Cowichan Valley residents are invited to fill their Christmas with music from the Cowichan Camerata String Orchestra once again in 2021.
The Cowichan Camerata has been performing throughout the Cowichan Valley since 2006. COVID-19 silenced the orchestra from indoor performances, but they are now excited to announce two concerts to celebrate this festive time of year.
Under the musical direction of Chris Redsell, the Camerata’s Winter Serenade concert will be held Dec. 11 at St. Peter’s Church (Quamichan) in Duncan, and Dec. 12 at Oceanview Community Church in Ladysmith. The program is diverse and includes pieces by Frederick Delius, Fritz Kreisler, J.S. Bach, and Elgar’s Serenade for Strings. Guest harpist Lesley Hartford will join the orchestra for Vaughn William’s beautiful ‘Fantasia on Greensleeves’. Professional violist Chris Redsell will join special guest accordion player Elisabeth Jahren, to perform her arrangement of Bartok’s ‘Romanian Dances’. To round out the program, the Camerata will also perform some instrumental Christmas carols.
Both concerts start at 3 p.m.. Tickets are $15 per adult, with children under 12 free, and are available by emailing info@cowichancamerata.org to reserve, or from any orchestra member. Salamander Books in Ladysmith will have tickets available for purchase mainly for the Ladysmith performance. Public Health Orders mandate that masks be worn by everyone inside the concert hall. For those 12 and over proof of full vaccination must be shown at the door together with government issued ID.
“We are currently working on the possibility of offering the concert on a virtual forum for those who would like to attend but can’t do so in person,” said organizers.
The CCSO is a strings-only orchestra, offering musicians of various ages and abilities the opportunity to gain experience playing in an orchestra and performing in public. Anyone interested in joining the group can connect through Facebook, or visit the group’s website for more information.