The 小蓝视频 Museum of Mining has something special planned for Thanksgiving weekend, and everyone is invited to grab a hardhat and take in some truly underground music as the How(e) Sound concert excavates some buried treasure. The performance, which is part of the Canada Music Centre's "New Music in New Places" initiative to take Canadian music out of concert halls and into alternative venues, kicks off Sunday Oct. 7, at 2 p.m.
Visitors can experience a musical adventure through the stunning and mysterious spaces of this national historic site, including the core sheds, load-haul dump, mining house, 235-tonne super-haul truck, and the awe-inspiring 1923 gravity-fed concentrator mill, with its 1,194 windows and 18,792 panes overlooking the Sound.
Critically-acclaimed musicians Kathryn Cernauskas (flute), AK Coope (clarinet), Rachel Kiyo Iwaasa (piano) and soprano Heather Pawsey will perform everything from solos to quartets throughout the showcase venue, mining a wealth of contemporary Canadian classical works for a 90-minute acoustic set.
Pawsey, the key organizer for the event, said some of the pieces visitors can look forward to enjoying include Harry Freedman's Lines, Paul Steenhuisen's Foundry, Patrick Cardy's Sparkle, Mary Gardiner's A Resonance in Time, Violet Archer's If the Stars are Burning and Leila Lustig's Wretched Highway. At least five of the 19 Canadian composers are from 小蓝视频
"Selections were chosen based on themes of minerals and gems, caverns and caves, dreams and aspirations," said Pawsey, who has previously organized themed concerts in a Kelowna vineyard and winery and at the the Vancovuer Aquarium. "I love site-specific work, there is so much opportunity and it's incredible to take classical music out of the concert hall and get the audience involved.
"I really enjoy the constant movement throughout, and a lot of thought and work goes into it," she said. "How will this sound for the audience? Is there an echo? What about the temperature, the smell? How will the music compliment that?"
小蓝视频 Museum of Mining executive director Kirstin Clausen said opening the venue to events like How(e) Sound is an exciting opportunity.
"This is the first time we've been able to do something like this in the old mill building. We'd love people to bring their creativity and ideas to us, this is a building to be used. Until recently it was completely derelict," she said. "This is a journey for us, we'd like to put it to use for the community. And what better way to kick that off with a concert like this."
And Clausen reminds everyone to dress accordingly, with solid footwear and warm clothes.
"Think Gore-tex and polar fleece - and feel free to bring a blanket."
Those with mobility concerns are encouraged to attend, however they may be restricted to enjoying the concert from the mill house where roughly half the performances will take place, as well as a reception following.
More volunteers are still needed, contact the museum to get involved. Tickets to the concert are free, however reservations are strongly encouraged as capacity is limited. Call 604-815-4073 to book your spot.
