AND WE’RE OFF!!
Dear Friends,
We're down to our last few days before our season officially begins next Thursday, and we're excited! It's our 25th Anniversary, after all!! Last week, Crystal highlighted a number of great performances we have lined up in this season that we know you will love - this week it's my turn!!
I'll start off with our Opening Night - Carmina Burana! Who doesn't love this work? Even if you don't think you recognize the title, the piece is filled with moments you've heard either in film, used in theatrical productions you've been to, or even TV ads from the last 40 years or more. It's a sprawling hour of magnificent music that will leave you euphoric. There are still some seats available, so don't miss out. This time next week it will all be over...
Next on my "must" list is famed playwright and break-beat poet - Idris Goodwin. He is one of a kind! Having grown up in Detroit, he has happy memories of coming to Stratford as a child to see plays at the other festival in town (ahem!), but this will be his first time performing here. His powerful take on being human in today's world leaves a deep impression. Come hear him live, with music written (mostly) by yours truly! It will be an evening full of surprises!
With the celebration of 25 years of SSM, some of our favourite performers are back - including one of Canada's greatest living pianists, Stewart Goodyear. His last performance with us had everyone on their feet barely half a second after the last notes resonated out from the piano. This time he brings us J.S. Bach's timeless masterpiece - The Goldberg Variations. Not only that, after the Bach is finished, Goodyear will add a few of his own variations in tribute to the work itself!
The world of music is filled with legendary figures. As a special one-time-only performance, four friends who haven't shared the stage in years reunite to celebrate two of the jazz world's greatest - Stéphane Grappelli and Joe Venuti. When these two "cats" were on the scene, getting a ticket was next to impossible. I remember getting a chance to hear Grappelli in London, England at the Barbican on the occasion of his 86th birthday. People waited in a line around the block hoping for seats to open up at the last moment, it had been sold out for so long. Join SSM favourites Drew Jurecka, Nathan Hiltz and Joseph Phillips (along with your friendly neighbourhood artistic director) as we toast the legends and thank them for their legendary inspiration, impacting millions around the globe.
I'll be back next week fresh off the Carmina Burana experience mentioned above - and I'll have more suggestions for you! Come join us - a 25th anniversary happens only once!
Have a great weekend!
Mark and the SSM Team
Sponsor Highlight
Thank you to The Boathouse for being a loyal supporter of Stratford Summer Music, and helping us bring our well-loved Music Barge weekends to the community! From scenic paddleboat rentals to summertime snacks, The Boathouse is a cherished part of Stratford’s charm—and we’re so thankful for their ongoing commitment to supporting music and culture in our city.
