raging.<br><br>We <a class="no-pjax" href="https://vettamusic.com/concert-season-2022-2023#concert-five" data-link-type="url">dedicate this program</a> to the resilience of humanity, the ability to make something beautiful and worthwhile out of humanity’s greatest flaw.</p><p>Yours in Music,<br>Joan Blackman, Artistic Director</p><hr><hr><p><strong>WARTIME MASTERPIECES</strong></p><p><strong>Britten </strong><i><strong>Suite No. 1 for Solo Cello, Opus 72 </strong></i><strong> </strong><br><strong>Shostakovich </strong><i><strong>Trio No. 2 in E minor, Opus 67 </strong></i><strong> </strong><br><strong>Ravel </strong><i><strong>Piano Trio</strong></i></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.vettamusic.com/artists#jane-hayes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>Jane Hayes</u></a> <i>piano </i><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vettamusic.com/artists#joan-blackman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>Joan Blackman</u></a> <i>violin </i><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.vettamusic.com/artists#henry-shapard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><u>Henry Shapard</u></a> <i>cello</i></p><p><strong>Concert Dates & Venues</strong></p><ul>
<li>
<strong>2pm, Friday, Apr. 28th, 2023</strong> at West Point Grey United Church</li>
<li>
<strong>7:30pm, Saturday Apr. 29th, 2023</strong> at West Vancouver United Church</li>
<li>
<strong>2pm, Sunday Apr. 30th, 2023</strong> at Pyatt Hall</li>
<li>
<strong>7:30pm, Monday May 1st, 2023</strong> at ArtSpring</li>
</ul><p><strong>Vancouver or West Vancouver Concerts:</strong> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.vtixonline.com/wartime-masterpieces" target="_blank"><u>$30 for single tickets</u></a> </p><p><strong>Salt Spring Island Concerts:</strong> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://tickets.artspring.ca/TheatreManager/1/online?performance=4487" target="_blank"><u>$25 for single tickets</u></a></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/7155496
2023-02-16T18:08:55-08:00
2023-02-18T22:29:48-08:00
Remembering Michael Pidgeon, Vetta Salt Spring Series Sponsor
<p><span>Michael Pidgeon will be sorely missed. His passion, advocacy and generous donations to the arts, in particular to musical organisations has had a huge impact on the lives of many in Vancouver and on Salt Spring Island. As series sponsor for Vetta concerts on Salt Spring Island, he has made the impossible possible. He was a fan, a friend and a trusted advisor. Thank you Michael and our heartfelt condolences to Richard Stetson especially.</span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/504404/20b50dacc4656c9ca3e68e967b2d43108b4210fe/original/il-1588xn-3320466107-1xr6.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/7116722
2022-12-03T21:05:03-08:00
2022-12-08T15:50:17-08:00
Vancouver's Vetta Chamber Music explores profound connections between Bach and Mendelssohn
<p>The group’s December concerts feature an all-woman ensemble made up of established and emerging artists. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/9183019c669d2c7ecb155483857aac2c194bb5f6/original/img-5788.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />“BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND”: the catchphrase sums up the back story to Vetta Chamber Music’s upcoming concert. Bach & Mendelssohn is the second iteration of the ensemble’s mentorship program, which launched in 2021 and featured an all-woman ensemble made up of veteran musicians alongside four emerging artists who were just launching their careers.</p>
<p>“The audience responded favourably to the youthful energy enthusiasm of the group as well as the high level of ensemble playing,” explains Vetta artistic director and violinist Joan Blackman. “I resolved to expand the idea of mentorship of young, women emerging artists with another concert this season at the time of year when people appreciate a bit of cheer and fun.” </p>
<p><a contents="Continue reading on Stir &gt;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.createastir.ca/articles/vetta-chamber-music-bach-mendelssohn" target="_blank">Continue reading on Stir ></a></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/7104113
2022-11-16T21:57:04-08:00
2022-11-16T22:36:32-08:00
Bach and Mendelssohn Food Bank Fundraiser Concert on Dec. 3
<p>We are excited to announce that our West Vancouver concert on Dec. 3rd at the Grosvenor Theatre at Kay Meek Arts Centre will be a fundraiser for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. If you haven’t already bought tickets for the Bach and Mendelssohn program at another venue, or even if you have, we encourage you to spread the word about this special concert. <a contents="100% of the ticket proceeds benefit the&nbsp;Greater Vancouver Food Bank" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://foodbank.bc.ca/events/vetta-presents-bach-mendelssohn-food-bank-fundraiser-concert/" target="_blank">100% of the ticket proceeds benefit the Greater Vancouver Food Bank</a> and you get to hear great music in a beautiful venue. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/5b8cc45c83eba535eb27c39b8ec44fcb77c34e7f/original/concert2-harpsichord-violin.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>This explores the deep connections between performed by our all-woman ensemble, back by popular demand. This set of concerts is the second in our mentorship program, a new initiative that began last year with our “Vivaldi’s Orchestra” concert. This time, we explore Mendelssohn and Bach. </p>
<p><em>Mendelssohn: String Sinfonia No. 1, “Sinfoniesatz” in C major; <br>Bach: Harpsichord Concerto in D minor; <br>Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068; <br>Mendelssohn: Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20 </em></p>
<p>Joan Blackman, Jae-Won Bang, Molly MacKinnon, Yiyi Hsu violins <br>Katrina Chitty, Rebecca Ruthven violas <br>Amy Laing, Min Jee Yoon cellos <br>Meaghan Williams bass <br>Christina Hutten harpsichord </p>
<p>To learn more and <a contents="buy tickets" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kaymeek.com/events/bach-and-mendelssohn-live-1203" target="_blank">buy tickets</a>, go to Vetta Presents: Bach and Mendelssohn - a Food Bank fundraiser — Kay Meek Arts Centre </p>
<p>For accessible seating please contact the Kay Meek box office by phone at 604.981.6335</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/7097695
2022-11-08T19:47:44-08:00
2022-11-08T20:29:08-08:00
Vetta Takes Seasons of the Sea to the Vancouver Island Symphony!
