Around the World at 9 AM with Classic 107 — Saturday, August 10
This Saturday morning, we’re throwing open the musical doors to Week 2 of Folklorama, Winnipeg’s beloved celebration of culture, food, and community. At 9 AM, we’ll be taking you on a musical journey through the countries and cultures represented by pavilions opening for their first night of performances this week.
Why are we doing this? Because Folklorama isn’t just about what you taste or see — it’s also about what you hear. Music is one of the purest ways to connect to a culture’s heart, carrying traditions, history, and personality in every note. By programming music that mirrors the pavilions’ heritage, we’re offering you a preview for your ears before you head out to experience the festival in person.
Folklorama, now in its 54th year, is the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world. First held in 1970, it has grown into a two-week city-wide celebration with dozens of pavilions hosted in community centres, cultural halls, and performance venues across Winnipeg. Each pavilion showcases the unique food, music, dance, and traditions of a specific culture — many presented by volunteers who are passionate about keeping those traditions alive.
Week 2 (August 10–16) sees a fresh wave of pavilions opening their doors, and our playlist for the 9 AM hour reflects some of them.
🌴 Brazilian Pavilion – RBC Convention Centre (North Building, 2nd Floor)
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9:00 AM – Brazil – Pink Martini, known for blending jazz, classical, and Latin styles, open the set with a playful tribute to Brazil’s musical vibrancy.
Cultural note: This piece channels the bright rhythms of samba and the celebratory spirit found in Brazilian street festivals.
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9:05 AM – The Girl from Ipanema – Guitarist Plinio Fernandez offers a warm, intimate take on this global bossa nova hit.
Cultural note: Written by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes, it’s Brazil’s most famous musical export, evoking Rio’s beaches and easy charm.
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9:08 AM – One Note Samba – Astrud Gilberto’s airy voice turns this clever, syncopated tune into pure sunshine.
Cultural note: A showcase of the understated sophistication of bossa nova, where rhythm and melody intertwine like dance partners.
🥁 Africa/Caribbean Pavilion – Holy Eucharist Parish Centre Gymnasium, 460 Munroe Ave.
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9:11 AM – African Suite, 1st Movement Joyful Day – Nigerian-born Fela Sowande, often called the father of African classical music, blends African folk tunes with European orchestral traditions in a performance by the CBC Symphony Orchestra under Mario Bernardi.
Cultural note: It’s a perfect example of how African composers fused Western classical training with native melodies to create something uniquely their own.
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9:19 AM – Rain Rain Beautiful Rain – Ladysmith Black Mambazo harmonize in the isicathamiya style, made famous worldwide through their work with Paul Simon.
Cultural note: This song is a celebration of life-giving rain in Southern Africa, sung with the gentle sway of Zulu choral tradition.
🎻 Budapest-Hungaria Pavilion – Bord-Aire Community Centre, 471 Hampton Street
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9:22 AM – Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 1 (Orchestra) – The Budapest Festival Orchestra under Ivan Fischer captures all the grandeur and gypsy-fire of Liszt’s vision.
Cultural note: Though born in the 19th century, these rhapsodies still pulse with the folk dances and improvisational style that define Hungarian identity.
🎺 Cuban Pavilion – Heather Curlin Club, 120 Rue Youville
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9:36 AM – Oye Como Va – Tito Puente’s mambo classic, later made famous by Santana, bursts with irresistible Latin dance energy.
Cultural note: The title translates to “Listen to How It Goes” — and once you do, you can’t help but move.
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9:40 AM – Two Cuban Dances for Piano by Ignacio Cervantes – Pianist Alvaro Cendoyya plays these charming salon pieces by one of Cuba’s most beloved composers.
Cultural note: Cervantes’ works were staples in Cuban drawing rooms, blending European elegance with Creole rhythms.
🌸 Israel Pavilion (Shalom Square) – Asper Jewish Community Campus, 123 Doncaster Street
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9:43 AM – Jerusalem of Gold – Flutist Sharon Bezaly brings a luminous touch to this modern Israeli standard.
Cultural note: Written in 1967 by Naomi Shemer, it has become an unofficial anthem celebrating the beauty and spiritual pull of Jerusalem.
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9:46 AM – Mishaela – Israeli singer Noa performs with warmth and precision.
Cultural note: Noa’s repertoire often blends Middle Eastern folk roots with contemporary pop and classical elements.
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9:49 AM – Rumania – Winnipeg’s Sarah Sommer Chai Folk Ensemble perform a lively Israeli dance tune.
Cultural note: The group is Canada’s oldest and largest Israeli folk dance ensemble, bringing Jewish and Israeli traditions to life through music and movement.
❄️ Scandinavian Pavilion – Scandinavian Cultural Centre, 764 Erin Street
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9:53 AM – Mazurka and Valse – Norwegian fiddler Vidar Lande plays the Hardanger fiddle, adorned with sympathetic strings for a resonant, ringing tone.
Cultural note: These dances reflect centuries-old Norwegian folk traditions, often performed at weddings and community gatherings.
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9:56 AM – God Morgon Kär Fader Vår – Swedish folk trio Triakel offer a gentle morning greeting in song.
Cultural note: The group’s repertoire often draws from the hymns and ballads of rural Sweden, preserving a quiet, pastoral beauty.
Why Tune In?
Whether you’re mapping out your Folklorama pavilion route or just looking to start your Saturday with something fresh and inspiring, our 9 AM hour will set the tone for a day of cultural exploration. Think of it as a passport for your ears — no boarding pass required.