DEPTH OF EXPRESSION
Bonjour!
I've been spending the last few days in Lyon (France) directing an ensemble of musicians for a performance at the famed Salle Varese. The program will include a work (amongst others) by the Canadian composer Claude Vivier entitled Zipangu. It is hard to describe Zipangu, as it is music that doesn't sound like any other music I've ever heard in my lifetime. I remember the first time I was exposed to it back in 2003 - I was confused. Written in 1980, the piece is for strings alone (my favourite) and yet I've never heard anything since then that sounds like it. Since its original performance it has become a bit of a cult classic. Festivals around the world love to have it on their programs just to say that they performed it! It has inspired countless artists to create works that are spawned from the awe of hearing it, including recently in Canada a dance by Indigenous actor, director and choreographer Michael Greyeyes to go with the music. There is also a film now! Here's a clip of Greyeyes talking about Vivier and the power of his music:
And here's a clip of some of the dance he created to go with the music:
Between rehearsals here, I was having lunch with the famous French violinist Marianne Piketty (who was with us at Stratford Summer Music during the performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons a couple of years ago). We were talking about starting out as musicians, wanting to play as much as we could, and in as many places as possible. Now, years later (ahem), we both made the same observation over our Salade Lyonnaise…that we want every performance to have real meaning. Now more than ever.
I believe that’s what we aim to achieve at Stratford Summer Music. Yes, we have between 50-60 events a year now, but…each one is meant to leave the listener with a sense of enrichment. That you leave every event we produce feeling richer and fuller than when you walked in the door.
Ultimately, that’s LIVE music.
I’m going to post a recording here of the complete 17-minute-long Zipangu of Claude Vivier. But don’t take the video as a great representation of what you could experience by being in the room…live. It makes all the difference.
With best wishes from France,
Mark and the Stratford Summer Music Team
Supporter Highlight
Berger Plumbing
Mezzo Piano
This week, we’re excited to highlight Berger Plumbing as one of our NEW supporters at Stratford Summer Music!
Proudly serving the Perth County community since 2009, Berger Plumbing is a family-owned and operated business that truly cares for its customers.
We are incredibly grateful for their generous sponsorship, which helps us continue bringing exceptional music experiences to the Stratford community. Thanks to Berger Plumbing’s support, we’re able to present diverse performances, expand our educational programming, and engage with audiences year-round.
Thank you, Berger Plumbing, for helping us keep the music alive and for your continued dedication to our community!