<p>For the first time, <a contents="Seasons of the Sea" data-link-label="Seasons of the Sea" data-link-type="page" href="/seasons-of-the-sea"><em>Seasons of the Sea</em></a> was performed with an orchestra rather than single strings, with Rosemary Georgeson and Joan Blackman as soloists on November 5th, 2022 at the Port Theatre with the Vancouver Island Symphony. Yariv Aloni conducted. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/523f0cc1452928139217388f561602bd8e2e1c2b/original/20221105-144124.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Jeffrey Ryan, composer, Rosemary Georgeson, author and narrator and Joan Blackman shared their thoughts about the history and evolution of the piece in a pre-concert talk, and the piece opened with a welcome and song by Elder Dr. Richard Goode from the Snuneymux Nation. </p>
<p>The piece was complemented by Vivaldi's <em>Four Seasons</em>. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/dc12f315965fda81dd2b367cc31706dc1dd8c02c/original/img-2396.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />A few comments from the audience are included below: </p>
<p><em>"The juxtaposition of the two pieces was a stroke of genius, contrasting two world views in a meaningful and fascinating way. Naturally, we were more in tune with the Vivaldi, but the First Nations perspective explained so much why reconciliation is difficult and fraught. Rosemary’s voice, warm and clear, was a wonderful complement to the edgy music, and her anecdotes and memories were well-chosen and involving." </em></p>
<p><em>"Wonderful concert! So pleased to have taken in the preconcert chat. To hear from the poet, the composer and the musician who collaborated on this work made hearing the work so much more meaningful." </em></p>
<p><em>"Joan Blackman was absolutely outstanding, both in the very reflective first half narrated by Rosemary Georgeson and in Vivaldi! As always backed by the amazing musicians of the Vancouver Island Symphony. We are so blessed!"</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/64e9e187a89987b72b03f1f1e7f6242c29d48cdf/original/img-2401.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/7044644
2022-08-23T21:40:59-07:00
2023-05-01T22:19:11-07:00
Welcome to Vetta’s 2022-2023 Season!
<p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vettamusic.com/artists#joan-blackman" data-link-type="url" contents="Joan Blackman, Artistic Director"><strong>Joan Blackman, Artistic Director</strong></a><strong> welcomes you to </strong><a class="no-pjax" href="/concert-season-2022-2023" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Concert Season 2022-2023" contents="Vetta's 2022/ 2023 Season"><strong>Vetta's 2022/ 2023 Season</strong></a><br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="/concert-season-2022-2023" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="Concert Season 2022-2023" contents="BUY TICKETS NOW"><strong>BUY TICKETS NOW</strong></a></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/c1a168b812ec6ba6681588d631343c6137d38019/original/hero-image-1920-concert-season-2022-2023.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><i>This season is about renewed hope and inspiration and how good can come out of difficulties. The pandemic has given us cause to think hard about what we can bring back and what we can transform into something new. We have had choices to make about our venues and how to make your live concert experience as safe yet intimate as possible. To that end, we are delighted to launch a new series in West Vancouver on Saturday evenings. We are continuing our very popular series at West Point Grey United Church in Vancouver, at Pyatt Hall downtown, and at ArtSpring on Salt Spring Island.</i></p><p><i>Our season programming takes the concepts of hope, rebirth and inspiration on an overarching journey. The first program looks at artistic inspiration and how composers took ideas from writers and other composers. We feature </i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vettamusic.com/artists#jane-coop" data-link-type="url" contents="Jane Coop"><i>Jane Coop</i></a><i> and the Vetta String Quartet playing works by Hildegard von Bingen, </i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vettamusic.com/artists#marcus-goddard" data-link-type="url" contents="Marcus Goddard"><i>Marcus Goddard</i></a><i>, Janáček, and Brahms. The December program is about mentorship and the hope for the future in talented young musicians. Mendelssohn considered Bach to be his teacher, and works by these two composers will be performed by a mix of young women, some students, some emerging artists and Vetta pros. We heard your enthusiasm for last season’s Vivaldi’s Orchestra concert and have taken it one step further this year! </i></p><p><i>In January, we experience the essence of Romanticism — music inspired by the human heart, and welcome violinist </i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vettamusic.com/artists#kai-gleusteen" data-link-type="url" contents="Kai Gleusteen"><i>Kai Gleusteen</i></a><i> and pianist </i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vettamusic.com/artists#catherine-ordronneau" data-link-type="url" contents="Catherine Ordronneau"><i>Catherine Ordronneau</i></a><i> to the Vetta stage. Early springtime is time for a bit of levity, spontaneity and fun! I grew up with Cameron Wilson, and admire how he went his own way, blending his classical training with fiddling and jazz to make his own unique style of playing. Let’s welcome Cam and </i><a class="no-pjax" href="https://vettamusic.com/artists#joe-trio" data-link-type="url" contents="Joe Trio"><i>Joe Trio</i></a><i> to the Vetta stage, where adventure is always lurking … </i></p><p><i>For our finale, we circle back to the hope that can be birthed out of darkness through the creative process with three wartime composers, Ravel, Shostakovich and Britten. Here is to a hopeful and inspired season!</i></p><p><i>Yours in Music, </i><br><i>Joan</i></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/7042591
2022-08-14T09:00:00-07:00
2022-09-06T08:50:12-07:00
Live Music Returns to Pender Harbour
