This Should be Good.
By Contributor
La Cafamore presents another concert this summer as part of its 10thanniversary series, collaborating for the first time with internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Paige Culley. “Some of the pieces that we have played in the past would be enhanced in a really interesting way if combined with dance,” says La Cafamore founder and violinist Carolyn Cameron, “so I had been thinking about the possibility for years.” When former Rossland girl Paige Culley came to one of La Cafamore’s concerts, Cameron found her opportunity. “I had seen Paige dance locally when she was a student with STEPS dance and Kootenay Danceworks and was blown away by her skill and stage presence.”
The rest of the world was not immune to Culley’s talent as she went on to the professional training program at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, where she was awarded the Hnatyshyn Developing Artist Grant (of $10,000) for contemporary dance. She then worked as part of Toronto’s Dancemakers, performing work by Antonija Livingstone, Martin Belanger, and Ame Henderson. From 2011-2016 Culley performed extensively with Compagnie Marie Chouinard.
To Cameron’s delight, Culley agreed to collaborate with La Cafamore. Although the group has had a many as five musicians at once, finding a time that would work for everyone proved to be a challenge. Carolyn Cameron (violin) and Nina Horvath (keyboard) were available. Then came the fun part of picking repertoire.
Cameron had her heart set on Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. “These concertos are so visual,” says Cameron, “the music even has instructions written in such as ‘this is a bird,’ ‘this is a storm’ — in case you didn’t pick up on it”.
Cameron is also the proud owner of a harpsichord which she says doesn’t get used nearly enough, and Vivaldi is perfect for that instrument. Nina Horvath suggested the combining of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with a work by American composer Phil Glass called The American Four Seasons.
“I think that it was a brilliant suggestion in that it will provide a contrast to the Baroque sound but still tie in the theme of the seasons, and it also has harpsichord as a nod to Vivaldi,” says Cameron. Horvath will arrange the orchestral part of the Glass piece and will play the orchestral part on keyboard and harpsichord.
“Between what Nina and Paige are doing, it is going to be really difficult for me to pay attention to what I’m supposed to be doing,” says Cameron “and to condense the bios of such talented performers to fit in the program could be a challenge.”
When: Tuesday, July 24, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Old Firehall, Rossland
Cost: $20
Children under 12, free
Tickets: Bear Country Kitchen, thebailey.ca and at the door.
Comments