In the news...
Parkdale Orchestra goes to the Movies!
As published by the Kitchissippi Times, Nov 2022
https://kitchissippi.com/2022/11/07/community-orchestra-takes-kitchissippi-to-the-movies/
A cacophony of instruments dies down as John Kraus, baton in hand, steps onto a raised platform at the front of the room. He looks out at the semicircle of around 50 local musicians gathered in Parkdale United Church’s basement hall. They range in age from 16-70, but they all share the same enthusiasm as they ready themselves for another rehearsal.
In less than a month, Kraus will debut as the Parkdale United Church Orchestra’s conductor and music director, and he couldn’t be more excited. “The opportunity to work with a group that draws from a population the size of the national capital region is very enticing,” he said. “Most of the groups I’ve worked with in the past have been very small.” Kraus has worked with community music groups for over 25 years. He founded the Durham Chamber Orchestra in 1996 and stayed on as their conductor until 2007. He has also been the director of the Northumberland Orchestra Choir since 2013.
While the Parkdale Orchestra is also community-oriented, Kraus said its greater size and outreach allow him to put on larger shows with romantic music. He’s already capitalizing on this in his upcoming show, “A Night at the Movies.” On Nov. 19, the orchestra will perform classical music from famous films like Lord of the Rings, Les Misérables and 2001: A Space Odyssey, among others. Kraus said the show is part of his vision to give everyone – musicians and listeners alike – a chance to be part of the music. “It’s a common goal with anybody who works in community music,” he said.
Liane Luton is the president of the orchestra and one of its cellists. She said the theme will help draw listeners back after their hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re hoping that the movie music theme will be a popular theme,” Luton said. “It’s something families can enjoy as well.” The 70-year-old orchestra survived on its reserve funds, but the musicians were unable to rehearse or perform for around two years. When they finally returned to the church, they were rusty, Luton said, and they had around half their pre-pandemic audience. She stressed that they operate on a $20,000 yearly budget, so the lack of income has been concerning. “This past season, for the first time in, I think, the entire history of the orchestra, we lost money. Normally we do make some money,” Luton said. Member dues are one of the main ways the group stays afloat.
Most of its musicians are local amateurs who pay around $5 per rehearsal, like tuba player Javor Frajkor. According to the Westboro resident, the Parkdale Orchestra is one of the province’s few resources for amateur musicians to perform orchestral music. “There’s really only one professional, full-time paid orchestra in town. It’s the National Arts Centre (NAC),” Frajkor said. “To have these others is great because the orchestral repertoire is so different from (that of a) band or chamber ensemble.” Members benefit from the mentorship of hired professionals like Kraus, who is also a retired music teacher of 30 years.
The conductor said it’s difficult to find music that is at the same time challenging, inspiring, and entertaining for amateur musicians to play, but watching them improve over time is worth it. “Seeing people progress and learn about something that I am very passionate about (is rewarding),” Kraus said.
The group is also a good resource for casual listeners in the community. French horn player and member Kathryn Gauthier said listeners find the Parkdale Orchestra more accessible and affordable than the NAC. “For a lot of people, this is just another world, going to the NAC. They just might not do it, and I think the community orchestra is less intimidating (because) it’s in the neighbourhood. Many people know someone who plays,” Gauthier said.
In addition to being one of the orchestra’s violinists, Nathalie van Galen knows two other members from her own home: her oboist husband Yvo de Jong, and her bassoonist son Thomas de Jong, 16. The couple first met at the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands as board members of the university’s student orchestra. After they started dating, they decided to move to Ottawa where they both found jobs as engineers. They now live in the Civic Hospital neighbourhood. Van Galen joined the Parkdale Orchestra in 2003 and became its president soon after Thomas was born in 2005. “I was on maternity leave, and I was bored out of my skull,” van Galen said. “Then the (president) position came open and I was like ‘Yeah, I’m doing it.’” That same year, Yvo joined after a woodwind position opened. Though van Galen stepped down as president in 2009, she and Yvo have played together in the orchestra ever since. Thomas has also been playing with the orchestra for two years. He is currently its youngest musician, but Yvo said that may change when they invite their younger son Edwin, 11, to play the cello. “As a parent, it makes you very proud to see your son in the orchestra,” Yvo said. “(Edwin) hasn’t joined the orchestra yet, but I’m looking forward to that moment.” Van Galen said Edwin could join in a few years, when rehearsals “don’t interfere with his bedtime.”
As Kraus rounds out the first half of the rehearsal, he looks at a small digital clock plugged into the wall behind him. It’s 8:45 p.m. and he’s gone on for 15 minutes longer than intended, lost in the fun of conducting. Though it’s likely too late for Edwin, the night is still young for the orchestra’s musicians, who are all alert and lively. The conductor steps off his platform to take his break, optimistic about how the program is coming together. “Being a part of a team, working on a common goal and working together to produce a beautiful program – that’s sort of my goal and my role as music director,” Kraus said.
CBC Radio North interview with Markus Schwabe
I had the opportunity to speak with Markus Schwabe, Morning North host, about the Sudbury Music Festival and what it was like to be an adjudicator and listen to performances, both live and virtual. Listen to that interview here.
