Get ready for another thrilling month of soaring melody, stimulating dialogue and celebratory festivities and masterclasses. From June 3 to 24, 2012 at UBC and various Vancouver venues the festival gathers local and international artists and scholars to celebrate and study the dynamic fusion of music and poetry that is Art Song. “Song is one of the most fundamental forms of expression. It’s the way we share our life experiences across generations – from lullabies to love songs, in ritual and in celebration, across all cultures since forever – humanity sings its stories,” says Rena Sharon, Artistic Director of VISI. “SONGFIRE Festival of Song opens its doors to everyone throughout the month of June in celebration of Art Song. Art Song ignites words and hearts through the power of soaring voices and beautiful piano landscapes.” Here’s a sample of what’s in store. Playing with Fire (June 8, 8pm at The Orpheum Annex): Duos of singers and pianists perform an evening of world premieres created by composer and poet teams from SONGFIRE’s Art Song Lab.
Songs of Here & Now (June 9, 8pm at UBC’s Roy Barnett Recital Hall): A selection of works by BC composers, including Leslie Uyeda, Lloyd Burrit, Jean Coulthard, and more.
Close Encounters (June 10, 8pm at West Vancouver United Church): VISI heads to the North Shore for an intimate programme of vocal chamber and choral music. Featuring special guest performers EnChor, conducted by Diane Loomer.
Arts of Conscience Symposium & Film Series (June 11-16 at The VanCity Theatre): A week-long retreat features day-time workshops and sessions with community artist activists. Five evenings of lectures (at 5:30pm) will be presented by internationally renowned activists in arts for social change, followed by selected films featuring the power of arts in transforming communities. Session leaders include choreographer Judith Marcuse, Order of Canada Officer Max Wyman, Headlines Theatre Director David Diamond, and Music Therapy of Association of BC President Susan Summers.
Sir Thomas Allen in Concert (June 13, 8pm at UBC’s Chan Centre): Master of the Art Song genre and ‘Britain’s favourite baritone’ presents an immensely moving evening of Art Song fare, including much-loved English repertoire, works by Schubert and Beethoven, and a rare selection of Northumbrian folk arrangements. Joining Allen is pianist Joseph Middleton, hailed by The Times as, ”the cream of the new generation”.
Harold Brown Tribute Concert (June 19, 8pm at Unitarian Church of Vancouver): VISI honours the spirit of one of Vancouver’s most beloved Art Song advocates with a moving evening of song. Featuring baritone Tyler Duncan and pianist Erika Switzer.
VISI at the Waterfront (June 24, 8pm at The Waterfront Theatre): Featuring the premiere of ‘Seaworthy,”- a new SONGFIRE Theatre work with songs from across two centuries, script by Brenda Sparks, directed by Dr. Gayle Shay, inspired by the mystery of the ghost ship ‘Mary Celeste’. Also on the program, a powerfully staged performance of Composer Thomas Pasatieri’s Monologue from ‘Lady Macbeth’.
Full details and tickets for 2012 SONGFIRE Festival of Song tickets are at www.songfire.ca.