<p>Vetta Chamber Music brought live music back to Pender Harbour in a weekend duo of concerts August 13th and 14th. The Vetta String Quartet played music by Vancouver composer <a contents="Marcus Goddard" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.vettamusic.com/artists#marcus-goddard">Marcus Goddard</a>, Janáček and Beethoven, and the Four Jays played a mix of French music and jazz! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/1265071cbb2342a9d8e542ab847d28461f490909/original/four-jays-at-pender0.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Joan Blackman" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.vettamusic.com/artists#joan-blackman">Joan Blackman</a><br><a contents="David Gillham" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.vettamusic.com/artists#david-gillham">David Gillham</a> <br><a contents="David Harding" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.vettamusic.com/artists#david-harding">David Harding</a> <br><a contents="Zoltan Rozsnyai" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.vettamusic.com/artists#zoltan-rozsnyai">Zoltan Rozsnyai</a> <br><a contents="Jane Hayes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.vettamusic.com/artists#jane-hayes">Jane Hayes</a> <br><a contents="Julia Nolan" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.vettamusic.com/artists#julia-nolan">Julia Nolan</a> <br><a contents="Jodi Proznick" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vettamusic.com/artists-2020-21#artists-6">Jodi Proznick</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/9fdf4726586b3b4255f0dd433b7a50e1fdd8976d/original/img-0713.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/2cef1aa2cd41baeaeb08ce6bde85b967ed4e1b7b/original/img-0755.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/97336b32738b98070a89ccc2126437c41ab10d93/original/img-0733.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6965735
2022-05-06T22:46:58-07:00
2022-05-11T02:23:31-07:00
Presenting Angela Cheng with Vetta Chamber Players on May 14
<p>Online coverage "<a contents="Piano virtuoso Angela Cheng joins Vetta for all-Dvořák gala concert" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.createastir.ca/articles/angela-cheng-vetta" target="_blank"><em>Piano virtuoso Angela Cheng joins Vetta for all-Dvořák gala concert</em></a>", featured in Vancouver's digital magazine, Stir, May 5, 2022 <br><br>Acclaimed pianist Angela Cheng comes from a musical family: her grandfather started a factory making violins in China that still exists, and his nine children and their kids were all expected to take piano or violin lessons. Classical music filled their home, and she spent time at the keys with her mom and aunts. After Cheng’s family moved to Edmonton when she was in elementary school, they didn’t have a piano at home, and she recalls how, in this new land, she felt utterly lost without it. </p>
<p>“I remember asking my mom if we could get a piano,” Cheng tells Stir on the line from Ohio, where she’s a professor of piano at Oberlin Conservatory of Music. “I was miserable not speaking the language—I was a very good student, but I was failing because of the language—and having no friends. I had no more aunts to study with, and I needed the piano. I needed it. </p>
<p>“She arranged it and found me a teacher,” she says. “I didn’t have a piano, but I had a teacher, and it was a big step. The more I studied, the more I knew this had to be my life.”</p>
<p><a contents="Continue reading &gt;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.createastir.ca/articles/angela-cheng-vetta" style="">Continue reading on Stir ></a></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6913419
2022-03-04T20:06:08-08:00
2022-03-04T20:16:01-08:00
Celebrating prolific composer Stephen Chatman's 70th Birthday
<p>Canadian Music Centre and Vancouver Chamber Choir, with special acknowledgment to Vetta Chamber Music, co-present Music on the Point: Stephen Chatman 70th Birthday Celebration on March 6 at 3 pm at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.</p>
<p><a contents="Read more &gt;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.createastir.ca/articles/stephen-chatman" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/9b65530c00760db7773ace3dc4be0702a964d6fe/original/blog-image-398x217-stephen-chatman.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>Stephen Chatman is one of the country’s most prominent composers with multiple Juno nominations to his name and a member of the Order of Canada. A Minnesota native, Stephen was a professor and head of composition at the University of British Columbia School of Music, wrapping up a 45-year teaching career in the summer of 2021. As a way to honour him and his extraordinary contributions to music nationally and internationally, the Canadian Music Centre, Vancouver Chamber Choir, and UBC School of Music joined forces for a celebratory concert. <a contents="Read more &gt;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.createastir.ca/articles/stephen-chatman" target="_blank">Continue reading ></a></p>
<p><a contents="Download full concert program" data-link-label="Chatman 70th Birthday Celebration" data-link-type="file" href="/files/1166679/Chatman%2070th%20Birthday%20Celebration" target="_blank">Download full concert program</a></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6794620
2021-11-01T22:49:48-07:00
2021-11-04T23:52:21-07:00
Listen to The "B" Team Concert
<p>Recorded at Pyatt Hall in Vancouver, enjoy Beethoven's String Quartet No. 1 in F major, Op. 18, No. 1 and Brahms Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet in B minor, Op. 115 performed at the 36th concert season's opener The "B" Team Concert. <a contents="Listen to the whole concert &gt;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vettamusic.com/concert-season-2021-2022#concert-the-b-team" style="">Listen to the whole concert ></a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/5cb434896fb5411f813f3aa9b0e39662533ccf4d/original/img-1143.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6766175
2021-10-04T17:34:57-07:00
2021-10-04T17:34:57-07:00
Seasons of the Sea
<p>We have come a long way from when we first commissioned the cross-cultural collaboration <em>Seasons of the Sea</em> in 2016. We had no idea how relevant this work would be to these times. In the light of recent news reaching the public about some of the many horrific injustices to the Indigenous people of Canada, perhaps the most important thing about this work is how we learned to collaborate while truly respecting each other’s cultures. I was moved over and over by the grace and patience of Rosemary, Renae and the Elders I was honoured to be able to meet. We found common ground through what we were trying to express together in our different ways. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/d0d7306e250c3dc57a181f26ccd0c372ab71cb79/original/blog-image-398x217-seasons-of-the-sea.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Climate change, cultural appropriation, losing a way of life but remembering and honouring those lost traditions and the wisdom of them, all these themes weave naturally in and out of Rosemary’s stories. Jeffry Ryan’s music has proved to be flexible and complementary yet retains its ties to the roots of Western music with a form based loosely on Vivaldi’s <em>Four Seasons</em>. The addition of Renae Morriseau’s First Nation Drumming has added depth to the piece, providing commentary from an Indigenous perspective. As one Elder commented, she witnessed “true reconciliation in action”. </p>
