by Bob Park

Review of Duo Rendezvous, brought to Oliver on February 6, by the South Okanagan Concert Society

Some concerts are difficult to review because the performance was disappointing. However, others, such as the concert by Duo Rendezvous–brought to Oliver as the third in its series by the South Okanagan Concert Society–are difficult to review because I just don’t have enough superlatives!

Let me sum it up for you. Amazing musicianship:check! Perfect intonation:check! Passion:check! Gorgeous tone:check! Charming personalities:check! Great selection of music:check! Excellent programming, ie., each piece built on the energy of the previous one: check! Daniel Bolshoy on guitar and Jasper Wood on violin totally in sync: check! Two virtuosi having a super night:check! check!Even more amazing, it turns out that the incredible performance that we heard in SOCS’ temporary venue at Oliver’s always welcoming Alliance church last Friday(feb.6), was only the second time that Duo Rendezvous has played this intensely demanding program!!

The “rendez-vous” scene was set visually on stage with a hint of Parisian Cafe, complete with checkered table cloth, wine glasses, roses and a basket of tasty looking baguettes. Glancing at the program, I could see that we’d be treated off this “menu” to selections from France, Spain, Germany and Argentina, moving chronologically from Baroque to Classical-Romantic, from Impressionist to Modern.

The evening opened with the soothing Sarabande by J.S. Bach, followed by a “Sonata Concertante” by violin legend Paganini and then Ravel’s familiar “Habanera”. It became obvious to us that we were in for a wonderfully varied and most deliciously satisfying “full meal deal”.

The six-movement “Suite Populaire Espanole” by de Falla entranced us with strong melodic lines, as Wood and Bolshoy captured beautifully its contrasting moods and dance rhythms. To end the first half, the duo chose a great show-off work, “Introduction and Tarantelle”, by Spanish composer-violinist, Pablo Sarasate.This particular piece of music is not often performed, and I soon found out why. It is absolutely fiendish! Full of flying staccatos, very high and extremely fast passage work, harmonics and sautille bowing, I doubt that there are many violinists in the world with the technical skills to pull it off. This brilliant performance by Jasper and Daniel left our Oliver concert goers–among them quite a number of accomplished musicians from Penticton, Summerland and Naramata who specifically came to be inspired by this duo– suitably “wowed”.

As we all took a collective breather during intermission, with the coffee, cookies and juice, I could think about the instruments themselves. Not only were we in the presence of two great performers, we were also being treated to the sounds of two exceptional acoustic instruments.Jasper now performs on a one hundred year old violin by the outstanding Italian luthier Stefano Scarampella. A “come-down”– but not by a lot–from the Stradivari violin of which Jasper had won the temporary use a few years back. The guitar Daniel performs on was recently built by the expert German builder, Mathias Damann. This modern variation on a traditional Spanish instrument uses space-age materials to create an exceptionally light and responsive soundboard. This particular guitar has a rich, deep bass response, a mellow mid-range, and outstanding projection. It is hard to believe that most of the accompaniment that we heard on this guitar had originally been composed for piano. Playing them on the guitar makes extreme demands on the guitarist that often are not obvious to audiences. Daniel, with his fabulous guitar, and his fabulous musicianship, did an outstanding job in his supporting role of backing the more “out front” sound of Jasper’s magical violin.

The hauntingly beautiful “Beau Soir” by Claude Debussy openened the second half, Jasper having first read us the poem that had inspired the work. Gentle images of twilight on the water. Next, Piazzoll’s four movement “Histoire du Tango” transported us to Argentina, delighting us with differing tango styles from 1900 to the present. The program’s “feast of music” ended with “Csardas”, by Monti. With its contrasting “birdsong” slow section and zippy “oompah-oompah” fast section, this grand old toe-tapper brought everyone to their feet, for a spontaneous “standing-O”, so richly deserved! Then we received the parting gift of a gorgeous encore. How not to be filled with deep appreciation for every single person and organization that contributes to making such an evening possible? An exceptional concert evening such as this leaves one with a new-found delight in music, —and a shortage of superlatives to describe it!

Here’s a small excerpt from the upcoming comedy, Love Loss and What I Wore, presented by the South Okanagan Amateur Players this March.

Imagine four women standing in front of their clothes closets, wondering what to wear. What goes through their minds?

I have nothing to wear.

Nothing.

Nothing fits me.

Why did I buy this?

Why can’t I find anything in my closet?

I hate my clothes.

I have to clean out my closet.

