The Comical and the Serious with Mozart and Haydn

Bourgie Hall, Sunday, May 6th, 2 pm

A Thrilling Group of Guest Artists

Arion closed its 37^th concert season with remarkable vivacity and outstanding playing – all enhanced by really funny entertaining moments. Mozart and Haydn are a scintillating match for this magnificent orchestra; they handle music’s humour with wit; and gravity with equal emotional understanding.

Guest soprano, Andréanne Brisson Paquin has a voice that beautifully reaches the high notes. Her tone is exquisite; her animated manner worked well as she took over the part of Clorinda, singing Mozart’s Air Vorrei spiegarvi, Oh Dio. I loved the oboe seduction that played out as Daniel Lanthier doubled as oboist and lothario as well. Using his instrument and his gestures to try to win over Clorinda, was highly entertaining and illustrative of the scene. Both singer and oboist interpreted this segment perfectly. Ms. Paquin’s acting was great as witnessed when she sung Suzanna in Mozart’s Air Al desio di chi t’adora.

Another colourful treat in this concert was the performance by horn player, Pierre-Antoine Tremblay. He demonstrated so many different textures with varied contrasts of expression. His breath control and musicality was most impressive during his performance of Mozart’s Horn Concerto in E-flat major, K.447.

Arion Baroque Orchestra certainly chose the right guest artist to act out various parts of the program. Lorenzo Coppola vividly demonstrated musical moments in various works performed by the orchestra. He enacted anger, sullenness, pain, love, and more. At one point Mr. Lorenzo galloped across the stage with an extract form the orchestra to show the instruments rallied together in a hunting scene with the horn leading the musical fray. At another point he jumped across and chair, even flung his belly across it miming swimming to show yet another emotional moment in the music of a particular piece. His historical clarinet of two registers was also the brunt of jokes he made, but his playing was anything but funny. He is a true performer whose varied agile talents, both amuse educate us about various passages. They proved far more enlightening because of his contextual explanations of the scenes and characters. Next time, a bit of English interspersed with his many explanations would be most welcome. He is a character that surely Mozart would have loved.

The final work by Haydn – Symphony Number 76 in B-flat major showed dashingly the orchestra’s incredible versatility and musicality. This work is exciting and technically demanding. The bassoon and flute were inspiring in the first movement, and it just got more and more godly as the work played on. This work is not heard as often as is Haydn’s Surprise Symphony.

Finally, the closing concert had its own personal Arion moment of sadness. Concertmaster and first violinist Chantal Rémillard is embarking on a new chapter in her life. The concert was her last with Arion. One of the four founding members of the orchestra,  Ms. Rémillard will be missed by everyone. This concert must have been a deeply bitter sweet moment for her; she is leaving the orchestra to retire. Her student, Tanya LaPierrière who plays second violin in the orchestra, gave a moving face-to face farewell to Ms. Rémillard. I just wish this concert had been recorded for it was absolutely timeless.

LEANING INTO THE WIND (Directed by Thomas Riedelsheimer) ****

Nature is everything for this amazing artist who is wholly integrated into the vagaries of the ground. It is a vibrant journey through the diverse layers of Andy Goldsworthy's world. From Brazil’s poverty to urban Edinburgh and London to the South of France and New England, each environment he encounters becomes a fresh kaleidoscopic canvas for his art. A lushly-visualized travelogue where yellow leaves decorate the dead tree trunk of an elm, where poppies cover his hand like a glove. Everywhere he goes. He leaves his own personal memory imprint by lying on the ground or at the top fo stairs or on a sidewalk just before rain or snow comes to cover up his body outline. A remarkable man of integrity. He climbs across trees, crawls into a branch infested tangle in water in Gabon, and walks through an urban hedge. He is a true artist who refuses to reinvent nature’s natural gifts to express his own artistry.

FESTIVAL ACCÈS ASIE

Over 70 artists will be performing, giving workshops and more in the sensational events that number twenty. Theatre, dance, music, even a day of feasting on Afghan food is on the plate.  Interdisciplinary concerts that combine different arts is sure to inspire.

Khosro Berahmandi and me

 Khosro Berahmandi, artistic director of this 23-year-old festival that coincides with Asian Heritage Month in Montreal and North America. It brings together all communities of various backgrounds while shining the light on Asian culture and its various artistic expressions.

