A new music society is making its debut with a concert at Sylvan United Church on Friday, Nov. 15.
The Mid-Island Concert Society is presenting Pergolesi's 'Stabat Mater' at 7 p.m.
“Stabat Mater” is Italian for the “weeping mother” and follows the crucifixion of Jesus from his mother Mary’s perspective, said the group.
“It’s a heavy premise, but the musical beauty and how it conveys the width of human condition and love/grief is so compelling,” said Eve Daniell, the soprano soloist in the piece. “It has moments of such intensity then also such intimacy, it's a treasure of a piece.”
Composed in 1736, it is one of composer Giovanni Pergolesi’s most famous works, written in the last weeks of his life when he was 26.
Daniell and Ciara Beaudin (alto) sing with an ensemble of violinist Elyssa Lefurgey-Smith and harpsichordist I-fen Peng and members of Victoria’s Youth Baroque Orchestra.
Tickets are $30 at the door or available at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1008630259257?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Cowichan Valley Naturalists will be learning about marmots at their next meeting on Nov. 19.
Starting at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom, Adam Taylor will speak on the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery.
"They are adorable mountain furballs, and they are all ours," Taylor said in a press release. "The Vancouver Island Marmot is truly one-of-a-kind. This species of marmot lives only in the mountains of Vancouver Island; in fact it is the only mammal species endemic to British Columbia.
"It is also the most endangered mammal species in all of Canada.
"Despite their remote, inaccessible habitat, the Vancouver Island marmot population plunged in the 1990s, and they nearly went extinct in the early 2000s. At one point, fewer than 30 wild marmots remained. Intense recovery efforts have prevented extinction, and now have reintroduced marmots to some of their old homes on the Island.
"At the heart of the recovery effort is a conservation breeding program. Each year, the Marmot Recovery Foundation releases marmots born at the Toronto Zoo, Calgary Zoo, and at the Foundation’s Mount Washington facility to the wild. Other work includes habitat restoration, relocating marmots when they occasionally stray into low lying areas, and monitoring of the population.
"As a result of this work the marmots hit an exciting milestone this summer. Over 90 pups were born in the wild — more than has ever been recorded before for this species."
Email cvns@naturecowichan.net for the link to the Zoom meeting.
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Frances Kelsey Secondary in South Cowichan is inviting the public to celebrate their new 24-piece Photographic Journey's exhibit.
The large scale artistic installation features the namesake of the school, Dr. Frances Kelsey, who famously prevented the use of thalidomide in the United States. It also features the "Peoples, waters and lands, of this place" created by students and the community.
The event takes place on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 4-6 p.m. at Frances Kelsey at 953 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Rd. and will include presentations, special guests and light refreshments.
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Dive into Christmas shopping with the Deck The Hall Christmas Market Nov. 22-24.
The Cowichan Exhibition hosts more than 120 vendors on Friday, Nov. 22 from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information go to www.cowex.ca or call 250-748-0822. The Cowichan Exhibition grounds are located at 7380 Trans-Canada Hwy.
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Local author Nicole Croft has published her first children's book highlighting community values.
There Are Some Things Love Can't Buy emphasized the importance of love, kindness and community support, sharing stories about different families who face challenges like affording groceries, clothes and toys.
“Through its heartwarming narrative, the book highlights how local resources like food banks, libraries, and thrift stores play a pivotal role in helping families thrive,” reads a description for the book.
Croft is a longtime early childhood educator. Her sister Danielle illustrated the book.
Croft is also offering 45-minute visits to local preschools or daycares where she will read the book and do activities with the kids. Request a visit at https://nicole-and-danielle-books.ca/
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Master of Justice, B.C.'s only Metallica tribute band, is hitting the stage in Cowichan in December.
The group will be performing at the Cobblestone Pub in Cobble Hill on Dec. 6.
Tickets are $30 in advance (plus fees) or $35 at the doors, which open at 8 p.m. Get tickets at eventbrite.ca
Find out more about the band at masterofjustice.com
