AUREN RUVINSKY
writer@pqbnews.com
The Oceanside Community Arts Council is bringing high quality classical music to the area this winter.
David Douglas, chairman and artistic director of the new Oceanside Classical Concerts series introduced the idea to Qualicum Beach at the last council meeting.
They will present at least three "Canadian artists of international stature" Classical concerts a year, through the fall and winter.
It will be a subscription-only series, meaning individual tickets will not be sold, based on successful series developed in similar sized Canadian communities by famed oboist George Zukerman, an officer of the Order of Canada, Douglas explained.
"We are indeed fortunate to have him assisting in launching this effort as the Artistic Advisor to Oceanside Classical Concerts," he said.
The series will include the Bergmann Piano Duo in October, Musica Intima in November and the Gryphon Trio in January, all performing at Knox United Church in Parksville with lots of parking, great acoustics and comfortable seats.
Douglas said the series "is committed to changing lives through music's extraordinary power to communicate, inspire, uplift and entertain."
He said the subscription-only model will give them more stable finances for planning and provide a predictable income to book the best talent. It will also simplify their sales campaign, saving them the cost of running a box office.
"Even more importantly it gives subscribers a carefully crafted concert experience over the entire series," Douglas said.
The subscription is transferable, in the event of changing plans etc.
Tickets for the combined three shows are $95 and will be available at www.oceansideclassicalconcerts.ca or through the McMillan Arts Centre at 250-248-8185 or info@mcmiIlanartscentre.com.