The opening festival cocktail night featured a jaw-dropping performance of duo of Golestan with oud-master Nazih Borish and percussionist, Ziya Tabassian. The actual group comprises four musicians, but for the festival Marina Salonga will guest with the group. She is a multi-disciplinary dance, and on Moay18th at 8 pm she will be performing with Golestan, improvising to several songs performing gypsy fusion style.

  Borish and Zyia Tabassian

There is something for everyone in this festival so check out the website: www.accesasie.com. Order your tickets now.  Concerts and events run from May 1^st to May 27^th, and are at various venues throughout Montreal. Call (514) 298-0757.

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STRINGS OF ROMANCE: EXPRESSIVE MAGNIFICENCE

Bourgie Hall, May 12^th, 2 p.m.

 presented by Montreal's Centre Kabir

This exhilarating concert in two parts showed off the incredible technique and passion of  three brilliant musicians:  sitarist, Shujajaat Khan and tabla players Indranil Mallick and Osbert Lyall. The sitar playing was so impeccable as Mr. Khan created varying rhythms and speeds, often reaching implausible lightning-speed force where his hand became a blur of movement.  His stamina is off the charts!

 Likewise for the wizard-like ta

bla performers - their synchronicity with the sitar was extraordinary - jaw-dropping, yet deceptively effortless in execution. Their thunderous “hammering” on the taut skin of the paired tabla for each  Mr. Lyall told me that all three had never played together before this concert.

The post-intermission segment  (which by the way was preceded with chai tea and rusk down in Bourgie’s lobby) featured Mr Khan singing both a love song praising his lover’s eyes, followed by a religious ode in two parts to one of the Hindu gods. I had to ask someone sitting beside me what the lyric was about in both songs – a shame we were not briefly told a bit about each song.

Part of Accès Asie Festival, this outstanding concert is eternally imprinted in my soul.

MORGAN ARBORETUM: A MYRIAD OF TREES TO TREAD AMONG

Majestic Growth in a Mature Forest Magically Enchants the Visitor

Morgan Arboretum (40 minutes from downtown Montreal) owned by McGill University since 1945, took over a mighty spread of land that once belonged to the wealthy Morgan family in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. A staggering 600 acres of formidable forest encompass this tranquil haven brimming with many natural gifts – most notably –  40 different native Montreal species, and  many more from other parts of Canada, including exotics from around the world.

 I set off April 27th, knowing the ground might be wet from the rain; it had been a rainy week. Still, I wanted to learn what I could about this tremendous tree-towering site. Along with the public, it’s often frequented by students involved with various research projects from the Macdonald Campus.

There are eight  easy, well-maintained walking  trails, ranging from 

1 to 5.8 kilometres 

 Three of them allow dogs off leash, but only after each dog has been evaluated by the Arboretum's expert in dog behaviour and sociability to ensure safety for all.

I meandered along a 2-kilometre-patch loop of sorts which brought me to forests, plantations and collections – the latter including the stunning Canada Birch Trail (more about that later).

Of course the Forest Section offered dominant species that most of us come across in urban and country landscapes.

The Blossom Corner – part of the Collections – featured magnolias, linden, willow and virburnum. Also growing within the Collections was the Dale Field where eye-catching exotics captured my attention, such as the Sassafras, Honey-locust, Sicamore and Muscle-wood. Still the Douglas fir and larch  plantations were not slouches – despite the fancy names of the others. Suffice it to say the Arboretum is a lush, gorgeous landmark of greenery and every colour in between, but there are more muted hues at this time of year. Home to hundreds of locally grown deciduous, coniferous and flowering trees, the Arboretum is a lovely place to linger.

A willow tree in the Blossom Corner

 There's a vast variety of shrubs, most from Quebec, and Southernn Ontario, but  also from Asia.  Woodland blooms were  shyly peeking out of the ground as they greeted spring; others, like the extraordinary fire bush were audaciously visible.

