Digital Program 2023

Coming Full Circle

“And the seasons, they go round and round.” – Joni Mitchell, The Circle Game

Welcome to Westben’s Summer Season 2023! Inspired by the cyclical nature of life and nature, we celebrate “Coming Full Circle” this summer with a season imbued with that wonderful sense of “starting afresh” as the world emerges from a pandemic into a sunnier future.

You are heartily invited to share the circle with our colourful array of local to international Canadian artists at our three extraordinary venues. From international “classical” circles, there is Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, Janina Fialkowska, Ben Heppner - Host, Gino Quilicobaritone and the Elmer Iseler Singers. There is Mozart in the Meadow. Singer-songwriters include Chantal Kreviazuk, Jill Barber and Lennie Gallant while and jazz artists include EmilieClaire Barlow, Laila Biali and the Brian Barlow Big Band.

Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Award winner Dan Hill is here, as is platinum up-andcoming Warkworth-born country artist, SACHA (one of Country Music Television’s Next Women of Country, class of 2021). Ben Caplan and Del Barber are around the Campfire. And pushing the boundaries, we have The Fretless, as well as “Sounds of Silence” complete with silent film, improv musicians and a mime!

“The Universe is circles within circles, and everything is one circle...” - Black Elk

You are also invited to share in the sacredness of the circle with our Michi Saagiig neighbours from Alderville First Nation who will be here with music and stories focusing on the caretakership of the Black Oak Savanna. Also here is the joyful Mi'kmaq fiddler and singer Morgan Toney, recent winner of three East Coast Music Awards.

The circle also includes “Les Mis in Concert” bursting with the amazing music from the smash hit musical If a story about finding redemption through a challenging time doesn’t resonate with the spirit of our own times, I don’t know what does!

We are so excited to welcome you to our circle this coming summer! Be sure to round out your experience with the interesting array of extra events surrounding concerts such as Dare to Pair events and pre-concert chats.

This is music in nature, and we’re thrilled to have you around!

Brian Finley, C.M.

Artistic & Managing Director

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

On behalf of the Westben it is my pleasure to welco Westben’s 24th Summer

As many of you already k special place a musica of the verdant Northumb countryside. And for thos Westben, we are excited experience the magic of m with us

Brian and Donna, with th accomplished Westben te another stellar season wi musical taste. And let’s no and enthusiastic voluntee your experience here a m

Old friend or newcomer, so glad to see you and ho special place in our heart

John Welch Chair of The Westben Board of Directors

Our Venues

The Barn seats up to 400 with comfortable cushioned seating. The doors roll open on 3 sides to the beautiful surrounding meadow. Excellent acoustics and air circulation with several large ceiling fans for comfort.

Willow Hill is a natural amphitheatre located by the pond and willow tree north of The Barn. Bring your own lawn chair and picnic or order a Westben picnic to enjoy with a glass of wine or beer. Relax in the wide open spaces filled with music, nature and friends. Please dress for the weather, rain or shine.

Our Venues

The Schoolhouse fulfills our dream of connecting the many facets of Westben onto a single campus. Located right next door to The Barn, the Schoolhouse supports this “Centre Vision” superbly by offering an ideal space for a year-round, box office, rehearsal hall, Chalk Talks and learning centre. As a Centre, Westben is focused on bringing people together through music.

The Campfire is an intimate experience for 50 with a Westben performing artist. There will be smores, beverages, and time to chat with the artist. Bring your own lawn chair, warm clothing and enjoy the sunset evening of music in the outdoors.

Our Venues

Located right across the road from Westben is the Mary West Nature Reserve (38 hectares/95 acres)—home to towering white pines, spring peepers, a beautiful river, and the atrisk eastern wood pewee. Donated to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) through the estate of Mary West in 1991 – a descendant of the Wests who originally owned the farm at Westben — the property protects wetlands and forests in the Trout Creek and Trent River watersheds.

The Digital Venue is a sound playground inspired by the geography of this special place. The Barn is a hub for navigating the site. Most of all we encourage you to play. westbendigitalvenue.ca

CONCERT AT THE BARN

Measha Brueggergosman-Lee’s career effortlessly embraces the broadest array of performance platforms and musical styles and genres. She has presented innovative programs at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, Washington’s Kennedy Center, London’s Wigmore Hall, both the Konzerthaus and Musikverein in Vienna, Madrid’s Teatro Real, as well as at the Schwarzenberg, Edinburgh, Verbier and Bergen Festivals with celebrated collaborative pianists Justus Zeyen, Roger Vignoles, Julius Drake, and Simon Lepper. Her first recording for Deutsche Grammophon, Surprise, includes works by Schoenberg, Satie and Bolcom. Her subsequent disc Night and Dreams, which features songs by Mozart, Brahms, Strauss, Schubert, Debussy, Duparc and Fauré won several awards including a Juno. Her recording of the Wesendonck Lieder with Franz Welser-Möst and the Cleveland Orchestra earned her a Grammy nomination. In 2018, Measha released her memoir “Something Is Always On Fire," published by Harper Collins and its debut landed on the best-seller’s list.

Measha did not slow down during the pandemic. She produced a series of livestream “COVID concerts” in April 2020 and when the world went into lockdown, she produced over 30 music videos for various organizations and donated her newest album, Measha JAZZ, to her fans in order to encourage them through the global crisis. She composed original music for World News Day and was the music director for the radio drama The Christie Pits Riot. She was also the executive producer and director of Forgotten Coast, a 30-minute television episode (broadcast on CBC Gem) that tells the story of her Black Loyalist heritage through the lens of Hip Hop artist Jay Vernon, with orchestrations by Aaron Davis and Edwin Huizinga for the National Arts Center Orchestra in Ottawa with Alexander Shelley conducting. This season, Measha returns to the concert hall with bespoke performances at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, Koerner and Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, as well as appearances in Switzerland and Italy. Measha appears regularly on primetime TV and holds several honorary doctorates and ambassadorial titles with international charities. She currently serves as the brand ambassador for the Canadian Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and is the permanent Artist In Residence for the Canadian opera company, Opera Atelier.

MEASHA BRUEGGERGOSMAN-LEE

CONCERT AT THE BARN

Friday July7th 2023

at2:00PM

Program

Liebestraum No. 3 (“Love Dream”)

Based on a poem written by German writer, Ferdinand Freliligrath Entitled, O Lieb, so lang du lieben kannst (Love as long as love you can) this famous Nocturne explores love and the loss of love

Un Sospiro (“A Sigh”)

Un Sospiro (“A Sigh”) is the third of three Concert Etudes, so named because Liszt meant them to be “performed” as well as “studied” The other two include Il Lamento (“The Lament”) and La Leggierezza (“Lightness”)

Intimacy No. 3 – Forest Friends (Brian Finley)

The third of twelve Intimacies for solo piano composed by Brian Finley in 2020, No. 3 is an intimate duet that evokes a gentle “forest friendship” between two kindred spirits...

Consolation No. 3

A short, simple, beautiful gem of a piece, similar in style to Chopin’s Nocturne in E Flat, this Consolation was composed the year following Chopin’s death in 1849.

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

Composed when Liszt was a 36-year-old internationally acclaimed virtuoso, the Hungary Rhapsody No 2 is one of 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies exploring the fire-lit folk music of the wandering Roma communities of his native Hungary

[Intermission]

Concert Paraphrase on Verdi’s “Rigoletto”

A staple in the repertoire of any 19th Century piano virtuoso, transcriptions and paraphrases of operatic works explored the largerthan-life emotions of opera on the piano while introducing this music to a much broader public

Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude (from Harmonies poétiques et religieuses)

Having been described as “the perfect marriage between Liszt’s abilities as a virtuoso pianist and his profound spirituality”, the Bénédiction is one of Liszt’s most profound musical prayers of thanksgiving.

BRIAN FINLEY

CONCERT AT THE BARN

BRIAN FINLEY

Friday July7th 2023

at2:00PM

Brian Finley currently enjoys a multi-faceted career as a pianist, composer, director and impresario As a pianist, he has performed with orchestras from Dallas to Calgary, and at venues including Wigmore Hall (London), and the Glenn Gould Studio (Toronto). He has collaborated with some of Canada’s top singers including Adrianne Pieczonka and Gerald Finley (his cousin). Having been heard on CBC, CFMX, KING-FM in the US and on Soviet Television, his recordings include his own Preludes to Canada and Intimacies for solo piano, three with life-partner, soprano Donna Bennett, and world premiere recordings of his Requiem for a Millennium (1999) and his opera-musical Rapunzel (2005)

Brian’s compositions include music for piano, voice, choral ensembles and orchestras. For the stage, he has written and produced several full-length opera-musicals including SAMSON (2001), Rapunzel (2005), The Selfish Giant (2010) and an opera based on his own original story The Pencil Salesman (2016) inspired and commissioned by Dr. Agnes M. Herzberg. As a director he has staged fully staged productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, The Sound of Music, The Magic Ornament and his own works including Requiem for a Millennium, Westben Christmas Carol and others

Together with Donna, Brian co-founded the Westben Arts Festival Theatre near Campbellford, Ontario in 1999, serving ever since as the organization’s Artistic & Managing Director. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, and together with Donna, was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2017 for their work with Westben.

CONCERT ON WILLOW HILL

Friday July7th 2023

at7:00PM

Music’s an almost alchemical force to Canadian Mi'kmaq fiddler and singer Morgan Toney In just a short amount of time, Toney has invigorated both the Atlantic music communities and Mi’kmaq communities by bringing together the fiery fiddling of Cape Breton Island with the old songs of the Mi’kmaq, some dating back up to 500 years. He calls this fusion Mi’kmaltic (Mi’kmaq + Celtic) and it's his way of celebrating his language and heritage. “There are two worlds of Mi’kmaq music,” Toney explains, “song and fiddle. They had never come together before. People knew of each, but never had I ever seen a collaboration between Celtic and Mi'kmaq culture before.

Toney’s debut album First Flight, nominated for 3 East Coast Music Awards and a Canadian Folk Music Award, showcases this unique combination, both in the way he transforms traditional songs like the Ko’jua and the Mi’kmaq Honour Song, but also for the new songs he’s creating. “Msit No’kmaq” was written partially in Mi’kmaq and features a fiddle break from the great Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac. “Kwana Li” is a traditional Mi'kmaq song that Toney added new English lyrics to and “For the Elders” is a newly composed waltz from Toney.

With the immediate accolades and attention, it’s easy to forget that Morgan Toney is so new to the music, having only played the fiddle for a few years. But there’s something deeper at work here. His great-grandfather and three other great-uncles were all Mi'kmaq fiddlers of renown in the community. In a sense, Toney’s coming back full circle. And circles are something he understands. “We are living in circles,” he says. “The earth is a circle. The drum is a circle, how we move around is a circle, how we greet each other. The talking circle is huge.”

Ishkōdé Records introduces First Flight to the world on March 25, 2022

MORGAN TONEY

at7:00PM

Making a name for herself since the release of her EP The Best Thing in July 2020, SACHA is one of Canada’s fastest rising country stars. Becoming an iHeartRadio’s “Future Star” following the success of her latest single with the Reklaws, “What the Truck” (19 million+ global streams), SACHA has since been named as a member of CMT’s Next Women Of Country 2021 class and earned her first PLATINUM single alongside The Reklaws with their viral hit track “What The Truck,” which was the the fastest-ever Canadian country song to go PLATINUM in history She performed the track alongside The Reklaws to close out the national broadcast of the 2021 CCMA Awards.

