LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
George Zukerman sold out many classical concerts across the country using the unconventional model of subscription only, and he’s helping kick start the same type of series in Parksville Qualicum Beach.
Thursday night marked a gala celebration of the new Oceanside Classical Concert series at the McMillan Arts Centre, a series that will be held at Knox United Church and include three shows in November, October and January.
Zukerman—a distinguished Canadian musician who has been named an Officer of Canada and awarded the Order of British Columbia—addressed the crowd Thursday with stories of how he got started hosting shows some 60 years ago, and how he’s delighted to be helping artistic director David Douglas with this new series today.
“History is being made—at least musical history,” he said explaining that this is the first concert series of its type to be started up in about 20 years, and the first in the area.
The three shows will include performances by Musica Intima, an internationally renowned vocal ensemble, the Bergmann Piano Duo, with a repertoire ranging from baroque to contemporary, and the Gryphon Trio, said to be one the world’s pre-eminent piano trios.
Subscriptions are now on sale at the McMillan Arts Centre and The Beach Club in Parksville, as well as online. They cost $95 and are transferable so they can also be shared with friends.
The series is being sponsored by the Beach Club Resort. For more information visit www.oceansideclassicalconcerts.ca.