Page 20 - 2018 Festival Edition

TERRY BRIDGE
Sta Reporter
He did, however, proudly point to the festival’s strong Indigenous representation. One notable example includes Jeremy Dutcher, a Toronto-based composer and vo- calist whose music shapeshifts between classical and traditional, operatic power and tuneful melodies of his Wolastoq Nation, according to his website.
The talented musician is on a quest to save the Wolastoqey lan- guage through music.
“To have Jeremy Dutcher here is absolutely amazing,” Miller said. “This, for me, is very significant to have him.”
His show is slated for July 18 at 7 p.m. at the Music Salon at The Avondale.
Elsewhere on the schedule, the
Canadian Arabic Orchestra with
Laura Grizzlypaws and Whirling Dervishes goes Aug. 19 at 3 p.m. at The Avondale. Grizzlypaws, a well-known First Nations advocate and environmentalist, will be performing the bear dance in full costume.
Six days earlier, vocalist and painter Tanya Tagaq will take to The Avondale stage blending Inuit throat singing with electronic, classical, punk and rock.
“Those three, to me, are amazing,” Miller said.
Several acts are returning to the Festival City, including the Orchestre de la Francophonie. This marks the
fifth Summer Music season for the
Orchestre, a collection of 60 young
French and international musi- cians with a dedication to classical music. Its first concert will feature guest artists Stéphane Tétreault on the cello and pianist Maxim Bernard.
Other intriguing acts include the Blind Boys of Alabama, Great Pianists Series, and Juno award- winner Ron Sexsmith.
The season kicks o July 16 with
the Grand Illumination, featuring
composer Berthold Carrière’s Music
for a Midsummer’s Night. The show starts at 9:30 pm. in Lower Queen’s Park.
For a full schedule or to purchase tickets,
visit stratfordsummermusic.ca, call 519-271-2101 or visit 25 Ontario St.
A ‘special’ Stratford Summer Music season
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John Miller’s farewell tour is about to begin.
JEREMY DUTCHER.
MATT BARNES/HANDOUT/STRATFORD BEACON HERALD/POSTMEDIA NETWORK
JOHN MILLER. STRATFORD BEACON HERALD/POSTMEDIA NETWORK FILE PHOTO
The lineup for the 18th season of Stratford Summer Music has been released, which also marks the final season for its founder and artistic producer. As the six- week festival approaches, John Miller termed it a “special” feeling, but you can also sense a touch of excitement and anxiousness.
“I just want to get on with it,” he said. “I don’t want to dwell on the fact it’s the end.
“I’m eager for July 16 to arrive and I’m honestly excited about all the things that are happening.”
Juno Award-winning Canadian violinist Mark Fewer, artistic director designate as of July 1, will remove the third word from his title and assume leadership of the organization as of October.
Until then, though, it’s still Miller’s show. This year’s version features 100 events and performances involving 350 artists. What’s he looking forward to seeing the most?
“That’s like asking a parent which of your children do you like the best,” he said with a chuckle. “For me, every single one of these items is important.”
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THE BEACON HERALD | 2018 FESTIVAL EDITION