Elias-Axel Pettersson has played the Chemainus Classical Concerts venue at St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus before, but it bears repeating.
Especially now with many Christmas events being cancelled, Chemainus Classical Concerts co-director Rykie Avenant is pleased to announce Pettersson’s return to share the gift of music.
Related story: Pettersson of piano fame performing Sunday concert in Chemainus
“We are grateful that we are able to proceed with our Dec. 12 concert in a safe and comfortable environment,” she remarked.
Poetry and Reminiscence by pianist Pettersson takes place Sunday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 and, for under 18, $10 available in advance only by calling Eleanor Montour at 250-748-8383. Seating is limited, with masks and vaccine passports mandatory.
Pettersson, a Swedish American who just happens to have the same name as current Vancouver Canucks hockey star Elias Pettersson, explores the connection between poetry and music.
His program includes well-known works by Mozart, Chopin and Schubert, offset with lesser-known music from Liszt and Medtner. Poetry and Reminiscence features moments of fantasy and improvisation and feelings of nostalgia.
“We hope that you will come out and enjoy this uplifting program when we all so desperately need the benefits of live music right now,” noted Avenant.
Seven reasons to believe so strongly in keeping live music alive and well, even in difficult times, she added, include: sharing music is a social act of communication, a gesture of friendship; concerts surround you with like-minded people, allowing you to be authentic; experiences outlast possessions and music creates long-lived memories; music is the medicine of the mind and creates a sense of well-being; concerts spread a sense of community; discovering new music often leads to discovering new things about yourself; and life is too short to miss an opportunity to broaden your mind and ignite your spirit.