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Response

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.

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