The Maid of Newfounland

The Maid of Newfoundland, chansons de Terre-Neuve

An eloquent homage to Newfoundland

Saturday April 27 2013, 8 p.m.                        

Musical direction, Sylvain Bergeron and Meredith Hall

As part of its 22nd season, La Nef presents The Maid of Newfoundland, chansons de Terre-Neuve in collaboration with Espace Musique. Under the musical direction of Sylvain Bergeron, the radiant soprano Meredith Hall, accompanied by musicians of La Nef and two dancers, will reveal to us some of the musical treasures of Newfoundland.

This unusual concert constitutes a veritable homage to the traditional songs of Newfoundland. These songs belong to an oral tradition, and have evolved over time as singers make them their own. From the sophisticated universe of the Baroque to the unbuttoned style of village festivities, Meredith Hall proudly presents the songs that were all around her when she was growing up, in the hope of sharing the charm and magic of her part of the world with her audience.

Fascinated by the stories of her grandfather, a celebrated storyteller, Meredith has drawn on her roots in offering these traditional songs whose Irish flavor betrays their origin. Seeking to penetrate some of the mysteries of Newfoundland, she invites listeners to open themselves up to a fanciful, fairy-tale world. “The tales call on the songs, and songs call on the tales. Each generation has added its grain of salt,” says Meredith. “And some of the rollicking songs evoke real kitchen parties, which were just like the party de cuisine of the Québécois!”

Meredith will be accompanied by Tina Bergmann (a virtuoso on the hammered dulcimer), Sylvain Bergeron (archlute), Robin Grenon (harp), Elise Guay (recorders and bagpipe), Betsy MacMillan (viola da gamba), Ellie Nimeroski (Baroque violin and viola), and Patrick Graham (percussion). The instrumental arrangements, by Sylvain, marvelously evoke the beauty of the Newfoundland landscape. Dancers Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière and Steven Player (who is also a guitarist) join the team to interpret some of the evening’s songs through dances lying somewhere between tradition and improvisation.

Meredith Hall, soprano; Sylvain Bergeron, lute, baroque guitar; Tina Bergmann, hammered dulcimer; Patrick Graham, percussion; Robin Grenon, harp;  Élise Guay, recorders, bagpipes; Betsy MacMillan, viola da gamba; Ellie Nimeroski, baroque violin, baroque viola, Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière and Steven Player, invited dancer.

  • Saturday, April 27, 2013, at 8 p.m.
  • Bourgie Concert Hall
  • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
  • 1339 Sherbrooke West, Montreal

Regular: $35;  MMFA member: $30.25; Under 30: $18.75, taxes and service included

Download press release Maid_Press release_eng

Espace musique

Imprimer

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