Oct 12, 2012

Atlantic Sinfonia recently played at Contact East which was held in Fredericton from September 19^th-23^rd. Contact East is a performer’s showcase bringing the very best of Atlantic Canadian talent, in theatre, music, and dance, to gather and showcase their work for regional, national and international buyers in attendance. This year Contact East 2012 marks the event’s 21st edition.

The performance was based on the Music of Catherine the Great who began her reign in Russia 250 years ago this year. While fostering the arts and education in Russia she drew upon the ideas of writers, musicians and artists of the enlightenment in the ‘the west’ including many of the major composers of the day. The program included works of the enlightenment that may have been heard in Catherine’s court.

Recent Accomplishments and Upcoming Events:

-Atlantic Sinfonia is responsible for the educational book: “A Musical Legacy: A Celebration of Fredericton and New Brunswick Composers” which was created as part of the City of Fredericton’s Cultural Capitals of Canada initiative in 2009.

-Atlantic Sinfonia presented a special concert of music for Congress 2011 of the Humanities and Social Sciences.  The event attracted approximately 6000 delegates.

-Atlantic Sinfonia headlined the official opening of The Richard J. CURRIE CENTER. The wellness facility combines UNB recreation with cutting-edge research for both local residents and the university community.

-Atlantic Sinfonia recently played at the ECMA’s in Moncton this past April.

-Sinfonia’s next show will be held Jan 20^th with UNB’s Music on the Hill, 3pm, Memorial Hall UNB, 9 Bailey Drive. This project that will re-create music from the period of the War of 1812 that would have been heard in Canada during that time. Music will be reconstructed from archival holdings and will include works such as ‘The Siege of Quebec’ (c. 1795),  ‘The Death of General Wolfe’, ‘How stands the Glass Around’ (written by General Wolfe), and the ‘Canadian Boat Song’. These works will be complimented with works from the American perspective including adaptations of ‘Trip to Canada Contre Dance’ and ‘Jackson’s Welcome Home’ (archived music from the Colonial Music Institute).

-Maritime Tour: A maritime tour is planned for the Fall as part of the celebrations surrounding the War of 1812 which will include music from the January concert as well as the music of one individual: John Carroll, who was the band leader at Fort Niagara, and a composer.