October 2022 Newsletter

Welcome to the October edition of our monthly newsletter! In this issue, you will find a note from Executive Director Michael Martyn, news about our upcoming virtual concert series “November Nights”, exciting updates about this season’s Music Scores program, photos from our recent event thanking this year’s volunteers, and an interview with one of our Music Scores teaching artists Samantha Whelan-Kotkas!

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

It has been a gorgeous autumn here in Parry Sound. The dry summer has lit the landscape with the most glorious palette. As I write at the Station Office, the clear blue October sky compliments the incandescent gold of the maples across the street. As my art teacher used to say, “That’s what complimentary colours do: they bring out the best in each other.”

This month we are happy to recognize many of the things that bring out the best in Festival of the Sound: our volunteers; the Music Scores music in schools program; our generous, thoughtful audience; and of course the magnificent concerts that bring us together.

Save The Dates: We are also pleased to announce that Festival 2023 will run from July 19 – August 5. Plans are well underway and I can say with confidence that Artistic Director James Campbell is at the top of his game, drawing upon all his talent and knowledge accumulated over 38 years in his role. Details to follow.

There is much to be thankful for, and the future looks as bright as the leaves blowing by the window here on Avenue Road.

Michael

NOVEMBER NIGHTS

The Festival of the Sound’s upcoming virtual concert series is sure to brighten your November nights. Close the curtains, light the candles, put on your special sweater, and sink into the intimate warmth of glorious chamber music filmed in our very own Stockey Centre.

MUSIC SCORES

An interactive, educational, musical galactic experience where students will have the opportunity to explore their creativity through poetry and music. Inspired by the poem “My Heart Soars” by Chief Dan George and incredible images of space and stars taken by the James Webb Telescope, students will work with the artists to create a work of poetry and music that will be featured in our final two performances on December 2nd at the Stockey Centre in Parry Sound.

Music Scores has enjoyed such a wonderful history of success since 2005 due in HUGE part to our donors and supporters. If you would like to help support our program this year, you can donate to our Move It to Music Scores Bus Fundraiser! You will be integral to bussing 800 students from Parry Sound and area to the Stockey Centre to be together, hear their work performed, and experience The Sky Speaks to Me on December 2nd.

OUR VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER

On Tuesday, October 4, we hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to thank our volunteers for the time, effort, and energy they invested in our Festival this year. Here is a brief glimpse into the fun we had!

Special thanks to Jodi Contin for cooking up a storm for this hungry crowd! Jodi also sang a song of welcome which was followed by a special performance from James and Graham Campbell.

For those who weren’t able to join us on October 4, don’t worry! We’re looking forward to hosting another event for our beloved volunteers and ushers in the spring. Stay tuned!

AN INTERVIEW WITH SAMANTHA WHELAN-KOTKAS

This month’s interview sees  Chloe Weston, our Education & Outreach Coordinator, speaking with one of our fantastic Music Scores creators and facilitators, Samantha Whelan-Kotkas. Click here or on the image below to read their conversation.