Featured in major television, print and online press including CMT, Music Row Magazine, American Songwriter, Rolling Stone Country, Billboard and The Boot, SACHA has also appeared on A-list editorial playlists (U.S. and Canadian) on Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Kicking off 2022, SACHA released her sophomore EP WE DID and saw the music video for its track "Pretty Please" debut in Times Square Nominated for Rising Star at the 2022 CCMA Awards and the CMAOntario Awards, this fall she landed her first-ever CCMA Award for Top Selling Canadian Single (“What The Truck”). That same weekend SACHA was also named the winner of SiriusXM's Top of The Country contest. She spent this fall on the road across the US with Maddie and Tae and just released a new single "Call It Country" Feat. Jade Eagleson. Read more here https://www.iamsacha.com/

SACHA

CONCERT AT THE BARN

THE FRETLESS

Sunday July9th 2023

at2:00PM

Four ferocious players, masterful composition, and a genre-bending sound – Juno award-winning The Fretless is a Canadian quartet that has firmly taken its place on the map to a progressive form of “trad."

A supergroup of celebrated solo artists, The Fretless has been creating a singular and signature sound that dares to expand the idea of what a string music quartet can be – transforming fiddle tunes and folk melodies into intricate, beautiful, high-energy arrangements that have quickly gained a dedicated following and accolades from around the world. Within what appears to be a simple construct – two fiddles, a viola, and a cello – The Fretless has created a sound that is distinctly rich, multi-layered, and uniquely percussive.

Since the band’s inception in 2011, The Fretless have released 5 award-winning albums which includes a 2016 Juno Award for Instrumental Album of The Year, 2 Juno nominations, 5 Canadian Folk Music Awards, and numerous other nominations and accolades. They have been touring extensively at home in Canada, as well as globally throughout Australia, South and North America, and Europe.

The Fretless is Trent Freeman (Fiddle/Viola), Karrnnel Sawitsky (Fiddle/Viola), Ben Plotnick (Fiddle/Viola), and Eric Wright (Cello) and will be featuring several songs from their Juno nominated guest singer collaboration album,Open House, with internationally acclaimed guest vocalist Madeleine Roger.

A Fretless show is infectious, dynamic, and impressively relentless. They not only deliver expert musicianship and an electrifying performance but always invite the audience to feel the passion they hold for their music.

THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE

Thursday July13th 2023 at7:00PM

Program

Sketches with E.T. the Mime & the Band

The Red Balloon – a 35-minute live film score composed by Ben Finley set to this 1956 classic French fantasy comedy-drama that follows a young boy along the streets of Paris with a giant red balloon.

Intermission

‘Corners We Know’ – A tribute musical piece to videographer and photographer Steve Dagg, composed by Ben Finley, featuring images of Trent HillsImprovisations with E.T. the Mime & the Band

Sounds of Silence

Ben Finley, bass Ben Finley is a performer-composer specializing in the bass (acoustic and electric, sometimes with FX). He performs in various creative music ensembles and often composes music that attempts to engage the diverse life experiences of its participants while co-creating community connections with land. Since 2018, he has facilitated Westben’s Performer-Composer Residency—a celebration of a wide variety of sound practices—and is also Westben’s sustainability coordinator. Ben is currently undertaking his PhD in critical studies in improvisation at the University of Guelph, where he studies music and festivals as sites of eco-cultural regeneration.

Ian Wright, drums Ian Wright is an award-winning, Torontobased drummer, composer and dance-accompanist. Ian has developed a thoughtful and unique approach to his instrument that has been recognized by the Toronto Arts Foundation, Humber College, The Banff Centre, Galaxie Music, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Juno Awards for his work with Sammy Jackson. Since receiving his bachelors degree in music from Humber College in 2014, Ian has been consistently performing locally, nationally and internationally with many groups and artists including Toronto’s Autobahn Trio, Sammy Jackson, Local Talent by Projectwhatever, BROS (Ewan and Shamus Currie of The Sheepdogs), Ottawa's Kellylee Evans and Montreal’s Emily Rockarts, to name a few. Additionally, Ian is a regular dance accompanist at many of Toronto’s leading dance institutions, including the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, Ryerson University and The School of Toronto Dance Theatre.

Etenem Oton

ET the Mime is considered one of Canada's best mime artists. He performs his pantomime worldwide to packed theatres in the USA, Canada, Italy, Jamaica and Mexico. He has opened up for many celebrities such as the Nylons, The Wild Strawberries and Chantel Kreviazuk. You may recognize him from his TV appearances on ‘The Comedy Network’ and weekly on 'The Big Comfy Couch.' His live show is always a wonderful treat as he combines physical illusion with hilarious improvised Mime!

Sounds of Silence

Sarah Belle Reid, trumpet and electronics

Sarah Belle Reid is a performer-composer who plays trumpet, modular synthesizer, and an ever-growing collection of handcrafted electronic instruments. Her unique musical voice explores the intersections between contemporary classical music, experimental and interactive electronics, visual arts, noise music, and improvisation Often praised for her ability to transport audience members through vivid sonic adventures, Reid's sonic palette has been described as ranging from "graceful" and "danceable" all the way to "silk-fallingthrough-space," and "pit-full-of-centipedes" (San Francisco Classical Voice). Reid holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts from California Institute of the Arts, with a research focus on the development of new electronic instruments and musical notation systems as interfaces for exploring temporal perception and co-creation. Her debut album for trumpet and interactive electronics, "Underneath and Sonder," was released on pfMENTUM in October, 2019 In March 2021, she released an electroacoustic EP titled “MASS”, featuring trumpet, voice, electronics, and amplified objects. In addition to her performance and compositional work, Reid runs an online music education company dedicated to teaching sound synthesis and electroacoustic composition to professional and hobbyist musicians. She has mentored thousands of musicians from around the world in her online programs, and is a frequent guest lecturer at notable institutions in the US and Canada including Stanford University, University of Victoria, California Institute of the Arts, New York University (NYU), among others

yu Funaba, piano Mayu is a McGill Bachelor graduate pianist from an. With experience as both a professional pianist and a music tructor, her performance experience spans a diverse range of sical genres. Currently, she is performing and teaching music sed in Montreal. She also works at L’École supérieure de ballet du ébec as a ballet piano accompanist She graduated from Toride oyo high school music program (Japan) and obtained The Academy Contemporary Music Music production diploma ( U.K.). She passed e Associated Board of Royal College of Music Diploma with tinction in 2010 She completed the Stuttgart Music University ster Class under a Tokyo International Association of Artists scholarship. In 2013 Mayu composed a piece of music for the exhibition of the audio and visual installation piece "a stake in the river" at the Nakanogo Biennial 2013 in collaboration with Junichi Akagawa and Yuki Shindo. In 2020, she released a virtual concert of the world premiere of new compositions by Robert Hasegawa and Joel Toews in collaboration with Sahara von Hattenburger (Cello), which was funded by the Canada Council for the Arts to present cultural exchange between Japan and Canada. Her duo with Sahara was also nominated for the finalist at 1° Concorso Internazionale di Bandoneón e Musica d’ insieme “Astor Piazzolla – Città di Trani 2021”

GINO QUILICO baritone, with Brian Finley, piano

ELMER ISELER SINGERS, Lydia Adams, conductor with Shawn Grenke, piano

BEN HEPPNER, Host, presents Music for a Summer Afternoon

Westben Festival - July 14th at 2:00 p.m.

Elmer Iseler Singers

Celtic Suite

Comin ’Thro the Rye

The Dark Island

Loch Lomond

Afton Water

The Hundred Pipers

Long Road

She’s Called Nova

Scotia

Gino Quilico

Caruso

L’Heure Exquise

Torna Sorriento

Medley Italiano

Largo al Factorum

Robert Burns; Iain MacLachlan, arr L Adams

Soloist: Mitchell Pady, tenor

Soloist: Paul Winkelmans, baritone

Soloist: Mitchell Pady, tenor

Ēriks Ešenvalds; poem by Paulīna Bārda

Soloists: Claire Renouf and Lynn Featherstone; Doug MacNaughton, tin whistle

Rita MacNeil, arr Stuart Calvert

Soloist: Gisele Kulak

Lucio Dalla

Reynaldo Hahn

Ernesto De Curtis

(Arrivederci Roma, O Sole Mio, Conte Partiro)

Gioachino Rossini

INTERMISSION

Elmer Iseler Singers

An Die Musik

Franz Schubert; arr Derek Holman and Stephen Ralls

Melodia Myroslav Skoryk, arr. Mykola Hobdych

Soloist: Gisele Kulak, soprano

Precious Lord Thomas A. Dorsey, arr. Arnold Sevier

We Rise Again

Gino Quilico

Leon Dubinsky, arr. L. Adams

Somewhere Leonard Bernstein; Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

God on High (Les Misérables)

Gino Quilico with the Elmer Iseler Singers

Toreador

Hallelujah

You’ll Never Walk Alone (Carousel)

Music: Claude-Michel Schönberg;

Lyrics: Herbert Kretzmer

Georges Bizet

Leonard Cohen

Harmonized by Jacques Lachapelle with the piano arrangement by Dominic Bouliane

Rodgers and Hammerstein, arr. Dominic Boulianne

CONCERT AT THE BARN

GINO QUILICO

Friday July14th 2023

at2:00PM

Mr. Gino Quilico’s career spans more than forty years, following a remarkable course through the most prestigious opera houses in the world: The Metropolitan Opera (New York), la Scala (Milan), The Royal Opera House (London), The Paris Opera, The Vienna Staatsoper, to name a few. It goes without saying that Mr. Quilico sang under the direction of the greatest conductors of the symphonic world: Herbert Von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa and of course Kent Nagano and Yannick Nézet-Séguin Among all his accomplishments, one must not forget in 1991 his participation in the world premiere of the Opera The Ghosts of Versailles, created to mark the centennial celebrations of the Metropolitan Opera. In 1987, for the first time in the history of the Metropolitan Opera, a father (Louis) and his son (Gino) were singing in the same production of Manon by Massenet. Mr. Quilico has participated in more than thirty opera recordings. In 1995, he received a Grammy Award for his participation in Les Troyen de Berlioz with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. In 2003, a Gold record for his recording Noel. Gino Quilico has also performed with great success musicals including Notre-Dame de Paris by Plamondon-Cocciante where he played the role of "Quasimodo" and the role of "Jean Valjean" in Les Misérables for Québec’s 400 anniversary. His life work has not been exclusively dedicated to opera and music. In 1990, he is one of the rare Canadians to be dubbed a Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations High Commission For Refugees (UNHCR). Gino Quilico has always taken the promotion of opera to heart while being a worthy representative of Canadian culture. This commitment has been noted when he was awarded the title of Officer of the Order of Canada in 1993, thereby acknowledging his talent. By the same token, the Canada Music Council named him “Artist of the Year” in 1993 to recognize his exceptional contribution to classical music in Canada.

