Despite the recent shut down of the Rouge Gallery, there will be music playing again at the old BMO building Monday.
Clarinetist Nicola Everton and violinist Carolyn Cameron, both from Rossland, will be playing alongside the other members of La Cafamore String Quartet.
The Kootenay quartet, which has been touring the Kootenays since 2008, will play works from Beethoven, Brahms and Canadian born composer Bill Douglas.
“Our first concerts were at the Old Firehall, which was a great space for classical music,” says Cameron. “We have also played in the Bank of Montreal building and have been impressed with the acoustics and surroundings of the building.”
Each performance venue presents its set of acoustical challenges she says. For instance, a hall that resonates too much can blend and smooth the quartet sound at the expense of clarity, while a hall that is too “dry” gives clarity at the expense of blending, but can also be magical with a tight ensemble. The old Bank of Montreal seems to provide the perfect balance.
Cellist Jeff Faragher concurs. The Nelson based artist and newly appointed music and artistic director of the Symphony of the Kootenays says that Rossland is one of his favourite places to play, not only because of the superior venue, but because the Rossland audiences are appreciative of classical music. “Our group tries to present a range of musical experiences, from the tried and true classics to some less well known works. We always try to keep the programs accessible”. The Brahms Quintet for Clarinet and strings, and the Beethoven string quartet will be familiar to many, while Bill Douglas” work “Celebration II” is less well known, but no less enjoyable says Faragher.
Everton lives in Rossland and is an active member of the local music community, but also enjoys international stature with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Her background and expertise in all things musical has resulted in successful concert series at the Rouge Gallery in Rossland, the Kootenay Gallery in Castlegar and the Kootenay wide Health Arts Society concert series for seniors in care. This is her second collaboration with La Cafamore.
Nelson musician Alexis More is the violist of the group and enjoys her role in the quartet.
“Believe it or not, the violist has tremendous power”, says More with a grin, “I can change the key of a piece with the tiniest of finger movements”
The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Adults $15, Students $12, Families $45. Tickets are available at the door, and at Cafe Books in Rossland and Clive’s coffee Bar in Trail.