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The sweet sounds of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra will be floating from the porch of one of Winnipeg’s most historic sites this weekend as they share their annual Concert on the Veranda at the Seven Oaks House Museum.
Suzu Enns, the orchestra’s Director of Education and Community Engagement, says that the concert, a fixture in the orchestra’s life for the past four years, is a key part of the orchestra mission to perform in new places in the city. “It’s the oldest home in Winnipeg,” she explains, “so obviously a lot of history and, as I could see right away, the beautiful setting.”
The concert takes place on the veranda in the back part of the house with the audience able to stretch out on lawn chairs and picnic blankets on the lawn. “It’s a great spot for the audience to sit and very relaxing,” says Enns. “It’s a very quiet neighbourhood, but of course, there’s a lot of sounds of birds in the area that goes along beautifully with the music that we choose.”
That music will consist of trios and duos presented by members of the orchestra’s string section, something that Enns notes is not a common offering. “We don’t often get to hear string duos,” she explains, “so this is really special for us.”
These uncommon offerings include pieces by well-known composers like Mozart and Beethoven as well as lesser-known gems by figures like Luigi Boccherini, Libby Croad and Astor Piazzolla (whose works graced the orchestra’s previous season).
The orchestra’s connection to the community is also highlighted by collaborations for Concert on the Veranda with local musicians. Button accordionist and composer Jim Hiscott will join the orchestra as a guest soloist along with local Latin music staple Rodrigo Muñoz. “It was great to bring them together and then learn more about their story and the ways they work together,” says Enns. “It all comes together at the end with a piece that Jim wrote for Rodrigo Muñoz and [his group] Papa Mambo, and also a string trio. So, it’s a way to bring everyone together a tutti, the big finale at the end.”
The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra’s Concert on the Veranda takes place at 11 a.m. on August 30 at the Seven Oaks House Museum. More information can be found at the orchestra’s website.