The annual Wind Music Festival presented by the Sunshine Coast Music Society that usually takes place on the Coast at this time of year has undergone a transformation -becoming the first Festival of Strings.
"We're going to alternate years with wind music," said Sue Milne, president of the society. "It gives an opportunity for both types of performers and ensembles."
The focus is definitely on local performers for this three-day event, Feb. 24 to 26. The timing is good. Milne said they worked hard to position it around other events taking place on the Coast and wanted to hold it before younger musicians leave on March break holidays.
It opens on Friday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m. with classical guitar teacher and performer Paul Pinsonnault in trio with his sons, Leo and Angelo. For their ages - both are under 18 - they are very accomplished. Also included is a guitar and flute duet with local musician Julie Rutter. Pinsonnault was the plucked strings adjudicator at last year's Festival of the Performing Arts.
"It's a treat for young people to be on the same program as the man who gave such supportive and helpful critique to them last year," Milne said.
Luthier and guitarist Dan Richter of the Rakish Angles also performs on Friday followed by three students of music teacher Carolynn Cordsen -Anthony Willmer, Axel Loitz and Connor Lindsay.
Saturday at 7:30 p.m. promises to be an evening of professionals.
The Juno Award-nominated Joel Fafard from Pender Harbour, recently nominated at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, will perform, followed by the leading edge, mostly instrumental group, the Rakish Angles.
"Each is a good musician in his or her own right, but there are sparks from the combination of all four of them," Milne said. "Their careers will grow, so we're fortunate to get them now."
The Rakish Angles are: Serena Eades on violin and vocals, Simon Hocking on a variety of stringed instruments including mandolin, Boyd Norman on bass and vocals and Dan Richter on guitar and octave mandolin.
"This may not be a program of traditional classical music, but all the musicians have learned classical technique," she said.
On Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. the Grace Notes String Quartet visits the Coast. At least one member of this ensemble is well known to local cello students. Vancouver's Sarah Tippett has a passion for the instrument and teaches on the Coast.
The string quartet of violins, viola and cello specializes in music from the baroque, classical and romantic periods, but they have been known to play popular tunes, tangos and even Irish fiddling.
All events in the Festival of Strings take place at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, available at Laedeli in Gibsons, and Strait Music in Sechelt.
The Sunshine Coast Music Society also has future events planned - a homecoming weekend in June in which former residents of the Coast return to perform and a Coast Composers' weekend in October.