<p>If you are moved by <a contents="Seasons of the Sea" data-link-label="Seasons of the Sea" data-link-type="page" href="/seasons-of-the-sea"><em>Seasons of the Sea</em></a>, please <a contents="share the link" data-link-label="Seasons of the Sea" data-link-type="page" href="/seasons-of-the-sea">share the link</a> with as many people you can.</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6633986
2021-05-18T18:18:51-07:00
2022-05-09T02:50:52-07:00
2021 Award Nominee for Western Canadian Music Awards
<p>Vetta Chamber Music is named <strong>Western Canadian Music Awards' 2021 Award Nominee</strong> for best <strong>Classical Artist or Ensemble of the Year</strong>. The Western Canadian Music Awards celebrate the best of artistic talent in western Canada.</p>
<p>This wonderful recognition was based on our Tango Klezmer Jazz concert performed by Jane Hayes, piano, Julia Nolan, saxophone, Joan Blackman, violin and Jodi Proznick, bass. This concert is available to <a contents="watch online" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vettamusic.com/concerts#concert-encore">watch online</a> or <a contents="for purchase as a digital album" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vettamusic.com/music#music-for-sale">for purchase as a digital album</a>.</p>
<p>Read more in <a contents="Stir Vancouver" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.createastir.ca/articles/western-canadian-music-awards" style="" target="_blank">Stir Vancouver's article <em>Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Jill Barber, Jocelyn Morlock among B.C. artists nominated for 2021 Western Canadian Music Awards</em></a></p>
<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/1463a5aa86beb819bfd3a73f59e5992a4891eeb9/original/bow2021-badge-1.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Classical Artist or Ensemble of the Year Sponsored By Canadian Music Centre (CMC) </strong></p>
<ul> <li>Christopher Tyler Nickel - BC </li> <li>Land's End Ensemble with Laura Hynes and Karl Hirzer - AB </li> <li>PEP (Piano and Erhu Project) - BC </li> <li>Véronique Mathieu - SK </li> <li>Vetta Chamber Music - BC</li>
</ul>
<p>For the full list of 2021 music award nominees, visit <a contents="Breakout West" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://breakoutwest.ca/awards/music-awards" target="_blank">Breakout West</a>.</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6629971
2021-05-13T22:03:09-07:00
2021-05-13T22:04:41-07:00
Franck and Mozart Juxtaposed
<h4>A reflection on contrasts and similarities</h4>
<p>At first glance, the Franck Quintet and the Mozart Concerto “Jeune Homme” seem to belong to different universes. Mozart wrote his Piano Concerto No. 9 in E♭ major, K. 271 when he was but 21 years of age. Alfred Brendel called it “one of the greatest wonders of the world”. Franck, on the other hand, wrote the work in his mature years, one of only a handful which are now considered major works. He dedicated the quintet to Saint-Saens, who, after premiering the work as the pianist, stomped off the stage leaving the manuscript behind, a clear sign of disapproval, yet Paris audiences were clamouring for more. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/e5d18ee2c7a07145f4130a1955334950fbb6742c/original/blog-image-mozart-franck-398x217.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The Franck cycles through emotional energy like a gas guzzler. It has huge contrasts between torrid passion and vulnerable, dreamlike melodies. The work begins with an almost screaming declaration from the strings, followed by a delicate interlude in the piano. Wait a minute, Mozart also starts with a strong statement from the orchestra, and a reflective answer in the solo piano. For those early days, this was quite a deviation from the usual orchestra opening which states all the themes before introducing the piano. So, they both had guts, they both liked contrast. <br>Franck loved chromaticism and cyclic form which he pretty much invented. He would take a small motif and move it through every conceivable key. The phrases end up sounding circular and we can get lost as in a maze. Mozart, though he stuck to the classical form with its eight bar phrases for the most part, could work wonders within that structure. He could take the same beginning of the phrase and turn it into something completely new in the second half, taking us on a new route we would never have expected. I guess they both had a way of “turning a phrase”! <br><br>Regardless of the different styles, aesthetics, and cultural values that are reflected in these two pieces of music they were both writing what was true and right for them at their time and place in history. For me, the contrast between the two works highlights some of the best of their features, and I enjoy both the effervescence and elegance of Mozart and the broodiness and emotional rollercoaster as long as I acknowledge and enter the spirit of the times in which they were written.</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6589633
2021-03-30T20:09:02-07:00
2021-12-15T04:59:12-08:00
Almost 70% say they wish to continue listening and watching concerts online
<p>Thanks for participating in our online survey!</p>
<p>We thought we would share some of the feedback we have received about our online concerts. </p>
<p>We got 4.75 out of 5 for overall enjoyment.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/c403c89d9334e50f0b3f3ec615a8dc5386febd63/original/header-image-1500x862-couple-watching-concert.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />The winner for what was most enjoyable about the online experience was the close-up perspectives of the performers and their instruments at 70%, followed by a tie between the following: being able to watch anytime within the viewing period, and being able to enjoy a music performance in the comfort of one's home at 60%. </p>
<p>85% of those surveyed said they will attend live performances when they are back, and if not, it was because of where they lived or issues getting to the venues. We hear you, loud and clear! </p>
<p>This is the interesting part: <strong>68.4% will still want to listen to and watch our concerts online. </strong></p>
<p>Stay tuned for exciting news as we plan a vibrant and flexible season informed by your responses!</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6583860
2021-03-24T17:09:23-07:00
2022-02-24T04:17:23-08:00
String Quintets that Rock?