Colt's foot

Fire bush

A birch stands over the quarry

Anne Godbout

I was being guided around by Anne Godbout, a keenly knowledgeable botanist, who has been a liaison officer for twenty-two years with the Arboretum. She led me to these above-mentioned distinct areas, starting with a forest mix of oak, hemlock, maple, pine, fir, spruce, ash, hickory and hemlock – to mention only a few species. Anne explained that 15%  of the tree growth encompasses plantations and 5% is collections, such as the Blossom Centre where  flowering trees and shrubs thrive so well; this special spot has its own micro-climate. 

The fact that there are twenty different soil types accounts for such proliferation of growth.  

Anne pointed out two different types of magnolia trees one from China, and the other is native to Southern Ontario. “We even have a single tulip tree here, Anne revealed. “We also have buckthorns and  native butternut trees along with all kind of fruit trees, like the  Canada plum and crab apple – of particular attraction to the birds”. There are more than 180 bird species here and; the trees make for great feeding and nesting. Even at this early spring time, there's nature everywhere. My senses were awakened in a variety of ways. 

I even saw a garter snake!

Barred owl

A feast for the ears and eyes with scents such as the pepper we smelled in one small spot transported me to another world.

        A lone Japanese lilac in the Blossom Corner, waiting to sprout its cluster of flowers, exuded imminent exotica

A Paper Birch-Obsessed Professor Leaves a Legendary Trail

Fifty years ago, after Dean W.H. Brittain's retirement (1934-1955) from Macdonald College; this celebrated founder of the Arboretum dedicated his life to studying paper birch trees. For him, this tree was a true national emblem. He traveled all across Canada with his collaborator, Professor A.R.C. Jones by plane barge, diesel tug and small riverboats and car, collecting birch tree seedlings. 

They eventually were transplanted here. 

This work led to the dedication of the Arboretum’s Centennial Birch trail in 1967. Last as part of Canada’s 150^th celebrations, special projects offering food and shelter to wildlife contributed to the revitalization of the trail, fittingly renamed, the Canada 150 Trail. A newly created copse and unique branchery are just some of the conservation projects that spotlight Canada’s natural historical legacy while ensuring longevity of this wondrously white-trucked trail for every generation to cherish.

A Salamander in the Hand Assures Safety

The peeping and cackling sounds I heard came from the peepers and wood frog species that live in the quarry. The shrill peeping sound that rung through the trees weren’t birds but spiny peeper frogs that live in the big pond. There are lots of wetlands at the Arboretum. I got a few soakers myself. Dry or on water, the mix harmonizes in this magical dynamic ecosystem, and sometimes humans can help Mother Nature along, especially if there’s a road blocking the natural course of things. Here’s one example: Within the past few years, Anne described a unique project that truly unites amphibians to human hands.” Every night for these past two weeks and on, we carry salamander and frog and newts by hands from the forest across the road to protect them as they make their way to the big pond down the hill to lay their eggs which happens at the end of April.”  

Anne’s, pleasant manner, patience and explanations brought me closer to contemplating the Arboretum – a gentle giant of growth.  And as I pondered the power of this tree kingdom, I realized the discoveries are endless, if not magical here. One particular comment made by Anne poignantly proved this:

 “Trees are connected underground in a network with fungi. The mature trees nurture their young and some conifers exchange sugars with deciduous trees seasonally.”

It’s a mutually symbiotic process that ensures growth even between different species. (Read more about it on the website).

Indeed the Arboretum has miracles both seen and unseen; it’s a mysterious realm that beckons us back again and again to explore.

The website: www.morganarboretum.org.  It’s richly-informative. It includes easy-to-understand newsletters which make learning about the rich diversity of the Arboretum, guardianship and all projects most enjoyable.

For example: if you want to know more about how trees communicate and support one another underground via a fungal mycelia, go to the website, then click on  publications, and scroll to leaflets; choose the issue, fall 2016. The article about this natural neuro-type transmission is titled: Seeing the forest through the trees.  

The Arboretums' literature is excellent. Get the  trail map, and  make sure to grab the yellow Discovery Map. It's excellent!

An exciting variety of  activities for the public, including all kinds of interesting tours and learning experiences happen throughout the year – as many as four per month.

I want to attend “ Survive in the Wild Outing: Useful Plants

May 13th from 10 am to12 pm..

Call the Arboretum a: (514) 398-7811.

The address is: 150 Pine Street, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9.

Thank you Anne for making everything so enjoyable!