I should throw this away. After all I haven’t worn it in two years —

— three years.

— five years.

My mother gave me this. Who does she think I am?

Why didn’t I hang this up? Now I have to iron it!

Who did I think I was when I bought this?

Do men ever go through this — choosing the sweater, unchoosing the sweater, choosing the sweater….?

Of course they don’t.

What’s wrong with me?

I have nothing to wear.

I have nothing to wear.

I have nothing to wear.

Nothing.

Love Loss and What I Wore traces Gingy’s  life story, as she uses her clothing as a metaphor for the triumphs and tragedies in her life. Interspersed with her memories are several vignettes  about twenty-eight other women (portrayed by the four other cast members) and their relationships with boyfriends, sisters, mothers, fathers,  spouses,  each other, and their clothes.

Love Loss and What I Wore by Nora and Delia Ephron will be performed March 1 -2 at Summerland Centre Stage, March 8 -9 at Osoyoos (OSS) Minitheatre , and March 15 – 16 at Oliver Seniors Centre. Tickets are $18 Adults, and $15 Seniors and Students. On sale now at Sundance Video in Oliver, Your Dollar Store with More in Osoyoos, Dragon’s Den in Penticton, and The Sweet Tooth Cafe in Summerland. Also available at the door, seats permitting.

More info available at SOAP @ telus.net or 250-498-3597.

Photo: Christine Rothwell, Robin Stille, Linda Lobb, Penelope Johnson, and Tracey Granger “hang” out on stage. (Credit: Jen Jensen)

On Saturday March 2nd, at 2:30 PM, we will light The Flame of Storytelling magic at Medici’s Gelateria and Coffeehouse on Fairview Road in Oliver. A group of wonderful storytellers from all walks of city and country life will gather to tell their stories to a hungry and eager audience: that’s you!! They will tell you stories that are true, about themselves, and 10 minutes or less in length. These stories may be funny or sweet or sentimental or tragic or something completely unexpected.

The Flame was first ignited at the famous Moth Bistro in New York City, then burst into being at The Cottage Bistro in Vancouver and now will combust anew at Medici’s in Oliver on the first Saturday afternoon in March.

Our storytellers are doctors, policemen, welders, moms, dads, firemen, fallers, food servers, authors, maybe even a barista….and hopefully you! We have a good number of folks in our line-up and are about setting the day’s schedule. It’s not too late to join the fun. Got a story? If it’s true and about you, we have a mic, a lectern, a stool if you like and dozens of eager ears awaiting your tale. Let me know. There’s still time….522 Fairview Road in Oliver….250-498-2228. We start at 2:30 and there’s no entry until the break once the tales begin. We have a 72 seat capacity. Don’t miss this!

On Saturday March 2nd, at 2:30 PM, we will light The Flame of Storytelling magic at Medici’s Gelateria and Coffeehouse on Fairview Road in Oliver. A group of wonderful storytellers from all walks of city and country life will gather to tell their stories to a hungry and eager audience: that’s you!! They will tell you stories that are true, about themselves, and 10 minutes or less in length. These stories may be funny or sweet or sentimental or tragic or something completely unexpected.

The Flame was first ignited at the famous Moth Bistro in New York City, then burst into being at The Cottage Bistro in Vancouver and now will combust anew at Medici’s in Oliver on the first Saturday afternoon in March.

Our storytellers are doctors, policemen, welders, moms, dads, firemen, fallers, food servers, authors, maybe even a barista….and hopefully you! We have a good number of folks in our line-up and are about setting the day’s schedule. It’s not too late to join the fun. Got a story? If it’s true and about you, we have a mic, a lectern, a stool if you like and dozens of eager ears awaiting your tale. Let me know. There’s still time….522 Fairview Road in Oliver….250-498-2228. We start at 2:30 and there’s no entry until the break once the tales begin. We have a 72 seat capacity. Don’t miss this!

The truly remarkable Pharis and Jason Romero out of Horsefly, BC, take to the stage at Medici’s Gelateria & Coffee House in Oliver on Saturday, February 16th for what promises to be a signature show of the 2013 folk/blues season.

Pharis and Jason have one foot firmly planted in tradition and enough jagged edges to feel modern. Much of their singing is crafted in the tradition of the classic brother duet, with duet singing throughout, but they are by no means a throwback.

Pharis and Jason sing like birds and play wonderful old time music. Their harmonies are close, unusual and haunting, whether they are performing traditional country blues, roots or old time songs from the early days of radio.

