Move over, Bluesfest. People of all socio-economic and demographic backgrounds love this time-tested music, and Ottawa offers a rich variety of performances.
It seems that Ottawa is always looking for ways to identify itself as this or that thing. Some have spent sleepless nights looking for the elusive slogan or motto that will nail our identity in the public’s imagination.
I don’t know if what I propose will do all that. But I would like to submit that indeed Ottawa is a veritable Centre for Excellence in Classical Music.
This thought occurred to me as I and and hundreds of others recently took in an outstanding performance by the Caelis Academy of works by the 16th-century Renaissance composer, Thomas Tallis. The space of some 600 years was of nothing as we all enjoyed the power of this ancient music in the voices of some marvellous singers.
And who organizes, produces, funds and sponsors these concerts? More than 100 difference organizations devoted to classical music.
Furthermore, we have a core of outstanding individuals whose presence has made a huge difference in the state of classical music in Ottawa. I could name many people but I’ll highlight four (sorry for anyone who feels slighted; I only have so much space):
— Julian Armour, who founded what is now called Chamberfest and who started another summer festival, Music and Beyond;
— Carissa Klopoushak, who continues to make Chamberfest a fabulous summer festival (and I should mention that both of these festivals present concerts throughout the year);
— Roland Graham, who some 10 years ago began a series of Wednesday noon-hour concerts that continue faithfully to this day;
— and finally Matthew Larkin, founder of the Caelis Academy (performers of the Tallis concert; see above) and general, all-around creative impresario who is always looking for ways to enrich the musical life of Ottawa.
Now, I suppose that some readers may object to my proposal in that only a small percentage of Ottawa’s citizens are lovers of classical music; and they will that classical music is just for the elite. As to the former, I don’t dispute that classical music concerts will never have the appeal of, say, Bluesfest. But as to the latter — that classical music is only for the elite — I vigorously protest. The music lovers I see at concerts are just plain folk, from every socio-economic level and every demographic. And these days a classical music ticket is a much better deal than a pop music ticket. Check it out.
Here I’ve gone on like this and haven’t even mentioned the National Arts Centre, another great contributor to classical music in Ottawa. And I’ve only scratched the surface on the subject.
Tim Schobert is a retired librarian who grew up on classical music. He and his brother used to wrestle to the music of Richard Strauss.