Music to eat lunch by

Listening to beautiful mood music while eating is often thought of for formal occasions.

But the longevity of Music Wednesdays at Noon is a strong testament to people relaxing and calming their mind in a casual environment while noshing on lunch.

Now in its 36th season, Music Wednesdays was started to offer free noon hour light classical music to anyone in the downtown area near McDougall Church.

Throughout its lifetime, Music Wednesdays has evolved into a bridge between cultural and social groups. Listeners are simply invited to bring friends and a bag lunch.

Buoyed by the enthusiasm of the music community and music lovers, the McDougall Concert Association programs an eclectic combination of chamber groups throughout the season.

Edmonton Symphony Orchestra violinist Neda Yamach, a former St. Albert resident, and Edmonton pianist Janna Olson collaborate for a chamber music duet on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

“It’s our first time performing just the two of us. We both have busy schedules and we count ourselves privileged when we play together,” Olson said.

The two artists first performed together several years ago in a chamber quartet. It was in those close quarters that Olson discovered what a fine musician Yamach was.

“She has beautiful sound and she has such a sensitive feeling for music. She plays with a great deal of heart,” Olson noted.

The Edmonton pianist compares the 40-minute recital to a menu. For the appetizer, the duo has selected one of Arcangelo Corelli’s three-minute sonatas.

The more sumptuous main course is Edvard Grieg’s 17-minute Sonata in F Major.

“He wrote it when he was young during a very happy summer. It’s a very cheerful piece. Even when there are periods of darkness, the cheerfulness always returns.”

It is followed by a set of two Fritz Kreisler pieces and a work from John William’s famous Schindler’s List score.

Closing the concert is Vittorio Monti’s exciting and high-energy Csárdás.

“We looked for something lovely that ends the program on a high note.”

The concert starts precisely at 12:10 p.m. at McDougall Church. Noon hour concerts are booked until Nov. 26. A full schedule is available at www.mcdougallunited.com/music.