New Fall Series at Westben

It's a sunny day here at Westben and I am excited that The Barn doors will be open in September for the first time in many years. The weather is always a gamble in September but actually it's a gamble any time now so when you head to The Barn, be prepared for anything and you will have a great time.

When I was a young singer graduating from U of T, there seemed to be few options for job experience as an opera singer in Canada. Everyone was auditioning for the 6 spots in COC Ensemble or Opera Atelier, Toronto Operetta Theatre and the other 6 opera companies across the country. Most singers I knew went to Europe, as I did, to get experience and then return home. Now it appears opera singers are teaming up with composers, librettists and directors here in Canada, creating small new opera companies and producing exciting new works. These singers are fit, entrepreneurial, talented and not afraid to either put a new twist on established opera such as the Against The Grain Theatre, or create new works such as Tapestry Opera. Bicycle Opera cycled to Westben this summer and filled the Clock Tower with new music, laughter and tears.
I hope you will join us September 20 at 2 pm at The Barn to experience new music with the Tapestry Opera company.

On Sunday, September 21 at 2 pm, join us as Westben and artists pay tribute to one of Canada's most established composers, R. Murray Schafer. After the concert there will be a reception with a chance to meet Murray and the artists.

BUT ... first... the doors open September 14 with a fundraising concert for two of our sponsor partners, the Campbellford Rotary Club and the Warkworth Service Club who are presenting the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir. It will be an informal afternoon with a barbecue starting at noon and an afternoon of familiar songs sung by this infamous choir.

See you at The Barn.

Donna Bennett