I was privileged to be at the inaugural concert of Quire on Good Friday, along with almost 200 other Orillians, and weren’t we lucky!
This consort singers group of Dean Jobin-Bevans, who also directed; David Jefferies; Christina Bosco; Valerie Thornton; and Alexandra Teske were simply outstanding. The group presented a grouping of early religious music that was absolutely gorgeous and presented it with incredible talent and beauty.
Jobin-Bevans also MC’d and had a lot of interesting information and tidbits to share with the audience, which added greatly to the audience’s enjoyment of the concert. It was mentioned there will be another concert coming up at some point, and I personally can’t wait. I am sure Quire gained a church full of fans last Friday. Well done, and thank you so much for the experience!
April has come in with a blast weather-wise and also arts and culture-wise. I can’t emphasize enough how truly lucky we are to live in a town with so much to offer in terms of talent and events, especially when we look at the population of the town. It’s really incredible. We should never take that for granted, or take for granted the hundreds and hundreds of volunteers it takes to make all of these events happen. Truly amazing.
Let’s dive right in.
Thursday, April 11 is the start of the Mariposa Arts Theatre (MAT) production I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, a classic thriller “with a tremendously frightening impact.” MAT presents consistently high-quality plays and musicals, and I am sure this will be no exception. The first Sunday matinee is already sold out, so I would urge you to go to the Orillia Opera House box office NOW to get your tickets” www.orilliaoperahouse.ca. The show runs evenings next Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and a Sunday matinee, and the same the following weekend. Go!
MAT has also just announced its 2024-25 season, and here it is: Gypsy, A Musical Fable in November; The Thanksgiving Play in February; and A Streetcar Named Desire in April. Wow! What a lineup! MAT keeps outdoing itself and looks like next year is no exception. Kudos to the very fine group of volunteers and talent that keep it all going.
St. Paul’s Centre has so many events coming up, I am surprised their small group of paid staff can keep up with it all. It has really come a long way since turning itself inside out pre-COVID, and just keeps growing its lineup of great events in Orillia.
This Friday at St. Paul’s Centre, the Gojijing Friendship Circle and St. Paul’s presents: Shkagojin – New Moon, “An Evening of Renewal Through Song and Story.” This will be a very special evening of music and stories, with MC Jeff Monague, storyteller John Rice, and many wonderful musicians. Admission by freewill donation and the evening starts at 7 p.m. See you there!
Next Friday, April 12, St. Paul’s is the venue for the Swing into Spring Dance with the Orillia Big Band, starting at 7 p.m. These dances are always a lot of fun, and very popular. A great way to practice all your dance steps, made up or instructional. There will be a cash bar and light refreshments too. Tickets are just $40 and are available here.
On four Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. to noon, starting April 17, come to St. Paul’s for Conversations with the Artists of the Call 83 Art Project. The Call 83 Art Project has been ongoing for over eight years, and has had three rounds so far, with a fourth coming up. All of the artwork is on permanent display at St. Paul’s, at the Ogimaa Miskwaaki Gallery.
These works of art by many different Settler and Indigenous artists speak to the artists’ experiences with Truth and Reconciliation, and how their experiences have changed over the years. This opportunity to be in conversation with the artists, with curator Mary Louise Meiers facilitating, will be a very special one. Admission is free, you just need to email [email protected] to register.
Also at St. Paul’s Centre, on Wednesday mornings, starting April 17, come out for Lakehead University’s Third Age Learning Spring session, The Current Mental Health Pandemic.
“As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the global pandemic, it's becoming increasingly evident that another crisis is looming: the mental health pandemic," notes publicity material for the event.
“This spring, Third Age Learning Lakehead will delve into the complex world of mental health. Featuring renowned academic leaders and professionals working in the field of mental health, we’ll examine topics like substance abuse disorders, innovations in treatment, the impact of mental illnesses on family members, and resiliency.
Click here to register. Don’t miss it, this will be an amazing and impactful opportunity!
Of course, Roots North Music Festival’s main stage will also be at St. Paul’s Centre this month, April 19 and 20. This also features an art market and cash bar, and the fun gets underway at 6 p.m. each night. Roots North also features music and entertainment throughout Orillia, so check out all the information and schedule and get your mainstage wristbands here www.rootsnorthmusic.ca to join in the fun.
Coming up later in April at St. Paul’s Centre, a special presentation of jazz musician Paul Winter’s Missa Gaia (Earth Mass) by the St. Paul’s choir and friends. This show will be dedicated to the memory of Rev. Karen Hilfman-Millson and celebrating Earth Day. There will be a multimedia presentation along with incredible live music and this is a real don’t-miss event, take it from me. Admission by freewill donation. It’s all happening April 21 at 3 p.m.
Art 101 is back at the Orillia Museum of Art and History! April 9 will feature printmaking with local printmaker Gillian Lowry, and it will be awesome. Further classes include Drawing with Kathryn Kaiser, Clay Sculpting with Meg Leslie, Watercolour Painting with Juliana Hawke and Fibre Art with Louise Gervais. Register for all five classes for the price of four! $120 members/$140 general. To register, click here.
Just a quick heads up, Orillia Secondary School (OSS) and Twin Lakes Secondary School (TLSS) are both presenting amazing plays this spring, and you should check them out. OSS is doing Mary Poppins April 23 to 25 at 6:30 p.m., and TLSS is presenting Murder on the Orient Express April 10 to 12 at 7 p.m. You can get tickets at the door or by calling each school. These are always great quality productions, and well worth checking out.
Peter Street Fine Arts has guest artist, acrylics painter Sue Emily, this month. Check out her work and the other artists’ work there, Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hibernation Arts presents “Eclipse-Let Your Light Shine Through” this Saturday at 1 p.m. Come check out all the local artists’ work this week.
Cloud Gallery's Meet the Artist this Saturday features Liz Schamehorn, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free hot bevvies and butter tarts, too!
The Orillia Opera House has an International Kitchen Party going on this Thursday, tickets www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Couchiching Craft Brewery presents Chris Lemay Friday and James Gray Saturday.
Phew! What a town! If you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