THE ELMER ISELER SINGERS

& HOST, BEN HEPPNER

CONCERT AT THE BARN

GINO QUILICO

THE ELMER ISELER SINGERS & HOST, BEN HEPPNER

The JUNO Award winning Elmer Iseler Singers (EIS), conducted by artistic director Lydia Adams since 1998, is singing its 45th concert season in 2023/24. Founded in 1979 by Dr. Elmer Iseler, the 20-voice professional chamber choir is honoured to receive invitations to collaborate with many major musical organizations, including Esprit Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Gryphon Trio, and the Canadian Brass. The EIS has also received a number of honours, most recently a 2018 JUNO Award and GRAMMY nomination for the Chandos recording of works by Ralph Vaughan Williams, featuring the Toronto Symphony under the baton of Peter Oundjian. The Elmer Iseler Singers is dedicated to performing the works of Canadian composers in Toronto and on its many tours across the country, on many CDS and in its concerts and workshops with community singers, emerging artists, composers and conductors. The EIS ensemble recently performed the world premiere and concert tour of Timothy Corlis’ meditational work, Om Saha Nãvavatu, inspired by Vedic texts and the poetry of Hindu and Buddhist spiritual masters. Spring programming included three world premieres of works by emerging and established Canadian composers, and a seven-concert tour of the Maritimes in March 2023. We look forward with great anticipation to a busy summer of concerts at major Music Festivals throughout Ontario.

LYDIA ADAMS, Conductor

An accomplished conductor, composer, arranger and pianist, Lydia Adams is now in her 24th season as Artistic Director of the Elmer Iseler Singers. For 35 years, she was also the Artistic Director of the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto, building it from a small community choir into a nationally recognized choral organization with an outstanding reputation for innovation, commissioning, recording, and presenting performances of established and contemporary works. Born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Ms. Adams’ early and lifelong musical influence was her mother, Florence Adams. She studied piano with Marguerite MacDougall before receiving further musical education at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, and at the Royal College of Music and the National Opera Studio in London, England Ms. Adams has received numerous accolades for her contributions to Canadian music, including citations from the City of Scarborough, the Women’s International Network, and the Ontario Choral Federation. She has been awarded Honorary Degrees by Mount Allison University (Doctor of Music, 2003, for excellence in the Arts) and by Cape Breton University (Doctor of Letters, 2018, for her dedication “to the presentation and evolution of musical culture”).

GINO QUILICO

SINGERS

Friday July14th 2023 at2:00PM &

Ben Heppner is renowned worldwide for his portrayals in the dramatic tenor repertoire. His career has taken him to opera stages and concert halls around the world. He is acclaimed for the beauty of his voice, incisive musicianship, and his generosity with his audience. His performances set new standards in his demanding repertoire.

Heppner studied music at the University of British Columbia and gained national attention in 1979 as the winner of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Talent Festival. In 1988, he won the Metropolitan Opera auditions and went on to collect three Junos and three Grammy Awards. Mr. Heppner is a Companion of the Order of Canada.

For the last eight years, Ben brought his voice and quirky humour to the airwaves of CBC Radio as the host of Saturday Afternoon at the Opera and Backstage. Recently he has been reassigned to a third dream career - that of vice-president of the ‘Honey-do’ corporation.

Ben Heppner and his Beloved live in Toronto. They have three grown children and five of the most adorable, witty and intelligent grands the world has ever seen. Heppner loves drinking coffee on the deck and touring the countryside on his motorcycle.

THE ELMER ISELER

HOST, BEN HEPPNER

Before Mozart in the Meadow

11:30

AM to 1:15 PM

Before the merriment of Mozart, enjoy a delicious Viennese Lunch prepared by Trent Hills Chef Ron Csenar with delicious world class German wine pairings shared by Wine Buff Duarte da Silva from Prince Edward County. Meet the artists and relax in the beautiful Westben meadow. Mozart would have loved it!

Duarte da Silva, wine buff - Born in the Azores, Portugal, Duarte was introduced to the world of wine at a young age, his grandfathers being amataur winemakers. He developed an interest in all things wine from the vineyard to production, to promoting and selling wine. He has travelled to wine regions around the world in France, Spain, Portugal, Australia, USA and Canada. He currently lives in Prince Edward County, Canada's fast growing wine region and was most recently, the Executive Director of the Prince Edward County WinegrowersAssociation.

Ron Csenar is an award acknowledged and Red Seal Chef. Ron is well known for his previous ownership of Capers Tap House restaurant, established in 1997 in the beautiful town of Campbellford. Although semi-retired, Ron continues to be involved with Westben as well as, Fundraisers like the Dr’s Cook Off and the Incredible Edibles. Ron presently lives on the Trent River with his partner Nancy where they enjoy boating and hanging out with their canine friends Eddie and Frankie.

Before the Concert - Pre Concert Chat 1:15 PM

Barb Hobart & Brian Finley discuss the music & composers.

Featuring: Peter Shackleton, clarinet, Stephen Sitarski, violin, Sophie Drouin, violin, Jody Davenport, viola and Cathy Anderson, cello

Mozart in the Meadow

Peter Shackleton is principal clarinetist of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and a member of Music in Common and INNERchamber He has served as principal clarinetist of Orchestra London Canada, and has performed with Tafelmusik (on historical clarinet) and Les Violons du Roy, as well as with the Milwaukee Symphony, Winnipeg Symphony, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and Stratford Festival Orchestras. Peter is currently on the faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University and in the past has held teaching positions at Western University and Lakehead University Awarded First Prize at the 27th CBC Radio Competition, he has performed as a soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, CBC Radio Orchestra (Vancouver), Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and Tafelmusik. Peter received his Honours Bachelor of Music from Northwestern University and a certificate in Chamber Music Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

ski, violin. Acclaimed for his musical versatility and eclectic nist and conductor Stephen Sitarski was born in Oakville, eceived his training from Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of versity of Toronto, and the State University of New York at His most influential teachers were Lorand Fenyves and Joyce holding the position of Associate Concertmaster of the ra Company Orchestra, he took the same position with the mphony Orchestra, and then went on to become r of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony He is currently r of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra in addition to it Orchestra He has performed as guest concertmaster for an orchestras, and has often been featured as soloist. Composers Glenn Buhr and Kelly-Marie Murphy have both written concertos expressly for Stephen, and he has been involved in countless premieres of new works in solo, chamber, and orchestral forms. A former faculty member of Canada’s National Youth Orchestra, he is currently on the faculty of Toronto’s Royal Conservatory Himself a victim of severe depression, Stephen has become an advocate and spokesperson for musicians’ mental health issues

Cathy Anderson is the Associate Principal Cellist of the KitchenerWaterloo Symphony, of which she has been a member since 2007 She also plays occasionally with Drayton Entertainment and as a sub for the Stratford Festival. She has been heard as a soloist and chamber musician on CBC Radio and National Public Radio in the United States, and holds music degrees from Wilfrid Laurier and Yale Universities. Cathy performs regularly in the Kitchener-Waterloo area both with the symphony and in collaboration with other local musicians She enjoys teaching the young musicians of the K-W Symphony Youth Orchestra programs, and maintains a teaching studio at the Renaissance School of the Arts.

Mozart in the Meadow

Jody Davenport, viola Judith is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University where she studied with members of the Penderecki String Quartet. She has been a member of the National Youth Orchestra, continuing her summer studies in Banff, at the Orford Arts Centre and has participated in a number of QuartetFests at Wilfrid Laurier University An avid chamber musician, Judith has performed on series such as the Stratford Summer Music Festival, KWS’s Baroque and Beyond, Leith Summer Festival, Perimeter Institute’s Bistro Series, Festival of the Sound, and the KWMS to name just a few. She is currently a member of the INNERchamber String Quartet As an educator, Judith is very active in the Kitchener-Waterloo community teaching at Wilfrid Laurier, University of Waterloo (Conrad Grebel), as well as maintaining a small private studio. Judith is part of the resident faculty for IMC (Interprovincial Music Camp) and City of Lakes Strings Retreat at the Canadian Ecology Centre. She is a long-time coach for the KW Symphony’s Youth Orchestra program and is in high demand as a clinician across Southern Ontario. Judith has held the position of Associate Principal Viola with the KWS since October 2002 and maintains an active freelance career across Southern Ontario. Most recently, she was a member of the band for the North American debut of the hit new musical & Juliet in Toronto (Mirvish Productions). She lives in Kitchener with her husband Jeff and their small but mighty Scottish Terrier Gus

Sophie Drouin graduated with top honours from the Quebec Conservatoire before studying with Lorand Fenyves at the University of Toronto She and husband Stephen Sitarski were members of the Winnipeg Symphony for six years before moving back to Ontario when Steve became the Concertmaster of the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, where Sophie is still a member. Sophie also enjoys a successful career as a mosaic artist in Canada and internationally, and is the winner of several Canadian, American and European awards

CONCERT AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

Saturday July15th 2023 at8:00PM

When Del Barber set to writing the 12 songs that comprise his eighth album, he adhered more than everto a prairie aesthetic. The record follows Barber’s acclaimed 2021 album Stray Dogs: Collected BSidesVol. 1, made during the height of pandemic restrictions. Stray Dogs, which brought Barber to theend of one season, Almanac doggedly led him into the next.“I want my work to be seen as subtle by definition,” Barber says. “I want my statements to come acrossas questions rather than decrees or opinions. Some of the songs are descriptions of my world throughmy own eyes, a way of songwriting I’ve never felt I’ve done well until now had another chance. It felt like spring.”

DEL BARBER

Sunday

2023

Nominated for a Grammy for Best Male Vocal, winner of a Grammy (as co-producer of “Seduces Me” on Celine Dion’s 32 plus million-selling “Falling Into You” album), winner of five Juno Awards, the Harold Moon Award (Canadian Lifetime Song Writing Achievement Award) and having been inducted into the venerated Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (2021), Dan is an international music industry legend.

Hill recorded and released multiple gold and platinum albums and is beloved for his classic, timeless hits such as “Sometimes When We Touch” (Dolly Parton’s “favorite song of all time). “Sometimes When We Touch” has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Songs of the Century and one of Top 100 Most Played Songs of All Time (BMI).

Hill has also enjoyed consistent success as a “behind the scenes” songwriter, with his compositions being recorded by an astonishing array of artists spanning myriad musical genres including pop singers Celine Dion, Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, and Rod Stewart, to R&B singers Tina Turner, and George Benson, and country singers Tammy Wynette, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton - and jazz artists, Joe Sealy, Salome Bey, and Jackie Richardson.

Collectively, Dan's music amasses well over one million listeners per month on Spotify. Overall, Dan has enjoyed over 100 million units sold worldwide.

Dan Hill is widely celebrated as one of Canada’s most distinguished, authentic, and multi-talented artists, who continues to create prose and music that speak to the humanity and beauty in all of us.

DAN HILL

NATURAL BALANCE

Thursday July20th 2023

at7:00PM

Join a friendly gathering of Alderville First Nation neighbours as they meet at The Barn to share stories, music, and conversation about their life, history, hopes, and dreams. Included is a special introduction to the creation and caretakership of Alderville’s Black Oak Savanna, the largest intact tract of native grassland in Central Ontario.

