Acclaimed Tenor, Colin Ainsworth, in Concert

Opera Kelowna welcomes back Tenor Colin Ainsworth for a live recital, with tickets available for Vernon and Kelowna. He was last with the company in 2019 at St Michael’s Cathedral, Kelowna and we are delighted to announce his return to the Valley, with pianist Laura Loewen.

Join us for an evening of extraordinary art song performed by one of Canada foremost opera artists.

• Thursday, September 30th, 2021 7:30pm Trinity United Church (Vernon) 
• Friday, October 1st, 2021 7:30pm St. Michael’s Cathedral (Kelowna) 
• Sunday,October 3rd, 2021 7:00pm private residence (Naramata) SOLD OUT

To purchase tickets, click here.

The Artists:

Praised equally for his incredible voice and his magnetic stage presence, Ainsworth enjoys an international career performing across North America and throughout Europe. At ease performing in major opera houses or on intimate recital stages, his radiant tenor voice has been described as being “as clear and warm as a sunny August day” (Seattle Times) and “a true gift to audiences” (Toronto Star).

Ainsworth will be joined at the piano by Laura Loewen, one of Canada’s most sought after collaborative pianists, who was last heard in the Okanagan performing with soprano Tracy Dahl. Loewen enjoys a national reputation as a collaborative pianist with a robust technique and musical sensitivity. Local violist Ashley Kroecher will join the stage for two selections.

The Program:

• Ralph Vaughan-Williams 4 Hymns for Tenor, Piano & Viola
• Louis Andriessen, arr.  Beatles Songs 

Intermission

• Michelle Poirer Brown & Jeffrey Ryan The Length of Day  
• Peter Tiefenbach Chanson do mon placard (songs from my cupboard) 

Ainsworth and Loewen have crafted an imaginative program of music designed specifically to bring their listeners from a place of reflection to a place of joy. From the gorgeous Hymns for Tenor by Ralph Vaughan Williams to the ingenious treatment of Beatles songs set by Louis Andriessen the music offers a wonderful variety. The heart of the recital will feature The Length of a Day for tenor and piano by Jeffrey Ryan which sets four poems by Michelle Poirier Brown tracing a dramatic arc which descends into darkness then emerges into light. These moving songs were commissioned by Pacific Opera Victoria specifically for Colin Ainsworth and premiered in April 2021. The recital closes with a madcap romp with Peter Tiefenbach’s (of CBC fame) Chansons de mon placard, a tongue in cheek ode to household items found in the composer’s kitchen cupboards. Opera Kelowna is thrilled to share this exciting concert with Okanagan audiences.

Colin Ainsworth – http://www.colinainsworth.ca

For more information, visit Opera Kelowna’s website here.

 Covid-19 Safety Information:

Seating for this performance will be spaced between parties and safely distanced from the performers with limited tickets available.  Masks are mandatory in all indoor spaces.  Proof of double vaccination will be required for entry as per provincial guidelines for large events.