After more than a year’s absence, the Guelph Youth Music Centre’s gala evening Bella Serata returns on Saturday June 23 at 7 pm with the theme We Could Have Danced All Night!
The best features of past galas are included—wonderful food by some of the area’s finest restaurants and caterers, delectable desserts, wine, beer and other beverages, exceptional Silent Auction, plus Classical music performances in the Recital Hall. But new to Bella Serata (“beautiful evening”) is exceptional jazz by the Nick Maclean Trio with Tyler Goertzen drums, Lauren Fall bass, and Nick Maclean piano, plus a demonstration and group lesson by professional ballroom dance teachers from Ballroom Class, and a chance to dance to live music by the jazz trio.
Classical music performances will feature Concorde (the senior string ensemble of the Suzuki String School of Guelph, founding resident organization of the GYMC), Toronto violinist Tak Kwan (concert performer and director of the GYMC’s orchestra programs), renowned soprano Marion Samuel Stevens, and pianist Ken Gee (artistic director of Guelph Musicfest).
“We are so excited to have Nick Maclean and company perform at this year’s gala,” commented Gabriella Currie-Ziegler, Executive Director of the Guelph Youth Music Centre. “This has become a highly sought-after event with fantastic performances, excellent food and many silent auction items. Along with the jazz and ballroom dancing, this will be the most fun gala ever—what a great way to support the GYMC’s great work and have a great time! I highly recommend buying tickets now to ensure your spot.”
Award-winning pianist, Nick Maclean has been deemed one of the most gifted young Toronto pianists to come along in the last few years. Maclean received his Bachelor of Music from Humber College in 2013 and went on to do his Masters in Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto researching synthesizer pedagogy. He leads the hard-swinging NYC-style jazz ensemble the Nick Maclean Quartet, which was formed in 2016.
Food and wine vendors are Miijidaa Café & Bistro, The Wooly, Borealis Grille & Bar (Guelph), Buon Gusto, Cassoulet Catering, Wellington Cakes, Eric the Baker, Red Brick Café, Wellington Brewery, and Vineland Estates Winery.
This year’s gala is generously sponsored by the Chyc Family Foundation. The event is also generously supported by Miller Thomson Lawyers, BDO Chartered Accountants, Moen, LINAMAR, Guelph Mercury Tribune and Waterloo Region Record.
Tickets include all food, wine, beer and other beverages, as well as live performances and dancing. A tax receipt for a portion of the adult tickets will be issued. Tickets are $100 each for adults; $75 each for two or more adult tickets; $40 for children under 14. For tickets or more information call 519.837.1119 or visit www.gymc.ca.
Established in 1992, the GYMC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to education, enrichment and fostering the development of youth through music and the arts. The unique facility officially opened its doors in September 2001 after six years of renovations. The GYMC is an exciting cultural hub for children of all ages and backgrounds in the community. Through a variety of programs, provision of space to partner organizations and outreach into the community, the GYMC enriches many lives. For more information visit www.gymc.ca or call 519.837.1119.