Special guests include: Dave Mowat Trio (Dav Wilkins), Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Ans Janine McLeod, Koren Smoke and Whitney La

Dave Mowat has spent the past 33 years working in vari the First Nation level, in Winnipeg, Waabaseemoong, Scu Nation and Alderville First Nation. As a researcher, write officer, consultation specialist, Band councilor and Chief of Alderville First Nation, Dave has remained committed positive advancement of our communities. His passion r researching and understanding the treaty, military, and history of southern Ontario as it pertains to Alderville bu Mississauga Nation as a whole. Dave is also a long-time musician/singer, having taken up the harmonica back in 1980s not long after relocating to the rough neighbourh

Winnipeg From that point he followed and learned from the local Winnipeg players like Big Dave McLean, (C.M.) and Gord Kidder, and in the company of American players like Jimmy Rogers, Johnny Winter, Junior Wells, John Lee Hooker and Sunnyland Slim. Over the ensuing 35 plus years Dave continues to learn and understand the blues He still plays professionally in Toronto and south-central Ontario, which balances his political and historical interests. Along with his wife Janet and their granddaughter Brooklyn, Dave lives in the home he built in Alderville (25 years ago), adjacent to his beloved Black Oak Savanna and Tallgrass Prairie, where he and Janet also raised their 3 children

DAVE MOWAT

CONCERT ON WILLOW HILL

Friday July21st 2023 at7:00PM

Canada's incomparable vocal jazz jewel Emilie-Claire Barlow - leads her stellar band through innovative arrangements of American-Songbook treasures, rhythmic bossa novas and elegant ballads. She continues to endear herself to critics, peers and audiences everywhere with her relaxed, polished demeanour, her charming humour, and a voice of unforgettable beauty. EmilieClaire’s concert will feature favourites from her extensive repertoire as well as new arrangements from her forthcoming 13th album "Spark Bird" Press Quote “In typical fashion, Barlow consistently performs with poignant musicality combined with a great sense of humour. Overall, the night’s selections showcased Barlow’s ability to enrapture audiences with a combination of romance, drama and infectious energy. Even after presenting such a comprehensive program, there’s no doubt that she could have kept going and taken the crowd right along with her.” Chris Maskell - Ottawa Citizen

EMILIE-CLAIRE BARLOW

CONCERT AT THE BARN

Saturday

July22nd 2023 at2:00PM

Program

Franz Schubert(1797 – 1828)

Sonate No.7 Es-Dur D568

Johannes Brahms(1833 – 1897)

Fünf Stücke

– Intermezzo B-Dur op. 76 Nr. 4

– Rhapsodie h-Moll op. 79 Nr. 1

Intermezzo A Dur op.118 Nr.2

– Intermezzo b-Moll op. 117 Nr. 2

–

Capriccio d-Moll op. 116 Nr. 7

Maurice Ravel(1875 – 1937)

“Jeux d’Eau” (“Wasserspiele”)

Frédéric Chopin(1810 –1849)

Polonaise in A-Dur op. 40 Nr. 1 (“Militär-Polonaise“)

Scherzo Nr. 4E-Dur op. 54

JANINA FIALKOWSKA

CONCERT AT THE BARN

JANINA FIALKOWSKA

Saturday July22nd 2023

at2:00PM

For almost 50 years, concert pianist Janina Fialkowska has enchanted audiences and critics around the world. She has been praised for her musical integrity, her refreshing natural approach and her unique piano sound thus becoming “one of the Grandes Dames of piano playing” (Frankfurter Allgemeine).

Born in Canada, she began her piano studies with her mother at age 4 continuing on in her native Montreal with Yvonne Hubert. In Paris she studied with Yvonne Lefébure and in New York at the Juilliard School with Sascha Gorodnitzki, experiencing the best of both French and Russian piano traditions. Her career was launched in 1974, when the legendary Arthur Rubinstein became her mentor after her prizewinning performance at his inaugural Master Piano Competition, calling her a “born Chopin interpreter” laying the foundation for her lifelong identification with this composer.

Since then she has performed with the foremost orchestras worldwide under the baton of such conductors as Zubin Mehta, Bernard Haitink, Lorin Maazel, Sir Georg Solti, Sir Roger Norrington and Yannick Nézet-Séguin, to name one of the younger generation. She has won special recognition for a series of important premieres, notably Liszt’s newly discovered Third Piano Concerto with the Chicago Symphony and several contemporary piano concertos. Ms Fialkowska's discography includes many award-winning discs, e.g. the BBC Music Magazine’s 2013 “Instrumental CD of the Year" award as well as the Canadian "Juno Award" in 2018.

Her native Canada has bestowed upon her their highest honors: “Officer of the Order of Canada”, the “Governor General’s 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award in Classical Music” (Canada's equivalent to the US Kennedy Centre Awards), as well as three honorary doctorates. She passes on her wide musical experience in master classes and at her annual “International Piano Academy” in Bavaria, where she now resides and makes frequent appearances as a juror of the world's most prestigious piano competitions.

Her Autobiography, 'A Note in Time' was published to universal acclaim by Novum Publishers London, in November, 2021.

CONCERT AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

Saturday July22nd 2023 at8:00PM

Ben Caplan is both the roar of the hurricane and the eye of the storm. He has an uncanny ability to channel both wild abandon and quiet introspection. His songwriting pulls from many diverse influences but both his music and his lyrics regularly draw from his Jewish heritage. Often mixing biblical imagery and klezmer inflected melodies, Caplan re-appropriates ancient sounds and themes with a decidedly contemporary twist.

Ben released his first studio album in 2011, and has spent the last ten years recording music and performing to ever growing audiences in music clubs and theatres around the world. For the ten year anniversary of his first release, Caplan has recorded a retrospective collection of stripped back re-interpretations of songs from across his catalogue. The album, entitled Recollection, will be released in October of 2021 followed by an extensive European and Canadian tour.

BEN CAPLAN

Before Chantal Kreviazuk

11:30 AM to 1:15 PM

In honour of Chantal Kreviazuk’s Ukrainian and Métis heritage, Chef Douglas Hope from Sper Restaurant in Warkworth prepares a delightful preconcert lunch with wine pairings by Prince Edward County’s wine expert Duarte Da Silva

Duarte da Silva, wine buff - Born in the Azores, Portugal, Duarte was introduced to the world of wine at a young age, his grandfathers being amateur winemakers. He developed an interest in all things wine from the vineyard to production, to promoting and selling wine. He has travelled to wine regions around the world in France, Spain, Portugal, Australia, USA and Canada. He currently lives in Prince Edward County, Canada's fast growing wine region and was most recently, the Executive Director of the Prince Edward County WinegrowersAssociation.

Chef Douglas Hope has incorporated his vast experience and diversity in his upbringing and travels to gain an understanding of food from growing livestock and produce to the complete use of each product in numerous countries around the world including across Canada, Australia, UK, France and 5 oceans serving food on 7 continents.

An education that started at Sir Sandford Fleming in Hospitality Mgmt to Culinary Arts at SAIT in Calgary which continued throughout his global travels. He has worked in numerous countries and with 2 cruise companies. For 5 years Chef Hope had his own restaurant amidst the four wine districts near Adelaide, Australia including multiple features in TV shows Postcards & Discover Australia. Notable restaurants and hotels filled his resume from Anton Mosimann of London, Canoe in Toronto, Conrad Hotels; Windows on The World, six star cruise line Silversea to recently Elmhirst’s Resort of the Kawarthas. Chef Hope has opened a restaurant called Sper Food and property “ ‘Sper Farm” with his family in Warkworth which includes heirloom varietal produce in Greenhouses, organic Gardens and a distinctive selection of livestock rearing naturally fed heritage breeds.

CONCERT AT THE BARN

CHANTAL KREVIAZUK

Sunday July23rd 2023 at2:00PM

Chantal Kreviazuk is a platinum-selling, Grammy and three-time Juno Awardwinning artist from Winnipeg. In 2016, she returned with her sixth album "Hard Sail." While raising her three sons with husband Raine Maida, she also spent time on her other musical passion, crafting songs. Chantal has written for Drake, Pitbull, Kendrick Lamar, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Josh Groban and countless others. A holiday album - “Christmas Is A Way Of Life, My Dear” – followed in 2019, and a brand new album “Get To You” was released in the summer of 2020.

In 2014, Chantal and Raine became members of the Order of Canada, recognizing their efforts to raise awareness and support for numerous causes including human and animal rights, mental health, education and the environment. Chantal has been an ambassador to War Child for over two decades and one of the organization’s founding artists. Raine and Chantal recently released their first collaborative album together as MOON VS SUN, "I’m Going to Break Your Heart," as well as an accompanying documentary.

CONCERT AT THE BARN

July25th until August2nd

Experience the music of one of the most moving and beloved musicals in history. An all-star cast assembles at The Barn to bring to life all the favourite musical moments from this international hit. Featuring Adam Fisher, Robert Longo, Caitlin Wood, David Michael Moote, Meher Pavri, Ian Simpson & Kim Dafoe. Production coordinated by Caroline Smith.

(Please note: this is a concert version of the music from the musical, and not a fully-staged production)

LES MIS IN CONCERT

Adam Fisher Robert Longo Caitlin Wood Meher Pavri

David Michael Moote Ian Simpson

Kim Dafoe

LES MIS IN CONCERT CAST

Adam Fisher (Jean Valjean) Equally versatile in Opera, Musicals and contemporary music, Adam Fisher is known for his charismatic stage presence and wide range of repertoire. A graduate of University of British Columbia and Santa Barbara's Music Academy of the West, Adam has sung in several contemporary and classic operas, including Candide with Edmonton Opera’s ill-fated repandemic production of Leonard Bernstein’s classic satire Candide, Julius Caesar with Industry Opera and LA Phil's live studio recording of Young Caesar, Edward, a troubled young soldier in Opera on the Avalon’s premiere of “OURS”, Father Alexander in Tapestry Opera’s powerful 2017 production Oksana G, Paris in Boston with Odyssey Opera’s “sparkling” production of La Belle Helene, Rodolfo in Edmonton with Mercury Opera’s genre bending production of La Boheme in the infamous strip club Chez Pierre. His musical credits include, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat both with the Westben Music Festival, Joe Cable in South Pacific with Calgary Opera and numerous Broadway review concerts across North America Adam’s upcoming highlights include several engagements across the United States with the America’s Wonders 3D cinematic experience. Along with the marvelous Brian Finley, their cover of Don McLean’s classic song “Vincent” was recently released on all streaming platforms and is featured in the brand new 3D impressionist art film that opened this winter in Montreal called Lasting Impressions/La Magie des Impressionnistes. Also in 2023 Adam is releasing brand new chamber electronic pop music under the pseudonym JOHNMVRK

Robert Longo (Javert) Bob is very excited to bring the Music of Les Mis to one of his favorite venues

He has sung over 2,000 performances of Les Misérables in the Mirvish, Toronto, Canadian National Tours, and U.S. National Tour Marius Companies. Westben highlights include almost all of Brian's original shows and many Broadway Concerts. He played the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast for Mirvish Productions and has sung on concert, opera and theater stages all across North America When not on stage, Bob acts as an Arts Consultant, Music Resource Teacher for the Toronto Catholic District School Board. He also teaches Voice for the Randolph College and enjoys working as an an adjudicator and clinician. Perhaps his favorite role is “Grandpa” to his quickly expanding family.

David Michael Moote (Marius) is a singer and actor originally from London, ON. A graduate of McGill University’s voice performance program, David has performed across the country in illustrious venues such as The Princess of Wales Theatre, Ed Mirvish Theatre, The Northern and Southern Jubilee, The Grand Theatre, Caesar’s Palace and many more He has sung on Juno nominated albums, appeared in national commercials and television shows, starred in musicals, and is the lead singer of the metal band Operus, which has toured internationally and played to festivals of over 80,000 people. Performing in a variety of styles, genres, and mediums keeps things fresh and exciting for David, and life as an artist so satisfying Enjoy the show!