<p>The Mozart String Quintet in G minor and the Brahms String Quintet in G major are two of the best in the literature. Why do they “rock”? </p>
<p>Mozart rocked the musical norms of the time in his G minor quintet which has been compared to the stages of grief. The first movement is shock, escape, ungroundedness. The second, anger and denial, followed by the beautiful slow movement, depression, and then, a first in history, Mozart introduces the finale with an even slower, painful outpouring of grief, only to return to his bubbly self in a rollicking gallop. </p>
<p>When Brahms wrote his G major quintet, he intended it to be his last composition. He did end up writing more, but this Opus 111 packs a punch from start to finish, from the brilliant opening cello solo to the Hungarian Czardas at the end. It seems as if Brahms wanted to leave the stage in a blaze of glory! </p>
<p>Brahms and Mozart both loved the viola sound. At the height of their creative powers, they wanted to explore the extra richness and complexity that adding a second viola to the string quartet would provide. </p>
<p>But perhaps the real reason I think they rock is because they are simply my very favourite works of chamber music. I never get tired of rehearsing and playing these pieces with my colleagues and friends. The experience deepens every time, especially this time, when we carefully rehearsed, socially-distanced and masked in my studio, farther apart than usual and yet strangely closer in spirit.</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6568449
2021-03-08T17:16:17-08:00
2022-02-06T06:42:32-08:00
Bassist Jodi Proznick brings joy of jazz to Vetta —and aims to get more women in the field
<h4><em>Article in <a contents="Stir, an online Vancouver Arts &amp; Culture magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.createastir.ca/" target="_blank">Stir, an online Vancouver Arts & Culture magazine</a></em></h4>
<h4>Tango Klezmer Jazz concert features four of Canada’s leading female musicians.</h4>
<p>VANCOUVER’S JODI PROZNICK was in Grade 9 when she first plucked a bass in her Surrey high-school band class under the direction of her dad, an award-winning music educator. She switched to stand-up bass in Grade 12. Even though she was thinking of pursuing medicine in her post-secondary studies, she received a scholarship to study bass at McGill University. Her family built a crate to ship her instrument across the country. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/860ef86ceb4d249ceb579c55530913a2f8b2f83f/original/image1.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />With Juno nominations to her name, Proznick has gone on to open for Oscar Peterson, collaborate with the likes of PJ Perry and Michel Bublé, perform at the 2010 Winter Olympics, lead her own quartet, get a Master’s degree in music education, and more, earning a reputation as one of the country’s finest jazz musicians. She’s passionate about making music accessible to kids regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. And at this stage in her career, she has another goal: to get more women playing jazz instruments. </p>
<p>The industry remains male-dominated. Saxophonist Issie Barratt calculated in 2016 that women make up just five percent of jazz instrumentalists. That same year, a survey of jazz musicians in Germany showed that four out of five were men. The gender disparity is so extreme that in the fall of 2018, Berklee College of Music launched the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, which focuses on equity in the field and the role that jazz plays in the larger struggle for gender justice. (Its founder is drummer, producer, and educator Terri Lyne Carrington, who made history as the first woman to win a Grammy in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category for Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue, a reimagining of the Duke Ellington classic.)</p>
<p>“There are more female firefighters than [female] jazz musicians,” Proznick says in an interview with Stir. “The numbers are terrible….The music world is notorious for stories of it being extremely oppressive and morally bankrupt at times; quite frankly, a lot of these spaces and places a woman would never want to enter. My way of thinking is: What are you going to do about it? If you’re not part of the solution you’re part of the problem. How can I help in any way? </p>
<p>“I want to amplify women artists I know in any way I can,” she says. “Let’s collaborate with other genres to be able to make art together.”</p>
<p><a contents="Continue reading article on Stir &gt;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.createastir.ca/articles/jodi-proznick-tango-klezmer-jazz-vetta" target="_blank">Continue reading article on Stir ></a></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6528236
2021-01-22T18:45:35-08:00
2021-04-04T20:28:35-07:00
Learning to improvise
<p>I knew when I asked <a contents="Jodi Proznick" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.vettamusic.com/artists#artists-6">Jodi Proznick</a> to arrange some of her songs from the Juno award winning album Sun Songs, I was aware I was stepping into a brave new land to some degree. In my years in the VSO, we played back up for many great jazz artists, so I had a basic intuitive understanding of the sound and feel of the music, but the way they would solo, taking off into a freedom of expression, this was not something I thought I could ever do.</p>
<p>Yet, we classical musicians make many creative decisions when we play. We make micro-choices about articulation, length of notes, and we mold the phrases according to our interpretation of the composer’s wishes. In jazz, there is a structure too. There is a rhythmic grounding, and the harmonies change which notes are preferred in a riff. But it seems to me there are more choices than givens.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/256c78d30cbe8a03ae549e9b5318fca82bad3eae/original/blog-image-862x1500-stars.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Then I started thinking about life. People can easily fall into ruts, repeating patterns of thought, movement, emotions. Even then, we are making micro choices, choices about how we brush our teeth, how many pieces of toast we will eat, the way we brush our hair. Like a snowflake, each moment is never the same. </p>
