Music lives on at the BMO!

The music goes on at the old Bank of Montreal building in Rossland.  The Kootenay’s very own La Cafamore String Quartet will be teaming up with clarinetist Nicola Everton on Monday October 1, to present works of Beethoven, Brahms and Canadian born Bill Douglas.  The string quartet has been touring the Kootenays since 2008, and has not missed an opportunity to play in the Rossland area. 

“Our first concerts were at the Old Firehall, which was a great space for classical music” says violinist and Rosslander Carolyn Cameron.  “ We have also played in the Bank of Montreal building and have been impressed with the acoustics and surroundings of the building”. 

Each performance venue presents its set of acoustical challenges: a hall that resonates too much can blend and smooth the quartet sound at the expense of clarity.  A hall that is too “dry” gives clarity at the expense of blending, but can also be magical with a tight ensemble.  The old Bank of Montreal seems to provide the perfect balance, says Cameron. 

Cellist Jeff Faragher concurs.  The Nelson based artist and newly appointed music director of the Symphonie of the Kootenays says that Rossland is one of his favorite places to play, not only because of the superior venue, but because the Rossland audiences are appreciative of classical music. 

“Our group tries to present a range of musical experiences, from the tried and true classics to some less well known works.  We always try to keep the programs accessible”. The Brahms Quintet for Clarinet and strings, and the Beethoven string quartet will be familiar to many, while Bill Douglas” work “Celebration II” is less well known, but no less enjoyable says Faragher. 

Nelson musician Alexis More is the violist of the group and enjoys her role in the quartet.  “Believe it or not, the violist has tremendous power”, says More with a grin, “ I can change the key of a piece with the tiniest of finger movements”.   Angela Snyder and Carolyn Cameron have been playing violin together since childhood.  When an opening presented itself, Snyder jumped at the chance to play with La Cafamore and her sister Carolyn.  “Quartets can be a tricky balance” says Snyder whose experience includes the chamber music program at the Banff Centre, “but our group is very compatible in our playing.  We also have a lot of fun.”

Clarinetist Nicola Everton resides in Rossland and has been an active member of the local music community, but not before achieving international stature with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.  Her background and expertise in all things musical resulted in the highly successful Rouge Concert Series in Rossland and the concert series of the Kootenay Gallery in Castlegar.  This will be her second collaboration with La Cafamore.

The performance starts at 7:30 p.m.  Adults $15, Students $12, Families $45.  Tickets are available at the door, and at Cafe Books (Rossland) and Clive's coffee Bar in Trail (Esplanade).