Both are accomplished instrumentalists, accompanying themselves with acoustic guitars, resophonic guitar and banjos.

A show with the duet moves from spacious, almost ethereal, folk songs to hard edged country blues with stories and an easy rapport; it carries a feeling of intimacy and complete love for each other and the music at hand.

They have played country and folk festivals up and down the west coast and have been feature performers on CBC.

Seating is limited and advance tickets are $20. They can be purchased at Medici’s on Fairview Road and Beyond Bliss in Oliver or at Dolci Deli in Osoyoos. Doors open at 6:30 The Romeros at 7:30….250-498-2228

The truly remarkable Pharis and Jason Romero out of Horsefly, BC, take to the stage at Medici’s Gelateria & Coffee House in Oliver on Saturday, February 16th for what promises to be a signature show of the 2013 folk/blues season.

Pharis and Jason have one foot firmly planted in tradition and enough jagged edges to feel modern. Much of their singing is crafted in the tradition of the classic brother duet, with duet singing throughout, but they are by no means a throwback.

Pharis and Jason sing like birds and play wonderful old time music. Their harmonies are close, unusual and haunting, whether they are performing traditional country blues, roots or old time songs from the early days of radio.

Both are accomplished instrumentalists, accompanying themselves with acoustic guitars, resophonic guitar and banjos.

A show with the duet moves from spacious, almost ethereal, folk songs to hard edged country blues with stories and an easy rapport; it carries a feeling of intimacy and complete love for each other and the music at hand.

They have played country and folk festivals up and down the west coast and have been feature performers on CBC.

Seating is limited and advance tickets are $20. They can be purchased at Medici’s on Fairview Road and Beyond Bliss in Oliver or at Dolci Deli in Osoyoos. Doors open at 6:30 The Romeros at 7:30….250-498-2228

by Marion Boyd

Many of you will remember being spellbound last year when Daniel Bolshoy worked magic on his newly acquired high tech German-made guitar. His performance for the South Okanagan Concert Society was billed ‘not to be missed’. The thunderous applause of the audience after a second encore spoke to the thrill of hearing one of the brightest and the best.

This year, on Friday, February 8th at 7:30 pm., we may have a problem on our hands. Daniel is returning with violinist, Jasper Wood. Known together as Duo Rendezvous, we are already counting how many extra seats may be needed in the temporary venue of the Oliver Alliance Church.

Jasper has performed twice before in Oliver and both times his music was enthusiastically embraced. He has been awarded two of the most distinguished prizes from the Canada Council for the Arts and has a flourishing concert career as well as his appointment as Assistant Professor at the University of B.C. Check out www.youtube.com – Duo Rendezvous to understand the beautiful musical tension created when Daniel and Jasper perform together. It is most apparent in their interpretation of Csardas by Vittorio Monti, This piece will conclude the programme for the Oliver concert.

Flex pass tickets are on sale now at Beyond Bliss in Oliver, at Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos and at the door. A four admission pass costs only $60. The four admissions are entirely flexible and can be used together or in combination. Single admission is $20. Young people 17 and under are welcome to attend the concert free.

Daniel is a Russian born, Israeli-raised Canadian. He has an uncanny intimacy with his instrument and an aggressive multi-layered quality to his style. His charismatic stage presence has endeared him to audiences around the world. As head of the guitar department of the newly created Vancouver Symphony School of Music, he is living in Vancouver and thus is able to tour in British Columbia.

Jasper was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, into a musical family of six brothers and sisters. He gave his first public performance at the age of 5! He holds a master of music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and in 1996 embarked on his international solo career.

Together, Daniel and Jasper present some magnificent music. The programme includes the Suite Populaire Espagnole by Manuel de Falla, as well as pieces from Ravel and Debussy, Paganini and a Histoire du Tango by Astor Piazzolla.

If you didn’t heed my warning prior to the last concert, here it is again. There will only be one performance. Don’t be one of those who can only wish they had been there when they listen to the reviews of those who were. Be one of those enthralled by the stories and heart stopping virtuosity of this exceptional duo.

Call Maureen at 250 495 7978 to arrange for transportation by van if you are worried about winter driving conditions and know this performance is one you just can’t miss!

The Friends of the Oliver Library enliven your library experience with a variety of presentations on Wednesday nights throughout the year. Sometimes it’s a travelogue to an exotic country. Sometimes it’s introducing you to new technology to jazz up your reading. Sometimes it’s a small performance.  Sometimes it’s a guest speaker with professional advice.