ST. LAURENT HAIR SALON COIFFURE

Remarkable Results with your Hair Happens Here

I’m not one to go to hairdressers. I have unruly, wiry hair that makes scissor-wielding salon employees very nervous. Suffice it to say that stylists and I don’t really mesh; cutting and colouring my own hair has been my modus operandi for years. But that recently changed during a lucky chance encounter with Irene Weinstein, owner of St. Laurent Hair Salon Coiffure in Westmount Square.

Irene Weinstein

Time for a Radical Change

Throwing caution to the wind, I stepped inside her spacious salon. I was immediately put at ease. The calm yet cheery atmosphere was reflected in the clients’ smiles.  I felt relaxed here. It wasn’t boisterously noisy, just nice; I certainly didn’t feel like I was in a hair assembly line.

                                                                             

           Irene  pleasantly greets you

“I want to make you feel like you’re in your own living room”, said Irene who has owned St. Laurent for fourteen years. Formerly, Charles of Westmount, the salon’s now highly appealing white and red interior is the result of her extensive reno. Irene commented that the place has great synergy, and I couldn't agree more. Many factors contribute to this.

Thirty expert professionals, including hairdressers, colorists, make-up artists and manicurists make the magic happen. 

  Warm and authentic, St. Laurent was about to become a haven of  hope for my hair.

In the shampoo area, the smiles continued. Pablo, one of such happy shampoo specialist magnificently washed my hair using Awapuni shampoo; it’s specially formulated for treated hair. 

St. Laurent is a Saco-affiliated salon. Its full line of hair products is a beauty blessing for us all, as Saco – a London, England based company – uses all organic ingredients; they are all vegan! 

                                   St. Laurent's Saco product line embodies                                                                                 its distinct signature of outstanding hair care.                       

                  

A Spectacular Hair Cut!

Hedy was my appointed hairdresser. Her 38 years of experience here and abroad was awesomely reflected in her masterful handling of the scissors.

Every lightning speed stroke with the scissors was done with passion and heart. The calibre of expertise reflects in the type of professionals dedicated to enhancing our own distinct beauty at St Laurent.

Hedy happily handled my hair – all unevenly cut (by me). I began to see a transformation happening – snip by snip. And there were a lot of them. No lazy fingers with these talented hair dressers. As I looked around the room, I witnessed them transform, enhance and handle hair masterfully. They inspire confidence. They know just what to do, so surrender yourself. All of St.  Laurent’s hairdressers will offer you their advice and a free consultation. I walked out of there beaming ear to ear. It was an utterly enjoyable experience. Thank you so much St. Laurent Salon Coiffure for boosting my outer self image and my inner one too. I will be back!

Before the hair cut

After the hair cut

I was happy

St. Laurent Salon Coiffure’s  address is 
1 Westmount Square, suite C 260 in Montreal.

Call (514) 934-3000.  
The website is: www.stlaurent-coiffure.com

MINISTRE DES POUBELLES (Directed by Quentin Noirfalisse) ***

Emmanuel Botalatala is the Minister of Garbage; he is also an artist who collects garbage for his own creative projects. He makes all kinds of collages from them. He teaches some teens to do  it – even his wife who has devoted her entire life to her artistic husband who seems to see everything through rose tinted glasses. He has hope for Congo and wants more than anything to be recognized by the government so that he can be assured he can pass on his art to future generations. It is a pathetic way to try to live, as artists there make nothing. (Screened at Vues d’Afrique Festival 2018)

L’ART DE LA RESISTANCE AU BURKINA FASO (Directed by Iara Lee) *****

Art in all its forms is the creative force that directly connects to the people. The message in each work of artistic creation holds the message of freedom and goodness; it is practically engraved in each work of art – be it in dance, painting, music, slam poetry and more. The forward looking movement for women is on the rise. A highly courageous people whose identity is unshakeable. They have devoted most of their energies to honouring the slain great leader, Thomas Sankara whose greatest friend, Blaise Compaore betrayed him and took over the country a ruled with a niron fist for some 24 years until the people had an insurrection of great success. In 2104, the country began its journey into freedom. Sankara has never been forgotten. He is called the Che of the country and grandfather of it. Burkina Faso is the little country that could and will achieve its goals of complete emancipation within each individual. (Screened at 2018 Vues d’Afrique Festival)