Point South Mexico - Real Estate and Lifestyle Magazine

The Northern Lights Music Festival has, since its inception, been committed to the development of classical music in Mexico, especially through Mexican youth. The group has incorporated classical works by outstanding Mexican composers and had many guest Mexican musicians. Throughout the festival, Guadalajara’s up and coming musicians attend rehearsals and concerts by the festival musicians. They are given free master classes and view this as an opportunity to study with some of Canada’s best musicians. Over 30 young music students receive this opportunity as well as attending special free concerts for Mexican students in Jocotepec, Chapala and Guadalajara. Under the headline: “Northern Lights takes Lakeside by Storm,” Jeanne Chaussee wrote in the February 2004 Guadalajara Reporter, “ The kids went wild over the ensemble, clapping, stamping their feet and then swarming around them asking for autographs.” These free concerts and lessons are sponsored with the help of Sextant Capital Management, the Canadian Government, Bancomer, and the generous benefactors and patrons of the festival.

The seventh annual Northern Lights Music festival (NLMF) in Ajijic Mx, takes place from February 27 to March 7, 2009. The festival is anchored by the Northern Lights Festival Chamber Orchestra. (See the festival web site at www.northernlightsmusic.ca for details.)

This year’s 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 real delight to welcome Mark to Ajijic, and to the NLMF.”

The exceptional quality of the orchestra is best illustrated by Louise Drummond, then editor of the Lake Chapala Review: “I attended the last Northern Lights concert of the season. I have never before heard such lovely sounds coming from a string orchestra. Tones that are usually tinny were full, what is usually an intellectual experience was passionate. Thanks to Artistic Director Chris Wilshere, attendance was high because of the Northern Lights Festival’s consistent excellence.”

In keeping with the Canadian theme, figure skating legend, Toller Cranston, will be exhibiting paintings following a Saturday afternoon piano and strings concert at Sol Y Luna Galeria in Ajijic. Northern Lights Chairman, Tom Gladney will be on hand to greet the Canadian icon who intends to be present for several of the festival’s key events. Mr. Cranston has been living and painting in San Miguel de Allende for the last 18 years. Never one to disappoint, we are certain the vernissage and concert will be among the most popular of this year’s offerings.

Some of the other highlights of this Ajijic Mx, festival will include Sue Hoeppner, a world famous flautist and recording artist, who will entertain audiences with her 18-carat golden flute, in a concert filled with short romantic and popular works. The Hot Jazz String quartet returns, featuring Drew Jurecka and friends. Inspired by Django Reinhardt, these musicians blew Ajijic audiences away last year with their humour, talent, incredible diversity and skill.

Another special treat will be Canada’s Vancouver-based Trio Accord. Says Artistic Director Tom Rolston of the Summer Music Program, 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.” Rounding out the highlights will be Angela Park, pianist, who has established herself as one of Canada’s leading young musicians. Angela has been recorded and broadcast 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.

A truly remarkable group, in a truly remarkable town, Ajijic Mx.