On January 21, in a free concert, open to the public, pianist Marc-André Hamelin performed to a jammed Maureen Forrester Recital Hall as part of the MWM Financial Group Distinguished Artist Series. The show started at 8 and by 7:15, all the seats in the hall were taken. A classroom in the Aird Building served as an overflow room, giving those who were unable to get seats in the hall, live video of the concert. That room soon filled, and a second classroom with a live video feed was opened to accommodate enthusiasts. Minutes before the recital began, Hamelin surprised all, traveling to the classrooms with Dr. Glen Carruthers, Dean of Music, to greet and thank those who were watching from afar.
The previous day, Carruthers posed questions to Hamelin in a Q & A session on campus, this event also free and open to the public.
Next month, Opera Laurier presents a double bill of Canadian comic operas: Gisela in Her Bathtub and City Workers in Love, March 2, 3, and 4. The works are collaborations between composer Neil Weisensel and librettist Michael Cavanagh, and will be directed by Rob Herriot, whose directorial credits include Lucia di Lammermoor and La Boheme for Manitoba Opera, Carmen for Arizona Opera, and The Brothers Grimm for the Canadian Opera Company.
Gisela in Her Bathtub is a one-act opera centering on Gisela, who is in her bathtub reading a novel which immediately comes to life around her. City Workers in Love, also a one-act opera, takes place on a typical Canadian construction job site, and exposes the foibles and fortunes of the city workers. City Workers in Love will feature a chamber ensemble under conductor Leslie De’Ath, and special guests Laurier President Dr. Max Blouw and mayors Brenda Halloran and Carl Zehr in cameo appearances as “The Mayor of the City.”
Performances run Friday March 2 and Saturday March 3 at 8 pm and Sunday March 4 at 3 pm in the Theatre Auditorium at Wilfrid Laurier University. Tickets are free for Laurier students, $5 for students and seniors, and $10 for adults. Contact Kathryn Ladano at kladano@wlu.ca or 519-884-0710 x2150 for more information.