Summertime, and the music is free in downtown Winnipeg

As someone who attends about 50 concerts a season, I look forward to the summer break. But strangely enough, part way through July, I begin to experience a form of musical withdrawal and end up longing for an occasional performance to quench my thirst for live orchestral music.

Fortunately, there are a few options over the summer months and believe it or not, they are free.

Music at the Millennium is a concert series held every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. at the stately Millennium Centre, 389 Main St.. (between Lombard and McDermot). Concerts run until Aug. 17.

Onstage are soloists and small ensembles playing carefully selected repertoire. "It's very relaxed," said series organizer Richard Turner, who is also principal harpist for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. "The audience is sitting really close to the musicians."

The series has run for five years and attracts an audience of up to 80 people. Its unique venue provides part of the ambience. Located in the heart of the Exchange District, the 99-year-old former Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, with its marble floors and high ceilings, presents some acoustic challenges. "My goal is to select people and music that will complement the space," said Turner. "The sound is very live. Single line instruments and ends of phrases are beautiful. And you get a true sense of Winnipeg's history."

One of the things that struck me about this series is how it provides valuable exposure to musicians we don't get much chance to hear. Many are WSO members, and, as such, blend into the orchestral machine. This is their chance to shine. "You can have confidence that these are a high grade of performer," said Turner. He poetically calls the series "a quiet oasis in the middle of the city."

Next Tuesday, June 29, oboist Caitlin Broms-Jacobs will offer a program of baroque music. She is a delightfully musical player, with a pleasing tone and elegant delivery.

Special quality

The following week, July 6, husband and wife team, Raphael Hoekman and Meran Currie-Roberts present a duo cello recital of music by David Popper and J.S. Bach. Hoekman is WSO assistant principal cello. "There's a special quality of music-making in a husband and wife team," said Turner.

WSO associate concertmaster Karl Stobbe plays Ysaye and Bach violin sonatas on July 13 and another husband/wife duo, this time WSO violinists Darryl Strain and Julie Savard, join forces on July 20.

Things take a turn on July 27, with super saxophonist Allen Harrington, who always has something unusual up his sleeve, as soloist. Also a WSO bassoonist, he will bring along his double-reeded friend for a few numbers.

French horn player Patricia Evans has Ravel planned for the Aug. 3 concert and the final two performances (Aug. 10 and 17) feature pianist Donna Laube, first with violinist Simon MacDonald, then with her violist husband, Greg Hay.

Given the weather we've had so far this summer, a dreary Tuesday could be substantially brightened by a midday musical break indoors. You can even purchase a reasonably priced light lunch of sandwiches and salads catered by the Millennium Centre.

"It's such a nice thing and so unusual that there is no cost to the user," said Turner. The no-charge entry is due to sponsorship by TelPay Incorporated. "The price is right, thanks to the generosity and guidance of Bill and Shirley Loewen," said Turner. "Bill truly has an artistic soul."

Summer organ recital series

Throughout the month of August, the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) hosts noon-hour organ recitals, also free although donations are accepted.

Audience members are welcome to bring their lunches and enjoy a relaxing half-hour recital by some of the city's most accomplished organists. I recently attended the annual RCCO Organ Fête, where the audience heard eight superb organists playing a wide variety of repertoire. It was totally inspiring. The instrument is so incredibly versatile -- able to express the sweetest, most delicate sentiments; yet powerful and resonant enough to rock the ground you're standing on.

Recitals are held Thursdays, Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 12:15-12:45 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Church, located at the corner of Broadway and Osborne (across from the Legislative Building).

So long for now, I'm signing off until the fall. I hope you'll take a few musical lunch breaks. Winnipeg still sings with live classical music over the summer.

gwenda.nemerofsky@shaw.ca

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Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 24, 2010 D5