PRESS RELEASE
COLLINGWOOD MUSIC FESTIVAL
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The Collingwood Music Festival is delighted to announce that from now on ticket sales are open for the third annual event.
The festival brings outstanding performances to Collingwood each summer, featuring award-winning artists in classical, world, jazz and Aboriginal genres.
From Saturday, July 9 to Friday, July 15, during opening weekend, festival-goers can hear the brilliant symphonic power of the National Academy of Canada Orchestra and a swingin’ a cappella choir, Countermeasure, which will have the public sing and dance in the aisles.
This is just the beginning. This year the festival is also hosting a full Saturday of free youth events at nearby Duntroon Highlands Golf Club, featuring an enchanting musical course coupled with the serenity of nature – all outdoors with charming views over the bay . The Nathaniel Dett Choir will offer a powerful program of popular spirituals followed by a finale featuring the delicious music of Schubert Trout Quintet. And much more in between.
“Music can give us a soothing and healing sense of refuge from the craziness of the outside world, while bringing us closer together as a community. This year’s summer festival will prove that in countless ways. After all, it marks the exciting return to live music and we’re bringing a mosaic of performances to Collingwood, from intimate chamber music experiences to world music adventures,” says festival artistic director Daniel Vnukowski. “In addition to my role as artistic director , I will be directly involved this year as the pianist, collaborator, and even improv on the soundtrack of a Charlie Chaplin silent movie outdoors, right on our lovely South Georgian Bay on Sunday, July 10.”
On Sunday, June 5 at 3 p.m., two months before the festival begins, organizers are incredibly proud to host a benefit concert featuring the world’s most famous dramatic tenor, Ben Heppner, and brilliant concert pianist, Daniel Vnukowski. The duo performs Richard Strauss Enoch Arden, a melodrama for narrator and piano published in 1864 by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, during his tenure as English Poet Laureate. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the beautiful Hockley Valley and gourmet cuisine, while sipping VQA award-winning ruby red or honey white wine from Windrush Estate Winery at 3100 Concession Rd. 3, Adjala (52.80 km), Palgrave. Order now at collingwoodfestival.com/event/windrush-estate-winery-2022-fundraiser.
Festival schedule
Saturday, July 9, 7 p.m. — Inaugural concert, Rhapsody on the Bay
The majestic return of the National Academy Orchestra’s 55-member ensemble to Collingwood with the festival’s own artistic director, Daniel Vnukowski, on piano performing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in blue.
Saturday July 9 — Youth Day at Duntroon Highlands Golf Club
A full day of free events for youth and families to celebrate Nunavut Day. Program and schedule at collingwoodfestival.com/event/nunavut-day-duntroon.
Sunday, July 10, 3 p.m. — Swingin’ with Countermeasure
This popular classical crossover choral group has shared stages with other a cappella giants, including Naturally 7, The Swingle Singers and top 40 stars Corey Hart and Blue Rodeo.
Monday, July 11, 7 p.m. — Tomson Highway: Songs in the Key of Cree
The legendary playwright, author, composer/songwriter and performer and his cabaret. Featuring powerful Peruvian-Canadian singer Patricia Cano; Marcus Ali, saxophone.
Tuesday, July 12, 7 p.m. — The famous Canadian string quartet
Champion of contemporary music, the JUNO Award-winning Penderecki String Quartet. The festival is also commissioning a work from Dr. Daniel Mehdizadeh, composer-in-residence of the Scarborough Philharmonic.
Wednesday, July 13, 7 p.m. — KUNÉ Global Orchestra
Twelve world-class musicians from abroad, each playing a unique instrument from their home country, and one Métis, all of whom call Canada home. Kuné means “together” in Esperanto.
Thursday, July 14, 7 p.m. — A Fantasy of Spirituals, Partsongs and Folk Songs
The Nathaniel Dett Choir, the only Afrocentric professional chamber choir in North America. Includes a special tribute to the first African-Canadian composer, Dr. Nathaniel Dett.
Friday, July 15, 7 p.m. — Festival Finale, Schubert’s Trout Quintet
An intimate evening of chamber music featuring the Rolston String Quartet joined by special guest Marta Potulska, a brilliant violist from Vienna.
Order festival passes or concert tickets at collingwoodfestival.com/buy-tickets or call the box office at 705-416-1317.
The venue for all concerts (except Youth Day) is First Presbyterian Church at 200 Maple St. in the heart of downtown Collingwood. It is wheelchair friendly, providing easy access for guests with special mobility needs.
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