The world of music comes to this village for the 33rd annual Elora Festival, which runs from July 13 to Aug. 5.
Noel Edison has personally overseen the changes to the Elora Festival since he began as the artistic director in 1983, and has also increased the scope of music to include a wide array of genres.
He has chosen a broad range of music for this summer, featuring the traditional classical fare, along with concerts that will appeal to many other musical tastes.
Opening night features Mendelssohn’s epic portrayal of the life of Elijah. With stirring choruses and fiery solo movements, Mendelssohn is able to produce intensely dramatic scenes.
Guest soloists for the evening are soprano Leslie Ann Bradley, alto Leigh-Anne Martin, tenor Michael Colvin, and one of Britain’s most distinguished baritones, Peter Savidge.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, author and Titanic-expert Hugh Brewster, with the Elora Festival Singers and actors Christopher Newton and Brigitte Robinson, will present Unsinkable! The story of the Titanic, in Words, Images and Song.
The following week, Paul Halley leads his ensemble and the Elora Festival Singers in the striking performance of Missa Gaia, a stunning celebration of nature and life. This piece integrates world music with songs from the wild to celebrate the earth.
Nagata Shachu returns with a performance that officials say is visually and rhythmically stimulating. The group brings a spectacular display of Japanese taiko drumming and music to the stage.
Guest artists this summer include the Canadian superstar Ben Heppner, Canadian jazz legend Peter Appleyard, John McDermott, the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge and the Barra MacNeils.
Other highlights include the Vienna Piano Trio, New York Polyphony and the duo piano artistry of James Anagnoson and Leslie Kinton.
The 2012 Elora Festival will also feature the Grammy-nominated Elora Festival Singers in 10 different performances, including concerts featuring the music of Francis Poulenc, Eric Whitacre and Benjamin Britten.
Other performances include Marvellous Mendelssohn, with works for choir and organ by Felix Mendelssohn, and Henry Purcell’s moving masterpiece Dido and Aeneas. The Elora Festival Singers will also take part in A Summer’s Evening on Broadway and the final performance of the season, An Afternoon with Ben Heppner.
For full concert listings, or to order tickets, please visit www.elorafestival.com or call 519-846-0331.
