NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA CENTRE
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Two weekend concerts helped the Orillia Centre close out 2019 on a high note.
Jane Bunnett, jazz legend and founder of the Cuban jazz sextet Maqueque, brought her group to St. Paul’s Centre on Friday, Nov. 1. The night was opened by Brooke Blackburn of Blackburn, who was a “nice little treat,” according to an audience member.
Laurie Nell said she had heard Jane Bunnett’s music before, but she’d never heard Maqueque. “The sounds, the harmony of instruments and voices was just amazing,” said the Orillia resident.
Earlier the same day, the artists visited Orillia Secondary School, where students from Twin Lakes Secondary School (TLSS) joined in a workshop on jazz.
“They did a show to start and then involved the students in the performance,” said Greyson Martyn, a Grade 11 student at Twin Lakes. “It was a relaxed atmosphere and they showed us a couple tricks and how to improvise when you’re playing with others,” added the TLSS jazz band member.
Kuné’s performance at St. Paul’s Centre on Saturday, Nov. 2 was nothing less than inspirational to those who attended, as one attendee said.
“The instruments were amazing,” said Heather Kerslake, adding the global orchestra concert was heartwarming and uplifting. “Each person was featured as were their personal compositions — it was as if every country was talking to the other.”
Fred Larsen, Board Chair of the Orillia Centre, said the programming committee is delighted to have been able to bring a variety of performances to Orillia over the 2019 season, beginning in February with Drew Hayden Taylor’s play, Cottagers and Indians.
Larsen added the committee is already working on 2020 programs, which will be representative of the kind of contemporary and leading-edge programming the Orillia Centre is now known for.
For more information on other upcoming Orillia Centre programs, visit orilliacentre.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the handle @OrilliaCentre.
The Orillia Centre for Arts + Culture is a registered charity that began its activities in 2015 in the Orillia and area. Orillia Centre is committed to, and firmly believes in, providing Orillia and area with experiences in contemporary arts.
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