Meher Pavri (Éponine) Parsi-Canadian soprano, Meher Pavri hails from London, Ontario She is a multidisciplinary artist who enjoys performing in opera, musical theatre, theatre, film / television and is most passionate about new Canadian works. Her career highlights include: Maria in West Side Story (LOT, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Niagara Symphony Orchestra); soloist in a number of Soulpepper Theatre shows, most recently 88 Keys; roles in the world premiere of The Overcoat, A Musical Tailoring (CanStage, Tapestry Opera, Vancouver Opera), Mozart’s Idomeneo (Opera Atelier), singing the national anthems at NBA Raptors games, the Canadian premiere of Bend It Like Beckham, the musical (Starvox) and most recently in the Canadian premiere of Mahabharata (Shaw Festival) which will be touring to the Barbican in London, England this fall Meher was also a part of the ensemble in Handel’s Messiah with Against the Grain Theatre that won a Dora award.

LES MIS IN CONCERT CAST

Caitlin Wood (Fantine/Cosette) Alberta- born soprano Caitlin Wood was “absolutely vibrant” and showed “great comic flair” in her debut as Susanna in Vancouver Opera Festival’s The Marriage of Figaro. Caitlin portrayed Ava in City Opera Vancouver’s world premiere of Marie Clements/Brian Current’s powerful opera Missing, showing “exquisite vulnerability." As Susanna in Edmonton Opera’s production of Marriage of Figaro, Caitlin was hailed as “an exceptional soprano with excellent comedy " In 2022, Caitlin portrayed the Housewife in the multi Dora Award nominated world premiere of Gould’s Wall (Current/Balkan) with Tapestry Opera and was a sparkling Despina in Edmonton Opera’s Cosi fan Tutte. As Josephine in HMS Pinafore with Vancouver Opera, Janet Smith observed: “Capturing the full range of emotions of her character, Caitlin Wood has a vibrant soprano voice that easily scales the heights of Josephine’s arias.” Recent concert performances for Caitlin include Vancouver Bach Choir/Vancouver Opera’s premiere of Brian Current’s The River of Light, Carmina Burana with Ottawa Choral Society, and Mozart’s Requiem with Windsor Symphony Orchestra. A favourite at Westben Festival, Caitlin returns this summer as Fantine in “Les Mis in Concert” and is Despina in Cosi fan tutte with Opera Kelowna in August. Caitlin is featured in several OperaBreaks, cinematic videos produced by Domoney Artists Management, and voices Iona the Cockatiel in Opera 5’s animated video, Threepenny Submarine, in collaboration with Kingston Symphony.

Kim Dafoe (Thenardier) Mezzo-Soprano Kim Dafoe is no stranger to concert halls and theatres of the area. Recently, you may have seen her on the Westben Stage as The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Other stage and solo credits include work with The Kingston Symphony (Kingston, ON), The Kingston Grand Theatre, The Quinte Symphony (Belleville, ON), The Stirling Festival Theatre, (Stirling, ON), For the Love of a Song (Belleville, ON), Tweed National Theatre, The Belleville Theatre Guild, and Opera Buffa (Toronto, ON). Directing and conducting experience includes work with The Westben Arts Festival Theatre, The Bay of Quinte Sweet Adelines, The Toronto Children’s Chorus, The Cantabile Choirs of Kingston, The Stirling Festival Theatre, and the Mississauga Youth Theatre. Kim is currently teaching at Centennial Secondary School in Belleville, Ontario. Thanks to Brian and Donna for another fabulous opportunity with Westben, and lots of love to Dan, Olivia and Harrison.

Ian Simpson (Thenardier) Ian is very excited to be making his Westben debut! He has performed across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and as far as Japan and Taiwan. Most recently Ian was seen at The Capitol Theatre as Bot Bot in Sleeping Beauty and Arvide in Guys and Dolls, and as Father Delisle in the new Canadian Musical The Hockey Sweater at the NAC/Segal Centre. He has spent five seasons at the Stratford Festival and three seasons at The Shaw Festival. Selected credits: John Hancock (1776, ACT, San Francisco); Harry Bright (Mamma Mia!, U.S. National Tour); Walter Hobbs (Elf, The Grand); Georges (La Cage aux Folles, Neptune); George Banks (Mary Poppins, Capitol); Hucklebee (The Fantasticks, VPP); Anne of Green Gables, Emily (Charlottetown Festival) Enjolras (Les Misérables, Royal Alexandra), New Musical Workshops: Reverend Miller in Pollyanna (Toronto) and Mr. Tetley in Something Wicked This Way Comes (Theatreworks, California). TV: CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries and Diggstown. Ian is an Adjunct Professor at St. Lawrence College and has studied vocal pedagogy at Queen’s, Penn State, Somatic Voicework™, and Boston Conservatory

LES MIS IN CONCERT CAST

Caroline Smith, Production Coordinator Since earning her BFA from York University in 1979, Caroline Smith has worked professionally as a performer, choreographer, director, teacher, adjudicator and playwright in theatres across the country, including the Shaw Festival, Young People’s Theatre, the Canadian Opera Company and the Charlottetown Festival. From 1996 to 2009, Caroline was Artistic and Managing Director of the Stirling Festival Theatre in Stirling, Ontario. Under her leadership, the company won three Lieutenant Governor's Arts Awards and numerous business achievement awards. In 2001, Caroline was presented with an honorary Arts degree from Loyalist College for outstanding work in enhancing and promoting the arts in the Quinte area. A published playwright, Caroline's popular Panto scripts are produced by theatres across Ontario including Drayton Entertainment. Her comedy The Kitchen Witches was the winner of the 2005 Samuel French Best Canadian Play Award, and her comedy-thriller To Die For was also published by Samuel French in 2017. In October 2022, Caroline was voted in as Councillor for Stirling-Rawdon Township, and is enjoying new experiences in the world of Municipal governance. She also runs the popular Stirling Pickleball Club and as V-P for the Stirling Horticultural Society, is very proud to have planned and implemented Stirling’s downtown garden rejuvenation project. Caroline is absolutely delighted to return to Westben after directing “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” (featuring her “bestie” Kim Dafoe!) in 2018. It truly is magical to work with Brian, Donna and this amazing ensemble in this beautiful setting. Enjoy the experience!

Rayne Froggat , Swing Rayne Froggatt is a grade 11 student at TASS in the integrated arts program for drama. She is an active member of her community, as she is a member of the Peterborough Youth Council, the Peterborough Youth Commissioners, and Student Council at her school. Rayne is going into a Youth Leadership and Sustainability program at Trent University in the fall as part of her grade 11 year. Rayne has been a singer in the Teen Chorus with Westben for the spring season. This is her first performance with Westben for a summer season.

Kara McMurray, Young Cozette Kara is 9 years old and in grade 3 at St.Mary’s in Campbellford. Kara keeps busy with many activities within the community - she enjoys singing in the Westben youth choir, playing softball with the Cougars and hockey with the Colts! Her dream is to one day become an actress!

Breylin Wood, Young Cozette 11 years old, and currently attending Stirling Public School. Breylin has always had a strong passion for singing and acting, and most recently had their very first on stage appearance performing little Anna for the production of Frozen musical at the Stirling theatre, as well as the Frozen production within Stirling Public School where Breylin was the lead Elsa. In Breylin's spare time they enjoy being with their family and friends as well as doing arts and crafts.

Daniel Ross, Gavroche Dani celebrated his 10th birthday in May and lives on a sheep farm in Norwood, ON. He goes to St Paul Catholic Elementary school in Norwood and speaks two languages (English and Hungarian). He really loves music and sings in the Westben choir. This year he participated in the provincial Kiwanis piano competition and also won the zone level public speaking contest earlier this year. He also loves playing hockey and soccer. He is a natural showman and goat whisperer who appreciates this fantastic opportunity.

CONCERT ON WILLOW HILL

Friday August4th 2023 at7:00PM

Lennie Gallant grew up in Prince Edward Island. He has released fourteen albums (11 English, and 3 in French) of original songs which have won him a host of awards and nominations from the JUNOs, Les Prix Éloizes and The East Coast Music Awards. His multimedia show, Searching For Abegweit, ran for 191 shows and toured Eastern Canada to sold out performances. His song Peter’s Dream was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Lennie is an international touring artist, who has performed all over North America, in Europe, for the troops in Afghanistan and at the Olympics. His songs have been covered by numerous artists, including Jimmy Buffett, and Opera star Measha Bruggergosman and he has toured with several symphony orchestras. One of his albums went up to the International Space Station and circled the planet 248 times. Lennie Gallant was presented The Order of Canada for his contribution to Canadian culture.

LENNIE GALLANT

CONCERT AT THE BARN

Saturday

August5th 2023 at7:00PM

AJill Barberperformance can transport you through time. You might get taken to the jazz clubs of 1940’s Paris, serenaded by her award winning album of French classics Chansons, or it could be the champagne hued lounges of the Brill Building, which inspired her GOLD selling album Chances. On her new album Homemaker, the 3 time Juno Award nominee sees a return to the singer/songwriter’s folk roots as the project brims with Laurel Canyon era stripped-bare emotion and homespun instrumentation. Jill's voice has become world renowned playing iconic venues such as Tokyo’s Blue Note, Toronto’s Massey Hall, Dubai’s Expo Pavilion, as well as playing festivals in Latin America, Europe, Australia and the Far East. Her songs have appeared in TV shows such as Orange Is The New Black, The L-Word, and a global campaign for Dodge Jill Barber possesses an unforgettable voice once heard, never forgotten.

JILL BARBER

THE MUSIC OF JONI MITCHELL

Sunday

August6th 2023

at2:00PM

Laila Biali

Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and CBC Music national radio host Laila Biali has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents from New York City’s Carnegie Hall to Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts, and supported international icon Sting. Her 2020 album release, Out of Dust, received rave reviews and was nominated for a 2021 JUNO Award. Laila was also honoured by SOCAN Music with the Hagood Hardy Award for Excellence in Songwriting. In 2019, Laila’s eponymous release won her a JUNO Award (Canada’s GRAMMY) for “Vocal Jazz Album of the Year ” The year prior, she was awarded top prize at the Canadian Songwriting Competition in the Jazz category Laila was also the youngest-ever double winner at Canada’s National Jazz Awards when she was named “SOCAN Composer of the Year” and “Keyboardist of the Year ”

She received her first JUNO nomination for Tracing Light (2011), and a spot on DownBeat Magazine’s “Best Albums of the Year” for both Live in Concert (2013) and Out of Dust (2020) In September of 2017, Laila was brought on as the host for CBC Music’s national radio show, Saturday Night Jazz, a weekly show broadcast to millions of listeners across Canada. While Laila continues to earn high honours in the jazz world, her signature sound transcends genre as she “masterfully mixes jazz and pop, bringing virtuosity and unpredictability to songs that are concise and catchy” (Washington Post) Her latest release – Your Requests – showcases personal arrangements of jazz classics requested by her social media community and features guest vocalists Kurt Elling, Emilie-Claire Barlow, and Caity Gyorgy as well as instrumentalists Anat Cohen, Grégoire Maret, Kelly Jefferson, Michael Davidson, George Koller, Larnell Lewis, Ben Wittman and Maninho Costa

Laila Biali & the Brian Barlow Big Band

CONCERT AT THE BARN

THE MUSIC OF JONI MITCHELL

Brian Barlow’s Big Band

The Band: John Johnson, Jake Koffman, Alex Dean, Perry White, Conrad Gluch (saxophones)

Jason Logue, Alexander Brown, Blair Yarranton, Brad Eaton

Jessie Brooks (French horn)

Russ Little, Kelsley Grant, Zack Smith (trombones)

Gordon Shear (piano), Mike Francis (guitar), Scott Alexander (bass), Brian Barlow (drums)

And, of course, the lovely and talented Laila Biali.

