July Newsletter
Hello Festival Family!
Welcome to the July edition of our monthly newsletter! In this issue, you will find a message from Executive Director Michael Martyn, information about new shows (!), an introduction to this year’s art gallery, a preview of our fundraising campaign, and a video interview with the incomparable Janina Fialkowska!
From the Executive Director
Over the course of my career, it has been my considerable pleasure to work at Festivals of all shapes, sizes, disciplines, cultures, and communities across Canada (and a few other interesting places). It is my great pleasure to confirm what you faithful already know: Festival of the Sound is a unique and special place that integrates artistic excellence, hometown charm, a surprising absence of ego, and a stunning natural landscape.
The Festival has weathered the pandemic years with resilience and vigour. An extraordinary group of committed individuals at the Board level, rallying behind the singular artistic vision of James Campbell, have allowed Festival of the Sound to push through uncertain times. Where others have fallen, or at the very least have taken extended sabbaticals, Festival of the Sound continues to lead, innovate, advocate, and demonstrate at a level far above what one might expect from a comparatively small festival in the far flung reaches of Northern Ontario.
The Festival team has been working tirelessly for months to ensure the place is ready for you. We are doing all we can to ensure you have an enjoyable, inspiring, fulfilling time in Parry Sound.
I cannot wait to meet you all in person! Phone calls, emails, Zoom calls, etc. are all well and good, but the opportunity to look you in the eye, to share our mutual joy for what this festival is…it’s something worth waiting for.
All we ask in return is that you travel safely, arrive with enthusiasm, and listen with your whole being to fully appreciate the magic our artists have waited years to spin for you.
Respectfully,
Michael
New Concerts Added!
Due to incredible demand, we are adding additional shows by the following artists:
Live Shows
Janina Fialkowska
Canadian PianoFest I – Second Performance Added!
Tuesday, July 26, 3:30 PM | Stockey Centre
Canada’s First Lady of Piano, live in concert, solo. Demand has been huge to witness this international star, and she has graciously agreed to add a second performance.
“Fialkowska was always one of those “best-kept secret” pianists, loved by connoisseurs for her tonal refinement and exquisite musical taste … the playing is sheer bliss …”
-The Sunday Star (London)
Toronto All-Star Big Band
Second Performance Added!
Sunday, July 31, 4 PM | Stockey Centre
Feel the energy and excitement of this crack team of hotshot players as they rip through classic big band repertoire in a show that will thrill those who were there the first time, and wow those who have never experienced the power of big band music the way it was meant to be heard. Don’t miss it!
“A superb swing band.”
-The National Post
Virtual Shows
Canadian Brass
Canadian Brass @ 50 + 2
Wednesday, August 3, 7:30 PM | Online
An internationally renowned Grammy and JUNO-winning quintet, Canada’s international recording and performing stars return to the Festival stage after a three-year wait! Missed out on a ticket to the live show? Here’s your chance! Did you make it to the live show? Now’s your chance to see it again!
Ticket buyers will be sent a link to the broadcast a few hours beforehand so make sure we have your email address!
Bruce Liu
Canadian PianoFest III: Chopin & Dvorak
Thursday, August 4, 7:30 PM | Online
Featuring the Winner of the 2021 XVIII International Chopin Competition, Bruce Liu, in an intimate version of Chopin’s F minor concerto with Quatuor Despax. Experience a rising star who burst onto the scene with his stunning Gold Medal performance in Warsaw last Autumn. Not to be missed.
Ticket buyers will be sent a link to the broadcast a few hours beforehand so make sure we have your email address!
Art on Display at the Stockey Centre
We have the pleasure of announcing that the Festival of the Sound’s resident photographer, Mark S. Rash, and our 2022 cover artist, Sara Tyson, will have their very own exhibit at the Stockey Centre this year!
Click on the image to learn more about the artists, their process, and what they hope the audience takes away from their exhibition.
First Annual Festival of the Sound Hybrid Lobby Fundraiser
Click on the image or the button below to join the fun, put your name or a star on your favourite piano key, and help us light up our keyboard! More details are available here.
Merchandise Catalogue
Click here or on the image below to check out a catalogue of the merchandise available at this year’s pop-up boutique.
An Interview with Janina Fialkowska
For this month’s musician interview, Artistic Director James Campbell and Education & Outreach Coordinator Chloe Weston had the pleasure of speaking with renowned Canadian pianist and Festival favourite Janina Fialkowska. Thankfully, they filmed their virtual conversation to share with us! Watch the video below.