<p>And when we look up in awe at the stars, or some event wakes us up out of that automatic behavior, we may start choosing to veer away from those patterns. We might start noticing that we are actually improvising all the time, choosing the reaction we want for the given situation, improvising with the ebb and flow, the chords that life deals us. Quite profound when you think about it.</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6505213
2020-12-21T22:21:25-08:00
2022-02-06T06:10:58-08:00
A Musical Gift For You
<p>While we can’t get together in person, enjoying music brings us closer together in a different way. <br><br>We hope you enjoy this little bonbon of <a contents="J.S. Bach, the Gavotte en Rondeau from the E major Partita for Unaccompanied Violin" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://soundcloud.com/user-733015858/bach-gavotte-en-rondeau" style="" target="_blank">J.S. Bach, the <em>Gavotte en Rondeau from the E major Partita for Unaccompanied Violin</em></a>. I just decided to record it on my ipad this morning, just a spontaneous idea to share what I have been doing lately. I get out my violin and I warm up with a bit of unaccompanied Bach. In fact, the violin accompanies itself with chords that imply the harmonic structure. The Rondeau form brings us back to the initial dance over and over, with wanderings in between. <br><br>Wishing you peace in this holiday season, and a New Year with new beginnings, connection and creativity, whether it be in the body, mind or spirit.</p>
<p>Yours in Music,</p>
<p>Joan Blackman, Artistic Director</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6475769
2020-11-12T08:11:27-08:00
2020-11-12T08:11:27-08:00
Schubert's Dream
<p>Pianist and scholar Alfred Brendel said when comparing Schubert to Beethoven, “Beethoven composes like an architect, Schubert like a sleepwalker….in Beethoven’s music, we never lose our bearings, we always know where we are; Schubert on the other hand puts us into a dream.” In fact, Schubert wrote about a dream he had (summary below) and it reads very much like his music. In the case of the E flat Trio, we do know Schubert was aware of his limited time left on earth, and the way he cycles through different ideas, different moods, does have a shifting, ephemeral quality like a dream. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/9e64b67018fc9d129578b97b7fae944aac3d9d6f/original/header-image-1500x862-dream.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><em>I was a brother of many brothers and sisters. Our father and our mother were good. I was devoted to them all with a deep love. Once, my father took us to a feast [Lustgelage]. There my brothers became very merry. I, however, was sad. Then my father approached me and commanded me to enjoy the delicious food. But I could not, wherefore my father, becoming angry, banished me from his sight. I turned my steps away and, my heart full of infinite love for those who disdained it, wandered into a distant land. For long years I felt torn between the greatest grief and the greatest love. Then the news of my mother's death reached me. I hastened to see her, and my father, softened by sorrow, did not hinder my entrance. Then I saw her corpse. Tears flowed from my eyes. I saw her lying there like the happy old past, in which, according to the deceased's wish, we were to live as she herself once had. </em></p>
<p><em>And we followed her corpse in sorrow and the coffin sank down. From that time on I again remained at home. Then my father took me once again into his favorite garden. He asked me if I liked it. But the garden was wholly repellent to me and I dared not say so.</em></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6466009
2020-10-29T12:51:08-07:00
2021-09-02T13:20:51-07:00
Sharing the Gift of Music
<p>Faced with unprecedented challenges and desire to connect with our loved ones this holiday season, we know that music has the power to move, connect and unite us all in magical ways. </p>
<p>Bring the joy of music to the homes of your friends and family by giving them a <a contents="subscription to Vetta Chamber Music " data-link-label="Members" data-link-type="page" href="/members">subscription to Vetta Chamber Music </a>this year. Don't forget, all previous concerts are available anytime on the exclusive member's page!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/c8a7547e1ba962a0ed57ec2bc0902cbf0914c678/original/header-image-1500x862-home-christmas.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6460498
2020-10-21T11:09:03-07:00
2020-11-10T00:26:37-08:00
High praise for our first-ever virtual concert
<p>We are very delighted to share some of our audience feedback received for our concert 'At Home with Vetta. This first-ever virtual concert was produced in response to the pandemic's strict regulations and safety protocols around large gatherings and on our ability to produce and present live music in person with our audience.</p>
<p>The overwhelming positive feedback provides valuable insight into how we have successfully connected through our love of chamber music AND shown how transcendent music is. We are deeply grateful to all those who attended our inaugural online concert and helped make this online music experience a success!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/c403c89d9334e50f0b3f3ec615a8dc5386febd63/original/header-image-1500x862-couple-watching-concert.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<h3>Testimonials</h3>
<p><em>"We showed the Vetta concert yesterday and residents loved it! The residents are already looking forward to the next one!"</em> - Natalie Wallace, Wellness Supervisor, Tapestry at Wesbrook Village</p>
<hr style="color: #ece7d9; size: 0.1px;"><p><em>"The Vetta concert was a beautiful show of excellence in all aspects, the programme choice, the artists talents, the recording was made at the Chan so audio was very good as was the professionalism of the camera man and the setting."</em> - Resident at Tapestry at Wesbrook Village</p>
