THE BEST PART
One of my students asked me this week what the best part of living a life in music is. A big question!!! I have a lot of different answers to that inquiry, and it seems impossible to pick just one, so I won't. Instead, I will suggest a few that immediately came to mind and then one that I settled on after going through a type of “Thinking Fast, Thinking Slow" exercise. (If you don't know what that might be, Google the name Daniel Kahneman and you'll find out more information.)
My “fast” answers:
Firstly - the repertoire! In conversation with my classical musician friends, discussing different art forms in comparison with music comes up as a topic a lot. Alongside the Western world’s greatest legacies like Shakespeare, the string quartets of Ludwig van Beethoven are often seen as a gift to civilization of equal value. I (of course) agree. If you are reading this and immediately scoff at the idea, I would challenge you to spend real quality time with the Beethoven Quartets. You’ll find that they contain every possible emotional and spiritual shading that Shakespeare offers, with the most personal and universal of themes, as well. Maybe even more, as there are no words used.
Secondly - learning that continues throughout life. The world of music is vast, and one of the biggest enrichments one can give oneself is to expand horizons by diving into different music - particularly things that one doesn’t immediately understand or feel an affinity for. When I am out for a walk and needing some inspiration, my “playlist” will cycle through the funk group Jamiroquai, the progressive-rock group YES, pop sensation Jacob Collier, medieval spiritual music of Hildegard von Bingen, Italian 18th-century rockstar Antonio Vivaldi, the 104 symphonies of Joseph Haydn, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, J.S. Bach, Beethoven Quartets… you get the idea. But on top of all the aforementioned artists, I’m always listening to things I’ve never heard before. Continuing to expand my aural horizons is the only way I know to ensure that I’m bringing “clean ears” to the music I perform.
My “slow answer” is - your family just gets bigger and bigger. The shared experience of either making music together or listening to music together (or both) is one of the best ways to connect with others. If you have been to a performance of a small ensemble and marveled at the intimacy of the communication on stage between members - that’s one side of the spectrum. The other side is sitting in an audience and sharing your experience(s) of the music you just heard together with others. The more music you listen to (or play) together, the more you can choose to share with others your experience. Of course one doesn’t have to, but the option is there. On a personal note, I was in France last month and had the chance to reconnect with a former student of mine from the small town of Lafleche, Saskatchewan (population 373). She left her small town years ago, got through her studies and now lives her dream life in music in Paris. She teaches pedagogy at the world famous Conservatoire Nationale de Paris, performs in several groups in the city, and just recently had her first child. When I think of where she started and where she’s wound up…along with her personal drive, it was music that made her world expand to where it is today. Pretty cool, methinks.
Audrey Sproule - violinist
Darkness Is Not Well-Lit by Nicole Lizée
Quatuor Odyssée
April 2022 in Vincennes, France
We have two concerts to tell you about that you can buy tickets for and expand your own family!! First up is local hero Hannah Thomas, performing for us at Jobsite Brewing Co. on May 4th. We will also see the return of Stratford Summer Music’s very own beer “SOUNDPROOF” back on tap and in cans for the season!
Hannah Thomas & Friends
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Doors @ 1:00PM - Show @ 2:00PM
Jobsite Brewing Co. - 45 Cambria Street
We’ve also just announced another concert for our summer season with the outstanding group Schmaltz & Pepper (schmaltzandpepper.com). They’ll be with us on July 24th for a special performance not to be missed! (And, coincidentally, two of the members of Schmaltz & Pepper are a married couple…just sayin….)
Schmaltz & Pepper
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Doors @ 6:30PM - Show @ 7:00PM
Stratford Perth Museum - 4275 Huron St.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Mark and the SSM Team
Supporter Highlight
Crystal L. Spicer | Executive Director
Stratford Summer Music
Bronze Level Sponsor & Monthly Donor
As the Executive Director of Stratford Summer Music, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the magic that music brings to our community—but my connection goes far beyond my professional role. I believe deeply in the mission of this organization and the meaningful role it plays in enriching the cultural fabric of Stratford.
This community is where I’m raising my son, and it's important to me that he grows up surrounded by the vibrancy, creativity, and joy that the arts bring into our lives. I want him—and every child, family, and visitor—to have the chance to experience world-class music, to be inspired by live performance, and to feel a sense of belonging through shared cultural moments. Stratford Summer Music makes that possible.
Supporting Stratford Summer Music isn’t just about music. It’s about nurturing a strong, connected community. It’s about celebrating the incredible talent we bring to our stages, and making sure those opportunities are available for generations to come. It’s about investing in a future where the arts continue to thrive in Stratford—and where everyone has a place in the audience.
Now more than ever, the arts need our support. And I’m proud to lead an organization that gives so much back to the community I love and call home. I hope you’ll join me in supporting Stratford Summer Music, and all that it stands for.
