THE SOUND OF WOOD
Dear Friends,
If you read these weekly messages from my desk at SSM you will likely recall more than a few missives talking about various sorts of instruments made of wood and the glories of the sounds they make. It could be a violin (we'll get to that), a guitar, a wooden flute, a drum, two sticks being hit against one another...it's a big list. At one point I mentioned that some of the mysteries surrounding how the instruments of the Italian master craftsman Antonio Stradivari were being "solved". Well, solved might be going a little far. A more apt way to discuss such things is to say that when a discovery of some import is made by a luthier, scientist, or researcher, it generates even more questions, but with a renewed sense of inner glee for those interested.
One thing I can say with some confidence is that we are now living in the new "Golden Age" of instrument making. The first since the late 17th and early 18th centuries in Europe. There are a lot of reasons that this is the case - renewed interest in the art itself, greater understanding through multiple advances in technologies, ease of acquiring excellent wood (and on that point, most people point to areas in Croatia as the number one location for sourcing outstanding maple and spruce), and of course perhaps the biggest reason of all...so many great players and performers! Many more now than 100 or 200 years ago! The most expensive instruments are so pricey that 99.9% of performers can't possibly afford them. Usually a benefactor, collector, industrialist, philanthropist, or foundation will give the use of an older instrument to a worthy recipient for a career's worth of time to use.
Another thing I can say with confidence is that Canada is strongly - very strongly - represented on the international stage with luthiers across our great country making professional quality instruments that grace some of the greatest stages in the world. Carnegie Hall in the US, check. Suntory Hall in Japan, check. Wigmore Hall in the UK, check. Name a famous concert hall and undoubtedly an instrument made by one of our extraordinary makers will have created sound there.
Next week in Toronto I will be playing two full recitals of works of J.S. Bach for violin alone using six different instruments made by six different makers from Canada. This has been a labor of love of mine for decades, and with a recording of these works set to come out in the late summer I am delighted to be able to bring the sounds of these outstanding trees to people's ears through the artistry of our world-famous luthiers.
This Sunday you can hear the sounds of some great young local talent at JobSste Brewing Co. Hannah Thomas, Johann Yundt and the York Street Thought Process will give your ears some tickling, and if you like you can also taste this year's SSM Brew Soundproof. Brewed specifically for SSM by the masters at Jobsite Brewing Co., we'll be releasing this seasonal beer on Sunday!
Hannah Thomas & Friends
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Doors @ 1:00PM - Show @ 2:00PM
Jobsite Brewing Co. - 45 Cambria Street
Have a great weekend everyone!
Mark and the SSM Team
Supporter Highlight
Barbara and Peter Smith
Fortement Level Donor
Stratford Summer Music would like to thank long-time supporters Barbara and Peter Smith! Not only are they supporters, but Barbara is vice-chair of our board.
“As long-time supporters of the arts, we are proud to support Stratford Summer Music. For 25 years, it has inspired and brought people together through the power of music and community and we are impressed by how it fosters creativity, community, and diversity and how it supports Canadian talent and the positive energy it brings to the community. Being part of something that gives back is truly rewarding.
For us, this festival is not just an event—it’s a tradition, a celebration, and a way to keep the spirit of music alive for future generations. Each year we are inspired by the energy, passion and unity Stratford Summer Music cultivates and we are honoured to be a part of its success.” - Barbara and Peter Smith
Thank you for your ongoing support of Stratford Summer Music!