Brian is one of Canada’s most recorded musicians and has performed on over 500 recordings with a very diverse group of Canadian and international artists.

For seventeen years he was the percussionist with the internationally renowned jazz ensemble, Rob McConnell and The Boss Brass, during which time the band was nominated for six Grammy Awards, winning that prestigious honour in 1995. His concert performances have included work with: Herbie Hancock, Branford Marsalis, Diana Krall, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Harry Connick Jr., Charlie Watts and The Toronto Symphony Orchestra. For 20 years Brian was the Creative Director of the Prince Edward County Jazz Festival and has been the Artistic Director of the Jazz Vespers series at Christ Church Deer Park in Toronto since 1999. While best known as a drummer and percussionist Brian is also a busy arranger and producer.

Laila Biali & the Brian Barlow Big Band

Kris+Dee are Kris Abbott (The Pursuit of Happiness) and Dee McNeil (The Strap-Ons). Performing from a whisper to a roar songs from 4 albums, they are known widely as Kingston’s married philoso-folk duo.

“Quiet revolutionaries," “devastation in a pretty package” and “the super folk duo of our riot grrrl dreams” are descriptions as diverse as one would expect for two women from the fiddle-rich Ottawa Valley who came of age in the 70’s and 80’s and cut their musical teeth in pop-rock and punk bands. Hitting 1 million plays on Starbucks’ Worldwide Playlist, appearing on CBC Music’s Top Pick List, topping the Ontario and Maritime college and community radio charts, Kris+Dee have earned their way to main stage Canadian festival performances.

Called “one of Canada’s most compelling duos of the last decade” they are known for their honest, powerful and poetic songs, equally personal and universal, and for their Springsteen-esque reign within the Canadian musical landscape: trusted voices for the working class and academics, Millennials and Boomers, gendered and genderless, and everyone in between

KRIS & DEE

EXPERIENCE

September 30th & October 1st, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Enjoy a magical autumn morning amidst the ancient splendour of colourful forests, peaceful streams and turning leaves. Watch as its beauty is transformed into music by Ben Finley & friends! Small groups of 15 meet on the Willow Hill then are guided on a nature walk through the Mary West Nature Reserve just across the road from Westben, then home to the Westben Campfire for local flower-based refreshments, snacks, and conversations with the artists. An amazing music & nature wellness experience! And uniquely Westben… “This experience allows you to connect with nature in a way you would never expect. The combination of forest bathing and music brings the forest to life, as if it is singing to you. To see (hear) how every sound in nature can be turned into a piece of music was unbelievable.”

CONCERT ON WILLOW HILL

Saturday

September30th 2023 at2:00PM

Recent inductee into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, George Fox has a mantle of country music awards, 11 albums and a street named after him in his hometown of Cochrane Alberta. With several top ten hits, George has won Male Vocalist of the Year (three times) and the Juno Awards Country Male Vocalist of the Year (three times). A Canadian country treasure!

GEORGE FOX

CONCERT AT THE BARN

Sunday October1st 2023 at2:00PM

Michael Kaeshammer // Turn It Up

Michael Kaeshammer isn’t so much a piano player as a piano whisperer, a master musician and songwriter able to coax dazzling, kaleidoscopic sounds from his instrument in a way few can rival. That gift powers Turn It Up, Kaeshammer’s superb 15th album, broadly described as “eclectic yet accessible jazz-based pop” though, as with all Kaeshammer’s music, far more expansive than one simple description can possibly illustrate.

Across a brilliant, globe-trotting career highlighted by nine tours of China, three appearances at the Olympics, and countless shows opposite international superstars, the German-born, B.C.-based Kaeshammer has electrified audiences with his indelible repertoire and consistently positive outlook on life which infuses his lyrics. “I am a very positive person,” confirms the seven-time JUNO Award nominee and unabashed foodie, who hosts cooking show Kaeshammer’s Kitchen on Vancouver Island’s CHEK TV. “I really love playing shows and being on-stage. If Turn It Up helps me to do more of that, then I’m all in. Music is my favourite thing to do.”

MICHAEL KAESHAMMER

CHALK TALK AT THE SCHOOL HOUSE

October 14th

at 11 AM

November 11th

at 1 PM

Thank You Notes

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14TH AT 11 AM

Christopher Cameron Exploring musical thank you cards from Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto to Celine Dion.

Flanders Fields Reflections

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH AT 1 PM

Dr. John Burge Exploring this Juno Award winning musical setting of “In Flanders Fields” with its composer.

CONCERT IN THE COMMUNITY

SPEAKING OF GIFTS

November 26th, 2023 3:00 PM at St. John's Church

Christmas at Westben Speaking of Gifts…

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH, 3:00 PM AT ST JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2ND & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3RD, 2:00 PM AT THE BARN

Westben Festival Chorus Director Brian Finley Accompanist Kirsten Walsh Bundle up and join Westben for another magical performance celebrating the season!

Coming from her home on the Curve Lake First Nation, spoken word artist Sarah Lewis teams up with the eighty voices of the Westben Choruses in a collaborative exploration of giving, through word and song.

SPEAKING OF GIFTS

December 2nd & 3rd 2023

2:00 PM at The Barn

Christmas at Westben Speaking of Gifts…

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH, 3:00 PM AT ST JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2ND & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3RD, 2:00 PM AT THE BARN

Westben Festival Chorus Director Brian Finley Accompanist Kirsten Walsh Bundle up and join Westben for another magical performance celebrating the season!

Coming from her home on the Curve Lake First Nation, spoken word artist Sarah Lewis teams up with the eighty voices of the Westben Choruses in a collaborative exploration of giving, through word and song.

Volunteer Coordinator, Sandy Robertson Assistant Volunteer Coordinators -

Laurie Beaubien, Barb Cooper, Nancy Garrod, Colleen Lang Grounds Coordinator, Doug Keene

Lighting & Hospitality Coordinator, Catherine Warrener

Bar Coordinators, Karen & Patrick MacGinnis

Sharon Abernethy, Ken Alton, Barbara Apars, Monica Asbury-Caldwell, Trish Baird, Joan Bale, Fiona Ballantyne, Nancy Barlas, Bob Barlas, Julie Bearcroft, Laurane Bennett, Lionel Bennett, Jill Bissell, Mark Bissell, Jennifer Breckenridge, Nancy Brown, Susan Brown, Paula Buck, Michael Bunn, Pat Burnside, Douglas Burnside, Alain Cabardos, Delaney Cameron, Mackenzie Cameron, Samantha Cameron, Lexy Cameron, Louise Campbell, Shawna Campbell, Margo Carkner, Gwen Cavers, Sandy Chapman, Mollie Clarke, Katherine Cochrane, Mary Coles, Jim Connor, Andrea Conte, Lance Cooper, Ron Csenar, Jane Dainard, Alex Davidson, Bonnie Davidson, Heather Davis, Ian Davis, Marg Dawson, Lyn DelaCour, Alec Dewdney, Dorothy Dies, Maureen Dikun, Francine Diot-Layton, Debra Richardson-Edge, Marin Edge, Susan Evans, Hazel Farley, Joan Filip, Mary Fleming, Emily Fraser, Marie Glover, Eva Gonos Mocon, Janice Gorman, Alison Gratton, Brenda Hagerman, Lorne Hagerman, Doug Harpur, Anne Harris, Peter Harris, Liz Hathway, Jan Hay, Richard Haze, Shaun Higgins, Barb Hobart, Deborah Holt, Tim Holt, Neil Holtby, Heather Holtby, Sue Hoult, Holly Hurlburt, Pauline Hwang, Jackie Igleheart, Cheryl Jamieson, Janet Jeffery-Hobbs, Suzan Johnson, Carol Johnston, Pat Johnston, Lesia Karas, Daniel King, Janey King, Rebekah King, Maryann Krahn, Dave Krueger, Angie Kutas, Phyllis Leger, Meghan Lewis, DJ Lewis, Carole Lindros, Teresa Lowe-Hodges, Norah MacGregor, Lynn Marshall, Debbie McCarthy, Gary McCarthy, Laura McCulloch, Leona McGee, Gail McIntyre, Terry McLean, Greg Meehan, Diane Menzies, Beverly Meyers, Mireille Meyers, Fernanda Milano, Dawn Moore, Skye Morrison, Bonnie Nabb, Geoff Nabb, Dave Nicholls, Michael Nitsch, Lyn Olmstead, Anne Olscher, Liana Palmer, Denise Papple, Sue Paterson, Judy Pearce, Nicole Pearson, Rosemarie Peikes, Marcia Perryman, Tracy Peters, Joe Pirri, Vivian Pirri, Yvonne Poneta, Susan Potts, Brenda Powrie, Joanna Primavesi, Chris Rank, Gord Reid, Bill Reid, Debbie Reid, Karen Richens, Gord Rigby, Carol Robertson, Autumn Scott, Elaine Scott, Leslie Scott, Ron Scott, Doreen Sharpe, John Sled, Shari Smit,Nellie Smith, Louise Stevenson, Jeanne Summerville, Kathy Teng, George Thistel, Heather Thomas, Christine Thompson, Allison Townsend, Shirey Travis, Michael Tumpane, Elinore Van Meer, Dave Wakeling, Ralph Watson, Doris Wellman, Ray Wellman, Janice West, Debbie Williams, Rosanna Zerata

RaspberryPatch

DebraRichardson-Edge&MartinEdge,A.M.Herzberg

Orchard

DianeMenzies,JohnWelch

Paddock

Anonymous,Bob&AnnBennett,John&NancyBurgeLance&BarbaraCooper,Jan Hay,Judy&MichaelKaufmann,KimMacNeil,GregMeehan,AnnNoges,Carol& DonPearson,Sally&EarlThompson

Gambrel

Stephen&JoanBale,Betty&JohnBennett,DonnaBennett&BrianFinley,Lionel& LauraneBennett,Steven&AllisonBlakey,JeanetteCournoyer&CharlotteHastings, MichelleCunningham-Langevin,JohnA.Good,Lorne&BrendaHagerman,Douglas Harpur,JimHarvey&PatIrwin,LizHathway,Jill&GeraldHutcheon,JannInstead, DougKeene,Jill&HerbKoplowitz,LynnLewis,Karen&PatrickMacGinnis,Kim MacNeil,MaggieMcDougall,Larry&MireilleMeyers,RogerNainby,LeslieOrpana, JuneSeaborn,StephenSnell,JudithStephanson,Louise&RossStevenson,Nicole Tellier,VMWalley

