Chamber music served a la Wild West
The WindRose Trio starts the season with a departure to the old west. For 11 years, they’ve roped in audiences with their highly accessible chamber music.
Once mavericks, they are now veterans of the music scene with enough connections to attract pinnacle players as guests.
The trio, composed of Beth Levia (oboe), Matthew Howatt (bassoon) and Rob Spady (clarinet) of the Royal Canadian Artillery Band, are rustling up a chamber music recital of romantic music for winds and piano.
Joining the herd is Elizabeth Koch (flute) Allene Hackleman (horn) and Sarah Ho (piano).
“The western theme doesn’t really have a lot to do with the music. We just thought it would be fun to have a unifying theme,” said Levia.
The program features three pieces. The biggest is Hans Huber’s Sextet in B Flat.
“It’s lush and very romantic. It’s one of those grandiose and warm pieces.
The two shorter pieces are Canadian composer Jacques Hetu’s Quatre Miniatures and Jean Francaix’s woodwind Quintette.
“The quintet is very technical, very flashy and quite dazzling.”
Throughout the performances, western stage props will be on display and chili with biscuits will be served at intermission.
“And there will be sarsaparilla if I can find it. And there will be elements of musical surprises I’m not at liberty to talk about,” Levia added.
WindRose Trio and company perform at Holy Trinity Anglican Church on Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $20. Call 780-420-1757 or online at tixonthesquare.ca.
Rapid Fire Theatre invigorates Virginia Woolf
Rapid Fire Theatre is spreading its improv wings for a send-up of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? This comedic homage combines the structure and relationships of Edward Albee’s masterpiece with the spontaneous absurdity of improvisation.
The cast includes two St. Albert Children’s Theatre alumni: Matt Alden stars as George and Joleen Ballendine is Honey. Veteran improviser Amy Shostak stickhandles Virginia and Ben Gorodetsky takes on Nick.
The show runs tonight at 8 p.m. at the Citadel. Tickets start at $22 and are available at 780-425-1820.