<hr style="color: #ece7d9; size: 0.1px;"><p><em>"Thanks for a great concert. We could not join the zoom on Friday but we enjoyed the concert on Saturday morning with our granddaughters. It was great to share music with them. I have now subscribed to Vetta and I am looking forward to the next concerts."</em> - Gaby </p>
<hr style="color: #ece7d9; size: 0.1px;"><p><em>"We have to say it: a most beautiful concert! Thank you very much for the effort required to putting it on, I particularly enjoyed the Bach Sonata, really outstanding playing. Keep well while we are looking forward to all the remaining concerts in the series. Many thanks again!"</em> - Ricardo and Martha Foschi </p>
<hr style="color: #ece7d9; size: 0.1px;"><p><em>"I loved your absolutely wonderful Concert from the Chan last week. I truly enjoyed it in many ways, the anticipation, getting my fire going in the wood stove, picturing myself back in Artspring in my favourite seat...yet not having to leave the house....your thoughtful and informative chats about the music setting the scene, the intimacy of the camera presence going exactly where my eyes would have gone if at Artspring. <br>Your performance and choice of music all most excellent, moving and satisfying... Thank you very much for sharing your talents and yourselves so perfectly, I look forward very much to all the special Vetta Visits to come to my living room soon."</em> - Anke Smeele </p>
<hr style="color: #ece7d9; size: 0.1px;"><p><em>"It was very special and very well done. I loved the two of you sitting together speaking with each other, it provided such a warm personal element."</em> - Jane Williams </p>
<hr style="color: #ece7d9; size: 0.1px;"><p><em>"Enjoyed the concert thoroughly. Loved the sharing between the two of you as well. As you talked about how each of your instruments portrays a different aspect of Bach, I was thinking, and one has to be both a piano & a violin when trying to sing it! :P I loved the ZOOM concert. We get to see your expressions while playing, and your talk about the music was perfect..."</em> - Tamar Griggs </p>
<hr style="color: #ece7d9; size: 0.1px;"><p><em>"Congratulations to your first very successful concert of this very different and challenging season. What a stimulating and rich concert it turned out to be. Listening to you and Jane, I completely got lost in the music, pure joy. When I heard you say that it was such an emotional experience for you, I realized THAT’S what came through so loud and clear. Thank you!" </em>- Barbara Kaiser</p>
<h3>Tell us about your experience</h3>
<p>If you watched our online concert 'At Home with Vetta', we would LOVE to hear what your thoughts are of the concert. Please leave us a comment below or <a contents="email us at info@vettamusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:info@vettamusic.com" style="">email us at info@vettamusic.com</a></p>
<h3>Subscribe to access this concert and more!</h3>
<p>You can still watch the first concert 'At Home with Vetta' and all upcoming concerts for seasons 2020-2021 by purchasing a <a contents="season subscription to become a Vetta Member" data-link-label="Members" data-link-type="page" href="/members">season subscription to become a Vetta Member</a>. Please join!</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6455133
2020-10-13T10:10:00-07:00
2020-10-16T17:41:12-07:00
Rest in Peace, dear Genya
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/ea24fb55aca14914c308b0d76359a901c8d54b61/original/content-image-500x500-eugene-osadchy.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<h3>Eugene Osadchy, Artistic Director Emeritus - In Memoriam</h3>
<h4>May, 12, 1952 - October 3, 2020</h4>
<p>We are so sad to hear of Eugene's passing. One of the founding Artistic Directors of Vetta Chamber Music, Eugene Osadchy had a profound influence on the Vancouver music scene. </p>
<p>The next concert presented, <a contents="Dream Piano Trios" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vettamusic.com/concerts#concert-two" style=""><em>Dream Piano Trios</em></a>, is the very same program he was supposed to play with Vetta in May. We will dedicate this concert to Eugene with love and remembrance of a truly great musician. <a contents="Read tributes" data-link-label="A Tribute To Eugene Osadchy" data-link-type="page" href="/a-tribute-to-eugene-osadchy" style="">Read tributes</a> written by those deeply touched by Eugene as well as this <a contents="wonderful online article" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.createastir.ca/articles/vetta-mourns-eugene-odaschy" target="_blank">wonderful online article</a> published on October 16, 2020 by Stir, a new digital magazine that puts Vancouver and the surrounding area’s arts and culture at centre stage.</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6443772
2020-09-26T19:32:07-07:00
2020-09-26T20:11:57-07:00
Bach at the Chan
<p>A preview of what's to come in our season opener! Presented in partnership with the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, we are excited to return to performing music in one of Vancouver's beautiful concert hall and be able to share this sonata program of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms with you virtually from Thursday, October 8th until Monday, October 12th.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="vimeo" data-video-id="462258640" data-video-thumb-url="https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/964784575_295x166.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/462258640" frameborder="0" height="360" width="680"></iframe></p>
<p>We invite you to enjoy this <a contents="FREE virtual concert 'At Home with Vetta'" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://vettamusic.com/concerts#concert-one">FREE virtual concert 'At Home with Vetta'</a>!</p>
<p> </p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6435156
2020-09-17T12:14:29-07:00
2021-08-20T01:56:17-07:00
Making music safe and fun!
