It’s hard to believe July is here already. It’s a great month for summer festivals, and this week, we’re shining the spotlight on two of our favourites.
First up is Calgary’s ChamberFest West festival. CKUA host Aaron Au describes chamber music as a “favourite form,” and he says that as a career musician, he loves to play it. “There’s something so intimate that happens on stage, with that communication among musicians. It’s fun, throwing curveballs at each other without talking about it.”
That fun extends to the audience, too. “For people to see that magic unfold is so special. The repertoire is so great. Chamber music is some of the best music by composers like Brahms and Mozart and Beethoven. You can see their genius in how they structure things.”
As he looks forward to ChamberFest West, Au mentions some of the stars who will play the festival. “Jacques Forestier is from Edmonton, so it’s special to have him back in the province. Jon Kimura Parker and Stéphane Tétreault will also be here. It will be a gathering of so many great artists. There will be familiar pieces, like the Dvorak Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, but there will be new sonic experiences, too.”
ChamberFest West opens with a free outdoor concert. Count on Au to explore that when he spotlights the festival. “Festivals are the most fun. Artists come from all over the world, and there’s not much time to put it together. People have to be sharp and bring their best.”
On Monday, July 7, Kerry Clarke will look ahead to South Country Fair during her program, Catch and Release. South Country Fair began as a camping weekend in 1987. This festival is strongly rooted in southern Alberta, and in Fort Macleod, but it also extends a warm welcome to people from other parts of the province and the country. Clarke says, “South Country Fair is one of Alberta’s most charming grassroots festivals. You’ll hear from the fest’s artistic director. Plus enjoy chats with some of the artists, including Apollo Suns and Shaela Miller.”
ChamberFest West: Listen as host Aaron Au interviews festival founders Diana Cohen and Roman Rabinovich on Classical Connections, Saturday, July 5 at 7am.
South Country Fair:Â Listen as host Kerry Clarke looks ahead to this Fort Macleod music fest on Catch and Release, Monday, July 7 at 7pm. Hear music, plus interviews with Apollo Suns and Shaela Miller.
