Classical music returns to MERA schoolhouse

Oct 08, 2014

The MERA Schoolhouse in McDonalds Corners will once again be filled with audience-pleasing classical music as the third annual series of Blue Jeans Classical Sunday afternoons begins again. All performances start at 2 p.m.

This series of classical performances is aimed at bringing professional musicians to play in the intimate space of the MERA Schoolhouse. As part of the relaxed atmosphere, the players will be introducing their repertoire, discussing their instruments and answering questions from the audience.

On Sunday, October 19, Gertrude Létourneau and Garry Elliott will be offering an intimate concert of virtuosic and passionate pieces for the flute and guitar. Gertrude and Garry have performed together since 2007, presenting their brand of lyrical music to a wide range of audiences. Gertrude plays the flute and sings, and Garry masterfully plays a Oskar Graf-built classical guitar.

On Sunday, November 9 Cecilia Ignatieff brings more than 30 years of professional playing and teaching to her MERA concert, where she will offer a wide-ranging repertoire from Scarlatti to Scott Joplin. After many years as collaborative pianist with other musicians and vocalists throughout Ontario, Cecilia now lives in the Lanark Highlands and is excited about sharing her passion for music with a local audience.

On Sunday, December 14, MERA presents "Music for Double Reeds and Piano". After wowing the MERA audience at the very first Blue Jeans Classical music event several years ago, Richard Hoenich is returning with his musical friends and teaching colleagues to present a wide array of memorable pieces. This afternoon promises to be a rich musical experience with a trio of very experienced musicians, pianist Michel Szczesniak, oboist Barbara Bolte and bassoonist Richard Hoenich.

Tickets are $22 in advance or $55 for a three-concert series, and are available from Tickets Please at 39 Foster St. In Perth (Jo’s Clothes), by phone at 613-485-6434 or online at www.ticketsplease.ca. Tickets can be reserved at Tickets Please and picked-up at the door. Teenagers are free.

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