On Wednesday January 23rd at 7:00 PM, come to the Oliver Regional Library with your questions about “What You Need to Do Before You Go”.

Learn why you need to do certain things and prepare certain documents before you die, why you need an executor or someone who is assigned to carry out your wishes, why you need to write down your wishes,  why you should write out a list of what assets you have and where those assets can be found, what historical / biographical information  you need to record. The presenter will explain why none of this should be in your safety deposit box and  will provide copies of checklists and forms of what to do and what to write down.

There is a long list of organizations for your family to contact after you die.  having a contact list prepared ahead of time prevents needless confusion and stress for loved ones.  Other topics include application for death benefits, dealing with common-law relationships, how to request your wish to die at home or with a “do not resuscitate” order,  and how to arrange the disposition  your estate  in the event that your executor or assignee cannot or will not do this. In other words, it is a very comprehensive coverage of what to do and why but the how to do much of it is left to the personal choice of the individual and his or her family.

The Friends of the Oliver Library  note that this presentation will not address legal questions. A presentation by a lawyer on various legal questions including  writing a will and estate planning will be arranged for later in the year.

Funeral planning that is! Topics include making a will, choosing an executor, executor responsibilities,  the many service options available, and how you can make all these decisions easier for you and your family.  Question period included. Handy checklists  available.

The Friends of the Oliver Library enliven your library experience with a variety of presentations on Wednesday nights throughout the year. Sometimes it’s a travelogue to an exotic country. Sometimes it’s introducing you to new technology to jazz up your reading. Sometimes it’s a small performance.  Sometimes it’s a guest speaker with professional advice.

On Wednesday January 23rd at 7:00 PM, come to the Oliver Regional Library with your questions about “What You Need to Do Before You Go”.

Learn why you need to do certain things and prepare certain documents before you die, why you need an executor or someone who is assigned to carry out your wishes, why you need to write down your wishes,  why you should write out a list of what assets you have and where those assets can be found, what historical / biographical information  you need to record. The presenter will explain why none of this should be in your safety deposit box and  will provide copies of checklists and forms of what to do and what to write down.

There is a long list of organizations for your family to contact after you die.  having a contact list prepared ahead of time prevents needless confusion and stress for loved ones.  Other topics include application for death benefits, dealing with common-law relationships, how to request your wish to die at home or with a “do not resuscitate” order,  and how to arrange the disposition  your estate  in the event that your executor or assignee cannot or will not do this. In other words, it is a very comprehensive coverage of what to do and why but the how to do much of it is left to the personal choice of the individual and his or her family.

The Friends of the Oliver Library  note that this presentation will not address legal questions. A presentation by a lawyer on various legal questions including  writing a will and estate planning will be arranged for later in the year.

Funeral planning that is! Topics include making a will, choosing an executor, executor responsibilities,  the many service options available, and how you can make all these decisions easier for you and your family.  Question period included. Handy checklists  available.

Is your brain feeling a little slow and rusty after all that New Year’s partying? Maybe you have brain freeze from all the snow we’ve been getting. Masters of Trivia Night is a sure-fire way to rev up your brain cells. Choose your team of your best (or brightest) mates and book a table at Medici’s Gelateria for Friday January 25th. Doors open at 6:30 and the quizzing  begins at 7:15.   Register for $5 per person. Prefer to take a chance on hooking up with a few Einsteins on site? Register as an individual player and we’ll find you a team. You just might make some new smart friends!

Medici’s Gelateria is a proud business member of the Oliver Community Arts Council. We welcome new and returning businesses to apply for their 2013 membership. Forms are available at the top of the page by clicking on “Forms” and following the link to 2013 OCAC Membership.

Is your brain feeling a little slow and rusty after all that New Year’s partying? Maybe you have brain freeze from all the snow we’ve been getting. Masters of Trivia Night is a sure-fire way to rev up your brain cells. Choose your team of your best (or brightest) mates and book a table at Medici’s Gelateria for Friday January 25th. Doors open at 6:30 and the quizzing  begins at 7:15.   Register for $5 per person. Prefer to take a chance on hooking up with a few Einsteins on site? Register as an individual player and we’ll find you a team. You just might make some new smart friends!

Medici’s Gelateria is a proud business member of the Oliver Community Arts Council. We welcome new and returning businesses to apply for their 2013 membership. Forms are available at the top of the page by clicking on “Forms” and following the link to 2013 OCAC Membership.