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/e2042b8fdeaf4ff6c80d742c7779e48cfa6df2eb/original/header-image-1500x862-rehearsal-joan-jane.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Socially distanced rehearsing with Jane Hayes at her house, then at the beautiful UBC's Chan Centre in Vancouver for our recording. Boy did we have fun playing together after such a long time apart!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/504404/5f43b007dc0771a469920a6e9096ef165551a1a4/original/blog-image-862x1500.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6429047
2020-09-09T10:09:13-07:00
2022-03-31T10:42:36-07:00
Bach
<p>Originally, Bach wrote the six sonatas for harpsichord and violin, with an optional viola da gamba part doubling the bass line. Unlike baroque sonatas for solo instrument and continuo, Bach wrote out the whole keyboard part rather than indicating a figured bass. It is effectively a trio sonata for violin, right hand and left hand of the keyboard! </p>
<p><em>Sonata No. 4</em> is in C minor, the key of some of his most profound creations like the first movement of the Bach <em>Cello Suite in C minor,</em> or the <em>Prelude</em> and <em>Fugue in C Minor, BWV 847</em> and fugue, here played by Anthony Newman on the harpsichord.</p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gYw7UgO2usI" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>The first movement, a <em>Largo Siciliano</em> in a minor key, rocks seamlessly through an ornamented yet pure violin melody, accompanied by rolling 16th arpeggios and scales in the keyboard right hand, and rising triplet triads in the left hand, the bass line which is the rock upon which all else rests. The melody is reminiscent of the violin obligato in <em>Erbarme dich, mein Gott Aria (No. 39)</em> from the oratorio <em>'Matthäuspassion', BWV 244</em>.</p>
<p>Here is a beautiful period instrument rendition by Les Siècles, conducted by François-Xavier Roth with Delphine Galou, contralto and François-Marie Drieux, solo violin to give you an idea, and the words in English here: <em>Have mercy, my God, for the sake of my tears! See here, before you heart and eyes weep bitterly. </em></p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BBeXF_lnj_M" width="560"></iframe></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6429045
2020-08-31T10:05:00-07:00
2023-12-10T09:08:10-08:00
Rain Sonata
<p>Did you know that the Brahms <em>G major Sonata</em> for violin and piano is subtitled the <em>Regen</em>, or <em>Rain Sonata</em>? In fact, the third movement is based on the exact same melody and accompaniment as this beautiful song, Brahms <em>Regenlied Opus 59, No. 3</em>. performed by Lenneke Ruiten & Hans Adolfsen. </p>
<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ruN5kj0fmZQ" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Lyrics</h4>
<p>Pour, rain, pour down,<br>Awaken again in me those dreams<br>That I dreamt in childhood,<br>When the wetness foamed in the sand!<br>When the dull summer sultriness<br>Struggled casually against the fresh coolness,<br>And the pale leaves dripped with dew,<br>And the crops were dyed a deeper blue.<br>What bliss to stand in the downpour<br>With naked feet,<br>To reach into the grass<br>And touch the foam with one's hands!<br>Or upon hot cheeks,<br>To catch the cold drops;<br>And with the newly awakened fragrances<br>To air one's childish breast!<br>Like the flowers' chalices, which trickle there,<br>The soul breathes openly,<br>Like the flowers, drunk with fragrance,<br>Drowning in the dew of the Heavens.<br>Every trembling drop cooled<br>Deep down to the heart's very beating,<br>And creation's holy web<br>Pierced into my hidden life.<br>Pour, rain, pour down,<br>Awaken the old songs,<br>That we used to sing in the doorway<br>When the raindrops pattered outside!<br>I would like to listen to it again,<br>That sweet, moist rushing,<br>My soul gently bedewed<br>With holy, childlike awe. </p>
<p><em>Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust</em></p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6414881
2020-07-21T17:15:00-07:00
2020-09-30T18:48:31-07:00
Thoughts and questions for our patrons
<p>Dear music lovers, Vetta patrons and musicians, </p>
<p>I have been thinking a lot lately about the intimacy of chamber music, about what I get from reacting to and communing with my colleagues, and how we transfer this indescribable energy the music creates to you, the audience. What is it we love about the live experience? Is there another way to get that feeling? </p>
<p>We promised we would provide all ticket holders for the cancelled May concert with a replacement concert this season. While we cannot perform our concert live, we will produce a quality video recording that we will share with you in the fall. We know it is not the same, but by adding conversations with the musicians, clips of us rehearsing, and close up video of our hands, or our expressions, we hope to find a different kind of intimacy, where you can sit down in your home and listen and watch with a friend or two. We hope this is an acceptable substitute and appreciate your understanding. Please let us know if you have any questions. </p>
<h4>At Home with Vetta </h4>
<p>Bach <em>Sonata for violin & keyboard No. 4 in C minor, BWV 1017</em> </p>
<p>Beethoven <em>Sonata for Piano and Violin in D major, Opus 12, No. 1</em> </p>
<p>Brahms <em>Sonata for Piano and Violin in G major, Opus 78</em> </p>
<p>Jane Hayes, <em>piano</em> | Joan Blackman, <em>violin</em> </p>
<h4>What makes a good experience in a live concert? </h4>
<p>Plans for the rest of the season are coming together, and we will share more details with you later, along with the fall concert date. Meanwhile, we would love to hear from you. Here are some questions I have: </p>
<p>Do you listen to music online? <br>Do you prefer a scheduled event or to be able to watch something on your own time? <br>If so, what keeps your interest? Quality of the playing? The dynamism of the performance? The professionalism of the recording? The engagement of the performers with the music and with the virtual audience? <br>Do you come to live concerts with friends and/or family and would you watch an online concert with friends in your home? </p>
<h4>Share your thoughts </h4>
<p>Email me your thoughts at <a contents="info@vettamusic.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:info@vettamusic.com">info@vettamusic.com</a>, and I look forward to hearing from you! </p>
<p>Stay well, stay safe, and let’s keep the music alive! </p>
<p>Yours in Music, <br>Joan Blackman</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6414880
2020-07-20T14:10:00-07:00
2022-05-11T01:26:08-07:00
COVID19 Update
<p>We appreciate your patience as we plan a season that is safe! While we would love nothing better than to perform live, to share our love of the music with you in person, we will be sharing our concerts with you digitally this season, keeping music alive until it can be live again. We hope to make this experience worthwhile, with chats, snippets of music beforehand, and I would love to hear from you about how you are enjoying music these days, what you would like to hear, what is it about the Vetta experience that you like, or dislike? I look forward to hearing from you! </p>
<p>Yours in Music, <br>Joan</p>
Vetta Chamber Music
tag:vettamusic.com,2005:Post/6414879
2020-07-19T11:50:00-07:00
2021-04-01T12:42:23-07:00
Plans for 2020-21 Season
<h3>We’re going digital and first concert is free!</h3>
<h4>Concert Program </h4>
<p>Bach <em>Sonata for violin & keyboard No. 4 in C minor, BWV 1017 </em><br>Beethoven <em>Sonata for Piano and Violin in D major, Opus 12, No. 1</em> <br>Brahms <em>Sonata for Piano and Violin in G major, Opus 78</em> </p>
<h4>Featured Artists </h4>
<p>Jane Hayes, <em>piano</em> | Joan Blackman, <em>violin</em> </p>
<p>Stay tuned for details coming soon!</p>
Vetta Chamber Music