Trickster
It was a thoroughly enjoyable concert; an inspired program performed with panache and aplomb! Terrific way to cap off the season
AMM, Stratford
Hot Air
A huge thank you to you and the other performers for Tuesday's HOT AIR concert. In discussion with my students, they found the performance incredible. They had many interesting comments about the different instruments. I think the highlight was the oboe performance
Paula Ortelli, Stratford
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Music Oft Hath Such a Charm
What a delightful concert! It was thoroughly enjoyable and Sirkel's supper was delicious; it proved -yet again - that an Inner Chamber performance is the best value in town.
AM, Stratford
Cusp of Greatness
Thank you so much for an amazing concert last night. We are still living it this morning.
Jenny & David, Stratford
Thank you for the enrichment of chamber music. A splendid concert last evening!
Eleanor Kane, Stratford
Need
“That was a fantastic Concert last night.....everyone responded exactly how we felt. Many many thanks from all.”
AD, Stratford
Ships in the Night
“We very much enjoyed the concert. It was a real find for us”.
WT, Michigan
The Golden Cage
“I enjoyed this concert very much, indeed, especially the Shostakovich. And the food is amazing!”
MJM, Stratford
2 Cellos and a Banjo
“I just wanted to let you know how much Jim and I enjoyed Saturday's concert. We're still talking about it. Thank you for helping us locate tickets. We will definitely keep INNERchamber on our list of things to do.”
JS, Stratford
“I went to "Two Cellos and a Banjo" on Saturday--wonderful and interesting. I'm thrilled by the quality of music to listen to here.”
MJM, Stratford
“thank you for the wonderful concert yesterday (2 cellos and a banjo)”.
ABC, Stratford
Party at Ludwig's
“Super concert last night. A complete program of delightful music throughout, no distractions, and played by very accomplished professional musicians".
Alan and Brenda Carr
“Many, many thanks for last evening's concert. BRAVO! Could anyone be happier with a concert than those attending last night? I think NOT. We attended a bit of a get together afterwards and the superlatives were just flying .... justifiably. Absolutely memorable".
JC Stratford
“I just wanted to let you know what a terrific time I had at the concert last night. Such wonderful music and I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed and approachable atmosphere. Thank you”.
J Auster, Stratford
A concert review by Stephen Preece
“First concert of new music series hits right note in factory space.”
The Record, October 24th, 2010
Sandra Mogensen
"Live Music in Intimate Spaces"
Mogenpianist Blog, - Monday, February 27, 2012
Marion Adler
PERTHartsCONNECT E-Newsletter, March 1, 2012
"Octet Euphoria..."
I am still floating on the absolute pure joy of the Schubert Octet on Sunday night, presented by the ever amazing INNER chamber at the beautiful and funky Factory 163. The food was hearty and delicious, the conversation animated and the concert itself transcendent. The audience encircled the musicians (who repositioned themselves after intermission) thus creating an atmosphere of extraordinary intimacy and connection. I found myself laughing with joy at the enthusiastic physicality of Ben Bolt-Martin as he attacked his cello strings with such gusto and passion, and clarinetist Peter Shackleton as he suddenly surpassed the speed of light in the final movement's allegro - we sat on the edges of our seats as Andrew Chung (violin), Julie Baumgartel(violin) and Joshua Greenlaw(viola) slipped into a breathtaking trio in the 5th movement with such perfect ensemble playing. The gorgeous textures of the wind instruments (Derek Conrod on French Horn, Elizabeth Gowen on Bassoon) never overwhelmed the more delicate strings and Ian Whitman on bass was much more than simply a solid foundation. We enjoyed a discussion of "condensation" versus "spit" after intermission when the wind players explained the various ways they kept their instruments play-ready - although I wasn't sure Ben Bolt-Martin was going to recover from the giggle fit it produced.
But what struck me so deeply about that evening was the sense of community I felt - watching the connection between the musicians - so disciplined, focused and committed to making this exquisite music together, and watching our larger community literally surrounding them, committed to supporting and celebrating and sharing this extraordinary experience.
"A feast indeed" – Helen Harrison
Letter to the Editor, Stratford Gazette, April 21st, 2011
On Sunday, April 3 I finally managed to attend one of the INNERchamber concerts that Andrew Chung has presenting at Factory 163.
Arriving at 6pm I was treated to a feast for the senses. A delicious meal prepared by County Food Co. set the tone for the evening – very casual with lots of time and space for interacting with friends.
This was my first time experiencing an event catered by this local business and I must say that I was impressed with the quality, variety and amount that they had prepared.
Following the dinner, we were treated to a pleasing serenade provided by harp, viola, flute and violin. A variety of styles of chairs were set up on the ancient wooden floors of the old Prestonia building, while overhead pipes from the factory days and a simple low stage added to the décor. The setting certainly provides a wonderful ambiance for the music that was presented.
Julia Shaw’s fingers moved with great dexterity on the harp to capture the intricacies of the score. Liesel Deppe is a new name to me, but Stratford is fortunate to now claim her as one of our local artists. Her mastery on the flute was impeccable. Joshua Greenlaw came from Toronto to add his skills on viola. And of course our own Andrew Chung was a delight in the Beethoven Sonata Opus 25 for flute, violin and viola.
At the end of the concert, Mr. Chung pointed out what lies ahead. On May 1 there will be a screening of the 1920 Douglas Fairbanks classic silent film The Mark of Zorro. It will be accompanied by an entirely original full-length live musical score compiled and arranged by Graham Hargrove. Kevin Ramessar and James Bourne will join him in providing the background sounds that encompass Spanish, Latin American, classical, tango and ragtime music.
With another edible feast being offered, and popcorn during the show, it promises to be a great evening.