Granary

Carol&RichardAnjo,JeremySporring&DonnaBennettSporring,BillReid&Joan Filip,TimothyBowden,Hans&LennekeBuré,ChristopherCameron,Lorna Campbell,AlexandraCaverly-Lowery,KatherineCochrane,M LynnCurle–Simzer, Alex&BonnieDavidson,HeatherDavis,DewdneyConsultingGroup,JimDoyle, BrendaFinley,RuthFleming,SusanHatcher,Michael&HollyNitsch,SheilaHolmes &MichaelAnderson,Jane&DonKing,Kent&MargaretKirkland,NeilLucy,Patt MacDowell,BruceMather,MaggieMcDougall,DorisMeier,LianaPalmer,Susan Payne,JudithPearce,LeaPhillips,ShelaghPurcell,SandyRobertson,JohnRoss,Ron &ElaineScott,KarenSt.Germain,YvesThomas,Jim&CathyTurner,Frederick Wardle,ArnoldE.&MarieWestlake,Murray&MarieLocke

HayLoft

Sharon&HaroldAbernethy,MarijkeBakker,GaryBallard,RebeccaBaptista,Craig Barber,Elinor&MaryBartle,ByronBasiga,Michael&JudyBates,Jessica&Jason Beitchman,MaryCarolBlack,RebeccaBlack,Alan&SamanthaBland,J.G.Terrance Brown,LorneBrown,PaulBrown,LoisBrummitt,HynzeBryans,LexyCameron, MichelleCampbell,DaveCarley,MikeCarter,GwenCavers,DavidChambers, RussellChristianson,SamanthaClark,KathyClement,GeraldineCrown,Karen Cullen,Garry&PennyCulverson,Sam&KathrynCureatz,ElizabethCurry,Maureen &Jim,Henry&JuneDinsdale,Rosemary&BrianDonaldson,PeterDorsey

HayLoft

DougWhite&LizCochrane,Jim&SusanEddie,MargaretEley,C.RaeFinley,Marilyn&Paul Freer,Danielle&GeorgesGagnon,LenoreGay,RonGetz,DougAndrews&JohnGood, CathyandChristine,RossHamilton,GabriellaHamley,M.B.Harding,Ruth&Michael Harding,Bill&PennyHarris,JuliaD Harrison,BarbaraHems,ElizabethHeon,Elizabeth& MilanIchniovsky,Alan&JennyIngram,KellieJames,DianeJamieson,CarolJohnston,Dena Johnstone,JanetteJohnston,MeredithJones,MargandLarryKain,AaronEddie&Kat Kinch,DoreenKearns,LisaKelly,Ann&MurrayKeys,JudithKnoppBrown,KenLayton,Tim andVickiLilleyman,SandraLovering,SuzanneLowther,NeilLucy,Mary&DonMacInnes, KayMacLeod,Ron&ValerieMarshall,LeonaMcGee,AnnCatherineMcLeod,Bill& RosemarieMcMechan,SusanMcMurtry,NeilGraham&WayneSabados,BeverlyMeyers, Evan&Mary-EllenMeyers,Mary-LynneMorgan,PaulineMorissette,BarbaraMorris, CarmelMorrison,SueMortimer,JohnMurnaghan,JeanetteNorthrop,KatherineO'Flynn, Peter&BonnieOstwald,KerriOugh,EileenPaulsen,Peter&JoycePayan,RosemariePeikes &MichaelTumpane,MariaPelletier,LeaPhillips,SandyPinkerton,JanetPomeroy, MargueritePrachowny,GabriellePrata&BobLongo,BrendaPreston,JoannaPrimavesi, QuinteJazz,SharonRaby,WilliamReid,JeanetteSanderson,RonSchlumpf,Gunter Schubert,LindaSeppanen,Carol&WayneShaw,George&MarleeShephard,Felicity Sidnell,JeanSimard,WayneSingleton,Ravi-InderSoligo,Walter&WendySomerville,Robert Stairs,Burle&KaySummers,IanSutherland&CarolynKetcheson,MinnyVerburg,Hank& JaneVermeer,Cathy&Christine,HeatherWade,CatherineWarrener,AnnaWhitley&Fred Blair,AnnWiggins,JoanWort,WinfredPaulWright

Cupola

DoreenAllen-Bell,PatArcher,Chris&MarianneBowman,Jeffrey&JuneBrace,Kalman Brettler,Hans&LennekeBuré,Penny&DougBurgess,Patricia&RobertBurke,Julia& BernieBurns,Pat&DougBurnside,MargaretBurrows,SandraCaswell,GayChisholm, BonitaClancy,LizClark,JimConnor,BetCurry,MarkDowning,PhyllisDurnford,Nancy Elmhirst,EricKristensen,DaleGlenn,BonnieJeanGordon,MaureenGreenwood,Terry Guest,AlannahHaig,KarenHanbidge,Fred&LoisHelleiner,DeborahHenderson,Bill Hossack,DonnaJefferson,SuzanJohnson,BarbaraKyselka,RobertLaycock,VictorLehotay, MaryLewis&BillHall,JamesLittlefair,MaryE.Lockett,CovieLove,PiaMaleus,John& LyndaMartin,Gary&DebMcCarthy,JanetMcClary,JoanMcCulloch,Brian&Caroline McNamara,AnnMeyers,JaniceMononen,Mary-LynneMorgan,BarbaraMorrison,Daniel Munroe,LarryPalmer,Denise&DavePapple,Douglas&GillianParkerSusanPaterson, MikePearson,BarbaraPellow,BeverlyPulver,MargaretPulver&BillNichols,GailAJ Rayment,KrystynaRiel,GwenF Robertson,Paul&ShirleyRoss,RobertRowe,CeliaSage, MarjorieSchryer,LindaSeppanen,RonSmith,CherylStandish,AnnSutton,Dianne Thomas,LillianElizabethTilbrook,BradTopping,AllisonTownsend,David Vanderlip,DonaldA Watkins,Sharon&DonWatkins,JenniferWeeks,KathrynWhite,

Students

ConnieCorbett,Anonymous

Friends of Westben Membership

Through Music We Connect. Through Membership We Thrive.

Membership at Westben is about taking care of what you love. Members play a major role in promoting the well-being and vitality of this amazing organization. Financial support enables us to develop innovative, engaging programming while helping us to commit to a roster of wonderful guest artists. And it helps us sustain our resources from people to venues. But just as important, Members provide the wind in our sails! Members demonstrate that they share our belief in and commitment to the joyful impact of Westben’s work: the transformative power of coming together through music. Memberships are available from $50 (Cupola Level) to $5,000+ (Raspberry Patch) and beyond. Student Members are also available for $15. All Memberships of $50 or more receive a Charitable Tax Receipt and are eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting. In addition, all Members receive: • Advance notification of events & ticket purchasing opportunities • Complimentary ticket exchange privileges • A subscription to the Members’ Newsletter: Around the ‘Ben • An invitation to join and enjoy Members’ Facebook page • Recognition on the Members’ Page of the Westben website • Westben’s heartiest thanks!

For more on Membership, please visit westben.ca/membership or call the Box Office 1-877883-5777

The Momentum Campaign: Inspire Possibilities

Donate to the Momentum Campaign and Inspire Possibilities at Westben!

Join the movement for Momentum and sustain vitality in our organization, motivate growth in community and educational programming, and invigorate the next exciting chapter at Westben. Westben is a charitable, not-for-profit organization. We depend on the vital generosity of our donors to keep the music playing. Your support matters. DONATE TODAY and receive a charitable tax receipt.

Together, we can continue offering unique experiences of world-class music in nature. We can foster thriving communities and facilitate accessible programming. We can grow as an arts centre and enhance our region’s cultural landscape.

Your donations help preserve the Westben experience, ensuring we can continue to present exceptional moments of music in nature. Your support also nurtures our essential charitable activities, cultivating a love of music in audiences and participants of all kinds. Westben’s community initiatives include our educational presentations and Chalk Talks, our integral choir programs, youth workshops and mentorships built to celebrate individuality and imagination, accessible programming for seniors, and important acts of creative cultural exchange in our region. These transformative endeavors are made possible through your generous donations.

Support Westben's Momentum Campaign and make a lasting difference through the universal language of music.

https://www.westben.ca/donate

See us on site at the ticket shed, call the box office, and for more ways to donate, contact Cydney Langill, Development Associate cydney@westben.ca

ADOPT A TREE

We warmly welcome you to embrace the natural beauty of the property by "adopting" a tree, accompanied by a personalized plaque to honour your connection to Westben. These plaques, displaying names, loved ones, or meaningful quotes, grace the grounds year after year, symbolizing the cherished bonds formed between nature and the community.

ADOPT A BIRDHOUSE

At Westben, patrons are invited to participate in the revitalization of at risk bird species by "adopting" a bird house. Each adopted bird house comes with a personalized plaque, allowing individuals to leave their names, honour loved ones, or share inspiring quotes. These meaningful plaques and bird houses stand as a testament to the ongoing efforts to support and protect bird species, providing them a safe haven on the Westben grounds year after year.

BURSARY FUND

In its ongoing commitment to young, emerging artists, Westben has established a Bursary Fund. Donations to this fund are used to offer scholarships and subsidies to young artists participating in Westben's educational activities.

EMPLOYEE GIVING PROGRAM

Does your company have an employee giving program which encourages you to donate to charities? If so, why not consider Westben? As an eligible charitable organization, it might just be your ticket!

GIFT OF STOCK

A donation of securities is a great way to make a significant difference to Westben, while reaping some tax benefits/ Your gift can be in the form of shares, bonds or mutual funds.

PLANNED GIVING PROGRAM

Give to the future! Participants can support Westben's sustainability be setting up bequests, contributing to Westben's Endowment Fund, or by naming Westben as a life insurance beneficiary. Donations to the Planned Giving, Endowment and Bursary funds are tax deductible and will contribute immensely to supporting Westben's long-term stability and vision.

ENDOWMENT FUND

The Arts Endowment Fund Program is a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Culture administered by the Ontario Arts Foundation. Under the terms of the program money raised by eligible arts organizations such as Westben, for endowment from private sector is matched "dollar for dollar" and invested in perpetuity. Each year, Westben receives income from the endowment established in its name under the program.

https://www.westben.ca/donate

See us on site at the ticket shed, call the box office, and for more ways to donate, contact Cydney Langill, Development Associate cydney@westben.ca

On to Phase 2! Ring the Bell

We are overjoyed to announce that we have reached our initial fundraising goal of $400,000 to support Phase 1 of the Westben Schoolhouse Project!

It may have been dark times, but a whole community of supporters held high the Torch of Possibility! 388 donations were received from donors whose names are now permanently added to the Attendance Board at the Schoolhouse.

We are also thankful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and to the Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group L.E.A.F. Initiative. And a very special thank-you to the Board for their lead donation of $40,000 to get the bell swinging!!

Phase 1 of the West Schoolhouse Project included the acquisition of the West Schoolhouse, along with basic upgrades. Ahead, Phase 2 seeks to increase the public use, safety and accessibility of the space such as accessible washrooms and entrance, box office and storage space so the Main Room can accommodate community gathering more effectively, hospitality services, artist services, etc.

We heartily welcome you to support Phase 2 through a taxdeductible donation. Join us today!

For more information, please call Alannah at the Westben Box Office

877 883 5777 or visit westben.ca/schoolhouse-campaign

https://www.westben.ca/donate

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Westben accessible?

The Barn, Willow Hill and The Campfire venues have accessible parking and friendly golf cart chauffeuring, are complimentary! There are no steps into The Barn or into the washrooms. The Schoolhouse has 3 steps. We ask that wheelchair users advise the Box Office when tickets are booked. Please contact Westben for more information. Tel: 705-653-5508 or toll free 1-877883-5777 westben.ca/contact

Do I need to bring my own chair?

