Inspiration at last! There’s nothing like live music to reignite the soul. This was exactly what I needed- a natural escape from life. These musicians were fantastic, and successfully transported me to another realm. A string quartet wasn’t my first choice of concerts to attend, but since (sadly) I missed both featured pianists this season I thought I’d better make it to the last concert no matter what! And how very pleased I am that I did.
For those of you who don’t know, a string quartet includes 2 violins, a viola and a cello. If I had the time and money, I would LOVE to learn to play the cello. I’ve always been drawn to this instrument. And to hear it live, so up close, and in conversation with the three other stringed instruments… it was almost surreal. Definitely something I want to see again!
This particular concert had a special treat for the final piece. It was a work written by one of the performers! It’s not often you get to experience something like this these days. Of course, hundreds of years ago this was the norm. Not anymore. So it was an honour to be present for this, especially since it was the premier! They had performed one of the four movements before, but this was the first time the work had been presented to the public as a whole. I was blown away. The 4th movement even included an improvisation by the composer/violinist while the other three instruments played their written accompaniment parts. It was one of those concerts where you get to the end and want to ask them to play it again from the top!
Caledon chamber concert series is held in a church, but not in the pews (so it’s a little more comfortable). They built a special room intended for concerts just like this one. It’s such an intimate setting- I was only about four feet away from the musicians! There’s never a huge crowd, which is perfect for me. It’s so much more personal and moving to experience music like this. The tickets are only $40, so you can’t go wrong! You also get to converse with the performers after, which is something you rarely get to do at bigger venues (at least not without waiting in a long line).
Maybe you can already tell, but I have to say that this concert series holds a special place in my heart. Aside from the fact that it’s organized by two of my dear friends, Gordon and Elizabeth, it is also the place that inspired me to get back into serious practicing after a break that lasted far too long (I won’t say how long, but we are talking years 😅). I was asked if I could turn pages for a pianist who was part of a trio. As I was sitting there that night, I realized I was sitting in the wrong seat. I wanted to be back on the piano bench again. ❤️
If you’re interested in checking out what’s coming up next season, please go to: caledonchamberconcerts.com
In the meantime, you can check out one of their videos! They had a different cellist at the concert this past weekend, but he certainly did not disappoint 😊