The program actually began 6 or 7 years ago and has seen Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra artists performing free concerts at the Centre for everyone to experience.
“It’s about the music and the community” says Richard Turner, one of the series’ organizers. The musicians themselves are all Manitoba locals.
“We don’t parachute anyone in from anywhere else” says Turner. And over the past few years, the number of people coming out to see them showcase their talent has risen considerably.
“It’s something different” says violinist Julie Savard. “People have a chance to hear people they may not necessarily have heard before.”
Savard has been performing along with Darryl Strain at the concert series for the past five years and enjoys the chance the series provides to try new pieces in the more intimate setting of the Millennium Centre.
Currently, the 2012 series is half way through and wraps up on August 14. The remaining concerts are:
July 24 Mel Braun & Laura Loewen – Baritone & Piano
July 31 James Robertson – French horn & Piano
August 7 Desiree Abbey – Solo cello
August 14 Elation Pauls & Darryl Friesen – Violin & Piano
For more information, contact Richard Turner at rturner@mts.net.