Why are twenty-four world class musicians packing their violins, flutes, and cellos, and trekking south to Ajijic Mexico to perform in the Northern Lights Music Festival? It's not to get rich, because they do it for little reward. And it's not simply for the climate (although leaving Canada in February is not looked upon as a hardship!). No, it is because of the joy of performing for warm and appreciative audiences, who for five years now, have devotedly attended dozens of concerts - some very moving, some thrilling, some just plain astonishing. These musicians, even those in their "freshman" year in the Festival, all feel as if they are coming home. They are billeted by generous hosts, have most rehearsals in private homes, and enjoy the camaraderie of shared meals. No wonder they perform with such commitment and enthusiasm! Indeed, the Northern Lights Music Festival, a winner of Lakeside's "International Event of the Year", is truly not to be missed.
The dream of a festival in Ajijic began six years ago, when Christopher Wilshere, Artistic Director, and his good friend, Nathan Brock, were studying advanced music at the University of Toronto. Since 1998, Chris had donated time help teach Mexican music students in the Lake Chapala area. He had also been invited many times by Jon Esquivel to play his violin locally, for which Chris received rave reviews. These were the seeds that grew to become a Festival that would bring musical enrichment to Lakeside audiences and Mexican students. Moreover, Chris and Nathan wanted to create a special opportunity for fellow first rate musicians to play really good music with a collegial group in an intense, total-immersion atmosphere. This is something that all good musicians yearn for but seldom get. And so, with enthusiastic support from the Lakeside community, Chris, and his music colleague Nathan (now busy conducting in Switzerland), the Northern Lights Music Festival was born!
The sixth annual Northern Lights Music Festival (NLMF) takes place from February 20 to March 1, 2008. The Festival is anchored by the Northern Lights Festival Chamber Orchestra, which will delight audiences with two concerts featuring well-known classical works. (See the Festival web site at www.northernlightmusic.ca for details.)
This year's guest conductor is the brilliant associate concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Mark Skazinetsky. Says Chris Wilshere: "Mr. Skazinetsky is also a prominent chamber musician and can be heard frequently on CBC Radio and in recital halls throughout the country. It is a privilege and a delight to welcome Mark to Ajijic, and to the NLMF."
In addition, this year's exciting lineup will include:
Sue Hoeppner
The Cecilia String Quartet
Hot Jazz String Quartet
Trio Accord
Angela Park.
Don't miss this great musical event! Tickets are for sale starting January 21st , at the Lake Chapala Society Ticket Booth from 10AM to 12PM on days LCS is open, and at Charter Club Tours in Plaza Montaña.
. Inspired by Django Reinhardt, these musicians blew Ajijic audiences away last year with their humor, talent, incredible diversity and skill; the Hot Jazz String quartet returns, featuring Drew Jurecka and friends. has been applauded for their striking chemistry and absorbing performances. Having worked alongside the Julliard, Orford, Penderecki and Tokyo String Quartets, they are emerging as one of Canada's top young ensembles. , world famous performer and recording artist. Sue returns to Ajijic in 2008, and invites audiences to spend an evening with her and her 18-carat golden flute, to melt away in a concert filled with short romantic and popular works written and arranged for flute. is Canada's leading string trio, based in Vancouver. Says Tom Rolston, Artistic Director, Summer Music Program, and Banff Centre of the Arts: "They are imaginative, especially talented and a rarity! String trios of this quality are not easy to find in Canada if at all!!" Pianist Angela Park has established herself as one of Canada's leading young musicians. Angela has been recorded and broadcasted numerous times on CBC radio and NPR in the United States, and was recently a medal winner at the 2007 Maria Canals International Competition in Barcelona.
