2022 Creative Projects

by Liana Branscome
Date: 6 Oct @ 2 pm
Location: Cedarwood Station

Performers: Liana Branscome, violin | Mairead Flory, cello | Annie Kwok, piano

Project Description:

Within the Words: a dialogue between readers and players

Humans are readers. We read not only words on a page, but the denizens of our community. Each glance and gesture, the intonations of a beloved voice, generate a kaleidoscope of emotions. We read the whispers of nature as we leave our homes each day and step into the uncovered world. We read the stories of our lives as they unfold, coming into contact with that of others.

Because of this, from the advent of humanity there have been stories - written words and oral traditions - and there has been music. When we read books and have conversations, we hear the stories of others. When we go home, we discover our immutable instinct to write our own stories and sing our own songs.

We write in myriad ways. Conversations are chamber music, each person learning from the other and creating something beautiful together. Authors and composers write these moments down in their chosen media: a joint effort to pass along the masterpiece.

I invite you to be part of the story and part of the song. Come with your words and with your music. Come alone and leave with a community.

Directions for writers:

Each participant brings a 2-5 minute excerpt of their original work to read and present to the audience and musicians. Then the musicians will play a musical selection in response to that writers’ work. Discussion/light reception and meet-and-greet to follow.

Repertoire:

Bartók: Selections from 44 Duos

Mozart: Sonata K. 304 for violin and piano

Solo violin selections

by Mairéad Flory
Date: 7 Oct @ 11AM
Location: Goodearth Coffeehouse

Performers: Mairéad Flory, cello | Liana Branscome, violin | Aaron Chan, violin | Troy Stephenson, viola

Project Description:

Recreating Bach’s Cafe Zimmerman in Airdrie with solo and chamber works

It's easy to think about classical music as this intimidating world with large concert halls and this impenetrable barrier for entry. But music hasn't always been this way, in fact Bach himself used to premiere many of his works in a coffeehouse just like this one in Leipzig at the beginning of the 18th century. This was a way for everyone in his community (including women who usually weren't allowed inside coffee shops) to take part in making music.

Another reason I'm so excited about this project is because for my entire life, coffee and community have been synonymous to me. As I've moved around various parts of the world, there has always been a community of people in a coffee shop to welcome me to a new city. There is something so special about going to a coffee shop and sharing in this ritual with everyone around you. And That's what Windwood is about: community, and sharing music with people everywhere, even if the only thing you have in common is a caffeine addiction.

Repertoire:

Solo and chamber works by J.S. Bach

by Troy Stephenson
Date: 6 Oct @ 7 pm
Location: Atlas Brewery

Performers: Troy Stephenson, viola | Maitreyi Muralidharan, violin | Aaron Chan, violin | Mairéad Flory, cello

Project Description:

One hour of classical debauchery. There may be a drinking game…Come and have some beers with us and unwind!

Repertoire:

String quartet selections