The Magic of Peter and the Wolf

Peter and the Wolf: Prokofiev's Magic

For our first French reading unit, we read a French version of Peter and the Wolf, which if you must know is translated as Pierre et le loup!  Yes, fairly direct.

The students were mesmerized by the different characters and how each animal could be represented by a different member of the orchestra.  In terms of reading strategies, I had them predict what would happen next in the plot and had them guess where the story took place.  I received some hilarious responses to that question, with only a few children correctly guessing that the story takes place in Russia!

Enjoy these pictures from our exhibition that we did on Peter and the Wolf! (Pun intended.)

I love the red scarf! 

Those hunters look like serious Russians...and if you were curious, Peter's been labelled for you.

The whole community comes out to celebrate Peter's catch!

Peter leads the way!

You know you're in the Russian winter when...

Absolutely adore the use of bright colours.

I picture this as a peaceful after scene. The wolf is caught and all is well in the Russian village!

New Orford String Quartet a hit in Langley, BC!

It was a true pleasure to attend the New Orford String Quartet's recital in Langley this evening at the Rose Gellert Hall.  They played an amazing concert of Beethoven, R. Murray Schafer, and Johannes Brahms.  The quartet, again, proved themselves to be one of North America's most formidable chamber music groups. 

This first selection on the program was Ludwig Van Beethoven's last early quartet, opus 18, no. 6.  The musicians played with fantastic accuracy and their sense of ensemble was fabulous.  The fourth movement was particularly magnificent as this is where the audience could really observe how four people can create a conversation through music.  It was also during this final movement of the Beethoven selection that the quartet particularly illustrated their ability to convey the nuances of dynamics and colour in this composer's work.   Throughout all four movements, the audience was led on a journey through the different moods that Beethoven presents in this piece, all the while showing a fine degree of control.

It was truly a unique and wonderful experience to hear R. Murray Schafer's String Quartet no. 1 played by the New Orford String Quartet.  The playing was energetic throughout the piece.  The quartet created a sense of excitement and even mystery during the performance of this work.  There was intensity and enthusiasm which added to this performance.  Brian Manker, the quartet's cellist, gave an excellent explanation of the composition before they performed it in order to prepare the audience for what they could expect to hear.  I was very impressed to see that the quartet had chosen to include a contemporary, Canadian work on their program.

After the intermission, the quartet played ...wait for it, Johannes Brahms! Ah yes, glorious Brahms.  They performed String Quartet opus 51, no. 2 in a minor.  First of all, I will admit my bias. Anytime someone puts Brahms on their program, I'm already happy. The New Orford did NOT disappoint!  The first movement was rich in tone and the sense of ensemble was again, superb.  

The second movement was heartfelt and a moving interpretation of this gorgeous music. For me, the highlight of the Brahms performance was the third movement.  The quartet's unison was incredible.  Moreover, the sensitivity that they demonstrated during this section was impressive.  In this third movement, Brahms writes more than just a simple minuet.  The mood calls on the performer to play with great emotional depth.  The New Orford Quartet did just that.

The quartet's performance of the fourth movement of Brahms' opus 51, no. 2 quartet had everything one could look for in a great finale.  I really enjoyed the tempo that they chose because it gave a chance for the musicians to showcase their fabulous understanding of Brahms' phrasing.  

This was a truly thrilling evening of chamber music.  Canada is very fortunate indeed to have the New Orford String Quartet.   They are a wonderful group of musicians who share their hearts and love of music warmly with each audience. Bravo!

A New Concert Series in Vancouver: A Busy Autumn!

Fall is one of my favourite seasons. As a Grade 4 French Immersion teacher, going back to school is always thrilling, but exhausting.  This September and October have been busier than usual.  Due to a series of circumstances, I found myself appointed artistic director of a brand new concert series in Vancouver.  My initial thoughts upon accepting this post ranged from "I must be crazy because I'm a full-time teacher and how will I find the time to commit to this and my classroom?" to "this is very exciting and I can bring people together through music. Let's do this!"  The first thing I did was find a person to partner up with on this venture.  In Diana Chan (an oboe player in her senior year at UBC), I not only found an excellent business partner but a dear friend who is there for moral support as well. 

Each day has brought a range of emotions.  On certain days, generous fundraising comes in and I am encouraged that people believe in what we're doing here.  Other days, I wonder if people are even noticing the events we're posting on social media.  I wonder if people will actually buy tickets to our recitals that we're working hard to present.  On those days, I have to remember that it's about the music - and even if that music reaches one audience member, that's enough.

I've lived in Vancouver for 6 years and have often felt that it is a lonely and isolating place.  I see diversity all around me and am wanting to participate in cultural events but have found that the cost of living here prohibits having a high entertainment budget.  As co-artistic director, I hope our concert series can address both the isolation of being in a city and the affordability and access to culture.  By keeping the ticket prices low to our evening recitals, we hope that more people in Vancouver will be able to access classical music and that community can be fostered by people connecting at our concerts.

The other mandate that Müzewest Concerts has is to bring excellent classical music performances to local elementary public schools in which the student population could not otherwise afford to attend classical music concerts.  We believe that classical music transforms the lives of the students who hear it and has a positive impact on their social, intellectual, and emotional development.

Friends and family, thank you for your continued financial and moral support of Müzewest Concerts.  We hope to see you on Friday, November 15th at 7:30 PM for our first recital - the wonderful Russian pianist, Alex Karpeyev will be visiting from London to play Bach, Mozart, Medtner, Brahms, and Stravinsky.  

Tickets are available here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/404074

Here is where you can support Müzewest Concerts: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/muzewest-first-season

Of course, we have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/muzewestconcerts 

Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" : Through the Eyes of a Child

Much has been written on Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" this year and how this amazing music literally shook the music world in Paris 100 years ago.  I don't wish to repeat what has been said by music critics or commentators but I wish to show you what young students' perception of this amazing music is.  Just look at the colours and subject matter!  They get it. 

There is such deep sadness in the top left figure - almost like a grieving parent. Meanwhile, I am struck by the peaceful expression of the young girl - even in what must be a horrific death.

Absolutely terrifying. Blood, words begging for help and the rejection of that plea for assistance.

The top middle figuring is so sadistic and menacing. The presence of ghosts is haunting.

The inclusion of the grieving mother is heart-wrenching.  Again, we have an evil character who is perceived as a bigger size. The curves and lines bring a sense of chaos.

I absolutely adore the pop art approach to the sacrificed young girl.  The artist told me that they hope the girl sacrificed is now an angel but still carries the marks of her death with her.

And here is one of the best recordings of Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" out there.