Guests attending concerts in The Barn at Westben do not need to bring chairs as they are provided. However, for concerts at Willow Hill and The Campfire, guests are kindly requested to bring their own chairs or blankets for seating comfort.

Do kids pay full price?

Westben offers affordable ticket options with $5 Youth Under 18 tickets and $30 Under 30 tickets. Guests can also save $1 off the Adult/Senior ticket price for Wing Seating in The Barn. Please note that all prices mentioned are before HST (Harmonized Sales Tax).

Are events rain or shine?

All Westben events are rain or shine, with The Barn providing complete coverage. In the event of inclement weather, concerts originally scheduled at Willow Hill or The Campfire will be moved into The Barn, and ticket holders will be notified on the day of the event.

Where are the washrooms?

The washrooms at Westben are conveniently located behind The Barn, and are air-conditioned for added comfort. Additionally, there are washrooms available beside the ticket shed and at Willow Hill for the convenience of the guests.

Can I bring outside alcohol?

Patrons are kindly reminded that no outside alcohol is permitted on the Westben property, as it is a violation of our liquor license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there concessions on site?

At the Milk Shed (Bar) Choose from an eclectic collection of interesting wines and craft beers available before each concert and at intermission. Water and non-alcoholic beverages also available. The Bar is open: 90 minutes before any concert or intermission. Save time! Purchase tickets for your intermission drinks before the concert starts!

At the General Store & Willow Hill Concession Tent Open 90 Minutes before any Concert and at Intermission Take home a piece of Westben with you. Discover locally made gifts and souvenir merchandise in the Gift Shop area. Treats & Beverages including ice cream, snacks, coffee and non-alcoholic beverages also available. Delicious Sandwiches Made fresh daily and ready to go Limited availability onsite day of event Simply Great Picnics for Pre-Order Made by Chef Dorset from Capers Tap House Pre-order 48 hours minimum before the performance. Order online at westben.ca/eat-play-stay or by calling the Box Office 877-883-5777

Are there tables?

Tables are available on site at Westben, and they are allocated on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Is there wifi access?

Complimentary WiFi is available on site at Westben; however, please be aware that due to our rural setting, connectivity can be intermittent or spotty at times.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Westben accepts all major forms of payment, including Mastercard, Visa, Debit, and cash.

Are pets welcome?

Service dogs are welcome at all Westben venues, including The Barn. However, for the comfort and experience of all patrons, non-service dogs are not permitted inside The Barn. Leashed dogs are welcome at Willow Hill and The Campfire venues.

Speaking of Gifts Speaking

SEASON 2023 TICKET PRICES

SEASON 2023 TICKET PRICES

PURCHASING TICKETS/HOW TO ORDER

ONLINE: WESTBEN.CA | Visa or Mastercard – Open 24/7

BY PHONE: 705-653-5508 or 1-877-883-5777 – Open Monday to Friday, between 10 AM - 4 PM and 90 minutes prior to performances

BY MAIL: P.O. Box 1413, Campbellford, Ontario, Canada K0L 1L0

BOX OFFICE: The West Schoolhouse, 6788 County Road 30, Campbellford, ON Open Tuesday to Friday, 10 AM - 4 PM (check website for holiday closures)

THE TICKET SHED AT PERFORMANCE VENUES:

6698 Country Road 30 North, Campbellford, ON. Open 90 minutes prior to performances and during intermission.

MEADOW PASSES

Meadow Passes: Half price for Barn concerts only! Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the music just outside The Barn doors. Sold 1.5 hours prior to most concerts, weather permitting. Please note Meadow Passes are not available to all shows. Please confirm with the Box Office. 1-877-883-5777

TICKET POLICIES

Restrictions may apply to any ticket purchase. Please confirm prices with the Box Office. Prices listed do not include HST or the $6 service fee. There are no refunds on ticket purchases, however, exchanges can be made up to 8 hours before a performance for $6. Ticket Exchanges are free to Westben Members. Exchange fees are waived in cases of illness related to COVID.

Thank You 2023 Sponsors

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our invaluable sponsors who have played an integral role in Westben's journey. It is through their generous support that Westben continues to create a profound impact, enriching our community through the harmonious blend of music and nature, and fostering a sense of togetherness. We extend our deepest appreciation for their unwavering commitment to the arts and their instrumental role in making our mission a reality.

Galaxy Sponsor

Finley & Associates is a proud supporter of Westben, contributing for over two decades as a Galaxy Sponsor. Finley & Associates empowers organizations looking to rapidly elevate the impact of their leadership, management, data, and/or governance. Together with its clients, the Finley Team propels engagement and collaboration to catalyze transformative and diverse thinking that in turn uniquely enables powerful organizational cultures, strong strategies, and solid abilities to execute with surprising achievement.

Thank You 2023 Blue Sky Sponsors

alleninsurance.ca

It is both rewarding and inspiring to be a sponsor of Westben’s world-class concerts at the Barn for more than 20 years. Over this time, we have witnessed Westben evolve to such a unique venue filled with renowned entertainment creating memorable experiences for all ages. Thank you, Westben, for bringing various communities to our small part of the world and nurturing the performers of tomorrow Allen Insurance Group – Proudly supporting out communities and valuable organizations like Westben for 120 years. We’ll take care of you.

bennetts.ca

Bennett’s is a 4th generation family-operated furniture business. Founded in 1926 in Campbellford (which carries appliances), Bennett’s is also located in Peterborough and Kingston offering deluxe delivery from Toronto to Ottawa. They carry the largest selection of in-stock Canadian-made furniture and mattresses including solid wood Meet their friendly, professional decorator consultants who are knowledgeable about furniture, but will also help with lamps, wall art, rugs, and accessories too! The Bennett family and staff are proud to support Westben.

lifestylesunrooms.com

Founded in 1989 by brothers Bill and Keith Carroll, Lifestyle Home Products proudly serves homeowners across Ontario, Canada. We manufacture high-quality, three- and four-season sunrooms and porch enclosures, as well as energy-efficient, vinyl replacement windows and fiberglass exterior doors in our state-of-the-art factory in Peterborough. We also provide full bathtub and walk-in shower renovations. At Lifestyle, we proudly stand behind our products. We take care of each project from start to finish for a quality and worry-free installation that’s guaranteed to last a lifetime. Lifestyle home products is proud to sponsor local community groups, and events like Westben.

Our professional team is committed to listening to your needs and providing the best possible product for your project. Quality work at reasonable rates.

pyle-group.com

Thank You 2023 Sunshine Sponsors

Your Friendly Neighbourhood Pharmacy. Providing fast, honest, reliable service at a reasonable price. 79 Bridge St. E., Campbellford. maclarenpharmacy.ca

coviacorp.com

Covia Corporation is one of North America's leading producers and distributors of non-metallic industrial minerals. At its two sites in the Kawartha Lakes Region, the company mines and processes Nepheline, a premier deposit of the rare and highly valued industrial mineral. Nepheline is very important in the making of glass and ceramics It reduces the amount of energy its manufacturers need to use as well as improving the quality of the finished product. The company’s modernization project will consolidate Covia’s Kawartha plants into one modernized plant at Blue Mountain This will also reduce its use of water and consumption of electricity. The Canadian Nepheline sites have been a part of the local community since 1935.

warkworthcsc.ca

An independent group of volunteers that has the mandate to improve life in our community We appreciate the opportunity to do this, by sponsoring and supporting the wonderful arts program provided by Westben. Best wishes for an exciting and successful season

Thank You 2023 Fresh Air+ Sponsors

Canadian Tire - Campbellford is your one-stop destination for auto service and repair, paint, hardware, housewares, home electronics, backyard and cottage living, garden center, sports, and recreation Open Monday-Wednesday 8 am-7 pm, Thursday & Friday 8 am-8 pm, Saturday 8 am-6 pm and Sunday 9 am-5 pm.

canadiantire.ca

classicalfm.ca

The New Classical 103.1FM, home of Toronto’s Classical Favourites, started its life more than a quarter of a century ago as a humble classical music station in beautiful Cobourg Ontario (still broadcasting as Classical 103.1 FM). On August 30th, 2014 we expanded our signal across the Georgian Triangle with Classical 102 9 FM We offer listeners the greatest music of all time plus up-to-the-minute news, weather, traffic, Zoomer Reports and arts reports.

Thank You 2023 Fresh Air Sponsors

aspiraliving.ca

Aspira Island Park Retirement Residence is located on the Trent Canal with the picturesque Ferris Provincial Park and the river in our back yard and the canal out front. Walking paths along the canal are right outside our front door. Island Park and its team offer a warm, welcoming environment where residents can be themselves and truly feel at home. This is a place where you can look forward to enjoying life every day Visit us at 18 Trent Drive, Campbellford Call to book a tour or visit our website at www.siennaliving.ca

kinchlitigation.com

A litigation-focused law firm based in Campbellford. Kat Kinch, barrister & solicitor, serves clients with commercial disputes, estate litigation, other civil cases, and family law needs in local courthouses, provides representation for local individuals, municipalities, and companies with Superior Court cases elsewhere in the province, and advises clients on complex and emerging legal problems. A graduate of CDHS, McMaster University, and UBC Law, Kat Kinch was named one of Maclean’s magazine’s “Best and Brightest” university scholars. She practiced in downtown Vancouver before returning to her hometown. She is proud to offer legal services in the community that provided her first jobs and early education. Reach Kat at 705-653-4023 ext. 209 or kat@kinchlitigation.com or you can drop by our newly renovated office space at 45 Bridge St E in Campbellford. Our firm also offers licensed paralegal services. Aaron Eddie (aaron@kinchlitigation.com) and Justin Savoy (justin@kinchlitigation.com) provide affordable representation to our clients with Small Claims cases, provincial offense charges, challenges to MPAC assessments, and administrative law issues such as human rights matters, landlord-tenant law, and WSIB.

keneticenergy.ca

Kenetic Energy is an HVAC company which has supported Trent Hills and surrounding area for over a quarter of a century. Our locally raised licensed technicians are proud to serve their neighbours who believe in fostering the well-being of their community through the arts We wish Westben continued success in bringing world-class entertainment to Trent Hills

Thank You 2023 Fresh Air Sponsors

metaphorhome.ca

Contact: 905-396-0242 or rwhandyman88@gmail.com

metaphorhome is proud to support Westben and its vision of bringing together communities of world-class musicians and artists in spectacular settings. On offer at metaphorhome you will find a curated collection of home furnishings, gifts, and decor; presented with a unique point of view, a great eye, and sometimes wicked sense of humour. We look forward to welcoming you to our worldclass, exciting bricks-and-mortar retail environment at 388 George Street North Peterborough.

Serving Northumberland County, R&W Construction and Handyman Services offer custom deck and fence construction, full home renovation including kitchen, bathroom, and basement. We also offer roofing and roof repair, eaves trough installation or repair, painting, tiling, and flooring. Our professional team is committed to listening to your needs and providing the best possible product for your project. Quality work at reasonable rates.

The Sharpe Family would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Westben on over 20 years and we wish you continued success. Westben brings world-class music into our own backyard and is a welcome addition to the local economy Thanks Brian and Donna! Bravo Westben! sharpesfoodmarket.ca