Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2014 13:50:50 GMT
So, for you and in the context of where you live and what the musical scene is like there, how are the 'seasons'? I thought I would give a brief outline of how I experience this here in Canada, specifically Ottawa (our nation's capital), and I would enjoy hearing the rhyme and reason of how it is for all of you.
So, in Canada, we have four seasons: Summer, Autumn (called Fall more commonly), Winter and Spring. I'll start with summer since that is what is currently here and will be until the end of August.
Summer: This is a time where I look forward to the summer music festivals, and specifically I am referring to the ones that highlight classical music. There are two main ones in Ottawa. In the first two weeks of July, we have Chamberfest and that is exactly as you would expect - a festival devoted to chamber music primarily. (I've heard told that it is actually the largest one in the world.) The second one takes place in the last two weeks of July and it is a bit newer here. It is called Music and Beyond. This festival focuses on classical music but also draws inspiration from the wider arts. Both festivals are excellent and both were initiated by Artistic Director Julian Armour. Personally, for me, aside from attending whatever concerts I can afford from these two festivals, I don't do too much else. Summer for me is a time to relax and to recharge the batteries as we really only get about 4 months or so of these temperate conditions.
Fall: So, this is when the school year starts up for students and likewise I think for myself. I get back into a working routine and I try to think of what I hope to achieve over the next several months. Likewise it is, I think, on the concert scene as this is when brochures begin to come out that tell me what programming is planned for both the smaller and larger classical musical societies that are present and active here in Ottawa.
Winter: This is an EXCELLENT time to find a wide range of concerts to attend, everything from local church and community choirs to very well known groups from within our city that also often travel abroad to perform. Although there is always something wonderful to go to at the National Arts Centre in downtown Ottawa, there are many, many concerts available at a fraction of the price. Also not to be overlooked are the university concerts that are often put on for free. In addition to the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the University of Ottawa also has a wonderful orchestra (OSO) under Maestro David Currie. For myself, winter is the time when I am locked in the house under adverse weather conditions and so I try to put all of this indoor confinement to good use.
Spring: At this time of year, almost everything begins to wind down. However, Easter does provide a focal point for musical groups that have a Christian outlook. Spring concerts are to be found in and around the same time as the Tulip Festival. {Likewise, referencing back to winter for a second, in late November and early December, there are any number of organizations that perennially put on productions of Handel's Messiah.) Spring brings everything to a temporary close.
I think that more or less covers it and again, I would be interested in what is the ebb and flow in your lives.
So, in Canada, we have four seasons: Summer, Autumn (called Fall more commonly), Winter and Spring. I'll start with summer since that is what is currently here and will be until the end of August.
Summer: This is a time where I look forward to the summer music festivals, and specifically I am referring to the ones that highlight classical music. There are two main ones in Ottawa. In the first two weeks of July, we have Chamberfest and that is exactly as you would expect - a festival devoted to chamber music primarily. (I've heard told that it is actually the largest one in the world.) The second one takes place in the last two weeks of July and it is a bit newer here. It is called Music and Beyond. This festival focuses on classical music but also draws inspiration from the wider arts. Both festivals are excellent and both were initiated by Artistic Director Julian Armour. Personally, for me, aside from attending whatever concerts I can afford from these two festivals, I don't do too much else. Summer for me is a time to relax and to recharge the batteries as we really only get about 4 months or so of these temperate conditions.
Fall: So, this is when the school year starts up for students and likewise I think for myself. I get back into a working routine and I try to think of what I hope to achieve over the next several months. Likewise it is, I think, on the concert scene as this is when brochures begin to come out that tell me what programming is planned for both the smaller and larger classical musical societies that are present and active here in Ottawa.
Winter: This is an EXCELLENT time to find a wide range of concerts to attend, everything from local church and community choirs to very well known groups from within our city that also often travel abroad to perform. Although there is always something wonderful to go to at the National Arts Centre in downtown Ottawa, there are many, many concerts available at a fraction of the price. Also not to be overlooked are the university concerts that are often put on for free. In addition to the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the University of Ottawa also has a wonderful orchestra (OSO) under Maestro David Currie. For myself, winter is the time when I am locked in the house under adverse weather conditions and so I try to put all of this indoor confinement to good use.
Spring: At this time of year, almost everything begins to wind down. However, Easter does provide a focal point for musical groups that have a Christian outlook. Spring concerts are to be found in and around the same time as the Tulip Festival. {Likewise, referencing back to winter for a second, in late November and early December, there are any number of organizations that perennially put on productions of Handel's Messiah.) Spring brings everything to a temporary close.
I think that more or less covers it and again, I would be interested in what is the ebb and flow in your lives.
