As summer arrives and many regular theatre seasons wind down, it’s time to make way for music.
June offers a plethora of musical treats from choirs, new music experimentation and concerts of classical works. Don’t worry though if you’re an avid theatre-goer – there are productions for you to enjoy as well.
The Canadian College of Performing Arts Alumni Troupe presents Double Bill Triple Threat, June 6/7 and 12/13 at the CCPA Performance Hall. ccpacanada.com
June 6 is Media Democracy Days world-wide and in Victoria, Tasha Diamant presents Skin in the Game at Sunset Labs (401 Herald St.). This new show is a reworking of The Human Body Project with Diamant taking on more of a storytelling structure. The performance is followed by a panel discussion.
The YOU Show, generously supported by Intrepid Theatre, is an opportunity for artists to develop new work. Matt Cowlrick presents the tale of an eccentric and twisted scientist June 6 with Dr. Quincy’s Emporium of Anthropomorphism and Personification. Ticketrocket.org
If you enjoy the music of John Cage, and other new music composers, you will want to take note of Music for Mycologists, a concert and CD release party June 6 at Open Space featuring Experimental Sound Unit who explore the natural world with their sonic investigations. Openspace.ca
Eine Kleine Summer Music celebrates its 28th Season with a series of Saturday and Sunday afternoon concerts of classical music (beginning June 7) at the Unitarian Church on West Saanich Road and at Muse Winery. eksm.ca
Quartet Fest West (June 8-19) is an in-depth study of string quartet literature with the world-renowned Lafayette String Quartet on the beautiful UVic campus. Guest artists and coaches are the Penderecki String Quartet from Wilfrid Laurier University. Masterclasses, workshops and concerts are open to the public. Langham Court Theatre ends its 86th season with the dark comedy Humble Boy June 11-27. Langhamtheatre.ca
The Getting Higher Choir presents its 17th annual fundraising concert for Mozambique June 12/13 at Alix Goolden Hall.
Victoria’s emerging opera company, Fear No Opera is now in its third season. They’re taking a big step and are performing The Italian Girl in London (L’Italiana in Londra) by Domenico Cimarosa (a contemporary of Mozart) at the Metro Studio for two nights June 13/14. This comedic love story is filled with witty one-liners and rollicking music. fearnoopera.com
R.A.W. (Reading Adolescent Writing) debuts in Victoria June 16, featuring celebrity readers and an open mike – a fundraiser for Broad Theatrics. Adults read things they wrote as teens: poems, love letters, journal entries, song lyrics. Awkward, appalling, awesome or amazing – and likely hilarious! broadtheatrics.com
A Place to Listen finishes its third season June 24 at 7pm (James Bay United Church) with a concert of sound poems by Greta Monach, performed by Christopher Butterfield, Cathy Fern Lewis (and a few friends). Beautiful, unusual music. A highlight of my listening experiences.
I’ve always enjoyed my treks to Muse Winery on the Saanich Peninsula for Summer Musings by emerging dance company Ballet Étoile. It’s a lovely way to spend a summer afternoon under the gazebo amid the vines. Ballet Étoile presents Summer Musings June 28 and July 5. balletetoilecanada.com
Janis La Couvée is a community builder, writer and arts advocate.
