Music for a Sunday Afternoon; Concert by Request

Sylvia Goodeve, Pianist | Jan 31, 2024

After living in Arden for one and a half years, my partner Bill and I are starting to find our footing in this small and caring community. We are very thankful for being a part of this community. After purchasing Helen Praskey’s (Arden Glee Club) baby grand piano in November 2022, we have been learning more about the rich history and the strong love of music in the community. So, one day over dinner, Bill and I came up with the idea to put on a concert based on what people in the community wanted to hear, what gave them joy, instead of the typical way how a concert is formed. And wouldn’t it be great to put on this concert in the middle of the winter when we all need a little lift and a little more love?

Last December we put out a call for requests to the community asking for the music they wanted to hear, and the response was so positive! We received over 25 requests! Requests ranged from popular vocal, to soft rock, jazz, movie themes and classical (and one iconic AC/DC tune). So, it is not a problem finding out what people wanted to hear, but the challenge is in how to deliver the concert. How will we get a group of musicians to be in the same room and to play such a wide range of music, all in one concert!?!?

Life has a way of presenting opportunities when there is a need and a will. Our second concert in Arden, under the banner “Music for a Sunday Afternoon – A Concert by Request” is taking shape, promises to be fun and will cover an amazing range of beautiful music for people to enjoy. The program for the afternoon will include memorable movie themes, familiar jazz pieces that will put you in the mood, gripping vocals that will sooth your mind and soul, covers of popular Eagles and Elvis tunes, and a selection of timeless work by the classical masters such as Beethoven, Schubert and Debussy. It will be an impactful and an amazing musical experience. (Our apologies to our AC/DC fan. We just couldn’t find a way to do this piece justice.)

We are so thankful for all the musicians and vocalists who are willing to give their time and share their talent in making this concert happen. I am very privileged to have a Smith Falls based multi-instrumentalist, Mark Mulrenin, vocalist Beth McNamee of Perth with the Women of the Tay, trombonist and vocalist Daniel Desgroseilliers from the Circle Square Ranch in Arden, and two very talented local vocalists: Judy Kennedy and Carol Morris, joining me in creating this wonderful performance. The final setlist will be available as we get closer to the concert date of Sunday, Feb 25th. It has been so much fun and inspiring in developing the programme and connecting with musicians to make this concert happen. The concert will be held at the Arden United Church at 2:00PM.

Come enjoy a special selection of beautiful music that promises to bring joy, love and fond memories that will warm your heart on a cold winter’s day.