We often hear how talented the musicians are on the Sunshine Coast – and this clinches it. On Feb. 19, the Sunshine Coast Music Society (SCMS) brings together a collection of local talent for a one-time-only event, West Coast Composers.
Sue Milne, president of the society and an enthusiastic promoter of music, is excited. The concert will include the instrumental and choral music of two Vancouver-based composers and an array of local composers performed by Coast musicians and choristers.
Ken Dalgleish is well known for his piano work, playing and tuning, but in this case it is his most recent choral composition that will be one of the titles performed by A Cappella Strait, a group that averages 25 members under the leadership of Janice Brunson.
“It requires such fine musicianship to sing a cappella,” Milne said. This group demonstrates it.
Stephen Chatman is well known by choir members across Canada. One of Canada’s most prominent composers, he is professor of composition at the University of British Columbia.
Composer Bob Buckley from Vancouver will join the clarinet section of the Suncoast Concert Band. Both Buckley and the Concert Band’s newest conductor, Tak Maeda, have asked their wives to step in and perform. Ken Grunenberg’s wife, Lisa Rae, will also be recognized – the saxophonist has written a piece in honour of Rae, which will be part of the program of The Jazz Group of Seven. Steve Giltrow’s composition will also be performed by the jazz guys.
Walter Martella from Powell River is an accomplished musician often heard on the trumpet. In this case, he will present three original solo piano works.
Some of the pieces are arranged by John Fredrickson of the Suncoast Concert Band. Milne notes that it’s great to have someone who can do the arrangements, as it is especially difficult for the number of instruments and individuals involved.
“John is now on the board [of SCMS],” Milne said, “and it’s lovely to have him immersed in things with all of his experience.”
Brian Tate is currently the director of Vancouver’s 100-voice City Soul Choir as well as an award-winning composer, a versatile musician, choir director and educator.
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Highland Centre, near Gibsons. This is a comfortable, dedicated rehearsal and concert space with good acoustics. At the intersection of Lower Road and the highway, turn up Highland Road and make a sharp left to the centre at 657 Highland. Tickets for the concert are $20 at Strait Music in Sechelt, and Laedeli Gifts in Gibsons.
