The Sunday, April 8 Chemainus Classical Concerts show features Romeo and Juliet, performed by White Sparrow.
The distinguished performers who make up the White Sparrow duo, formed in 2011, are Debi Wong and Solmund Nystabakk. Wong is a Canadian mezzo-soprano and Nystabakk a Norwegian lutenist. They’re based in Helsinki, Finland and dedicated to presenting unique programs that cultivate an interest in lute and vocal music from the Medieval period though the early Baroque.
This unique program features songs written by Shakespeare’s contemporaries, many of them using texts derived from the play.
Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo & Juliet has enchanted audiences since its first performance in 1597. The themes of impossible love and overwhelming passion are still captivating and poignant today.
In this musical telling, the tale unfolds through songs and ballads from the original play and from Shakespeare’s England. The music of Thomas Campion, Robert Jones, John Dowland, Robert Johnson and Philip Rosseter escorts you through the streets of Verona, serenades you at Lord Capulet’s Masquerade, draws you to Juliet’s balcony, takes you to Friar Lawrence’s wedding chapel, and soothes you at churchyard as the story concludes.
In its debut season, White Sparrow was selected as the 2012 winner of the NORDEM EAR-ly competition for young early music ensembles in the Nordic countries. They were also selected as one of only five ‘promising young ensembles’ to participate in the International Young Artist Presentation at the 2013 Laus Polyphinae Festival in Antwerp, Belgium.
The duo has since presented recitals in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Canada and the United States. More information is available at www.whitesparrowmusic.com.
The audience is invited to stay for a ‘Meet the Artists’ reception following the concert.
The performance begins at 2 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Chemainus. Tickets are $17 in advance, available at the Owl’s Nest Bistro and Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn, or $20 at the door. The price for Under 18 is $5.
For ticket information, visit www.ChemainusClassicalConcerts.ca or contact Eleanor Montour at 250-748-8383.