Photo credit Trevor Hesselink
Peterborough Celebrates Winter Solstice with Victoria Yeh’s Timeless December 22, 2022 (PETERBOROUGH)
On December 21st, the longest night of the year, Peterborough locals gathered downtown at the Theatre on King to celebrate Winter Solstice with an unforgettable night of food, art and music. In her community debut,
violinist Victoria Yeh performed an impressive evening of music through the ages, including Vivaldi’s Winter,
Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, the world premiere of Yeh’s Timeless, and original fusion music from Yeh’s latest album, Spirit Awakens. The show included twelve musicians including John Kraus, who conducted the
10-piece orchestra, Concertmaster Natalie Wong; and world touring artists, Gino Mirizio (drums/percussion) and
Curtis Freeman (bass) in the Spirit Awakens band.
The production was made possible by a generous grant from RAISE, as well as support from D’Addario Canada, Treblecock Studios, and the Peterborough Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.
Timeless sold out three weeks before the show, with many patrons also enjoying a pre-show Solstice dinner special at Amandala’s Restaurant on Water Street.
With a long waitlist of people who were hoping to get in, Yeh will be making plans for a larger production in 2023.
##
Media inquiries and interview requests:
Victoria Yeh
416-799-0737
[email protected]
John Kraus introduced as Music Director, Parkdale Orchestra, Ottawa
John brings decades of musical experience to us ranging from the classics, a smattering of swing and a passion for pop. “Mr. Kraus immediately impressed us with his love of all genres of music, his passion for music education and his extensive experience working with student, amateur
and professional musicians,” says PO President, Liane Luton.
read more here
What an amazing weekend!
Led by @simonegendron & @lanisommers they put together a Beginning Band Blitz.
After 2 years without junior high band, 100 students got to try a band instrument.
Thanks to the generosity of @ashburycollege and @ontariobandassociation !!
And a wonderful lunchtime concert by the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces / Musique centrale des FAC trio!
Our guest conductor John Kraus is incredible. One more day and a first concert tomorrow!
#musicmatters #concertband Ashbury College
Led by @simonegendron & @lanisommers they put together a Beginning Band Blitz.
After 2 years without junior high band, 100 students got to try a band instrument.
Thanks to the generosity of @ashburycollege and @ontariobandassociation !!
And a wonderful lunchtime concert by the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces / Musique centrale des FAC trio!
Our guest conductor John Kraus is incredible. One more day and a first concert tomorrow!
#musicmatters #concertband Ashbury College
Thank you Cecilia Naismith for the lovely article sharing some of the history of the NOC with our community.
Truly touched by the comments and quotes from our dedicated and talented members.
Truly touched by the comments and quotes from our dedicated and talented members.
Thank you Haliburton Echo for the photos....Haliburton Music Festival, April 2019...
I got to spend the day in Haliburton.....
"Woodwind sectional with John Kraus. Lots of learning with Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Chariots of Fire, Pirates of the Caribbean, and more! We are sounding goooood - and looking forward to the rest of the orchestra joining in on the fun this afternoon!" conductor Daniel Manley
"After the morning woodwind sectional, we had an extended full orchestra session with John Kraus. So inspirational! We're so happy to get these opportunities in Haliburton County!" Conductor Daniel Manley
Honoured to be invited to join the Highlands Chamber Orchestra in Haliburton for a day of rehearsals. Lovely work on some very challenging pieces. Thanks Dan and Wil for the invitation to work with the orchestra.
Honoured to be invited to join the Highlands Chamber Orchestra in Haliburton for a day of rehearsals. Lovely work on some very challenging pieces. Thanks Dan and Wil for the invitation to work with the orchestra.
With a tapestry of spring colours quilted across land, sea (well, the Bay of Quinte) and sky, Mother Nature was in fine form Sunday— picture perfect weather for a spring concert.
The concert, Pictures at an Exhibition, was a unique cultural event featuring The Quinte Symphony, the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir, the Bridge Street United Church Choir, two guest soloists and the artists of Gallery 121.
Under the direction of Maestro John Kraus, Northumberland Orchestra opened the concert with an orchestral piece written by
Canadian composer Glenn Buhr. Like a musical portrayal of the day itself, Akasha was a blue sky filled with silver tinged cumulous clouds — a fresh breeze on a sunny, spring day.
On that breeze came NOC principal clarinetist Michael Lyons performing Michael Conway Baker’s Concerto for Clarinet and
Orchestra in two movements. At times frenetic, sometimes sweeping, Lyons’ last note was immediately met with ‘Bravo!’ from one audience member and a standing ovation from the rest.
The Quinte Symphony and both choirs then joined NOC for the performance of Francis Poulenc’s joyfully sacred Gloria, featuring soprano Elizabeth McDonald. Even with all that musical firepower behind her, McDonald stood poised and serene as her powerful and uplifting voice rose to the rafters in magnificent worship.
After the intermission, with original artwork displayed around the church (and on the televisions in the sanctuary during
intermission) Maestro Dan Tremblay led both TQS and the NOC through Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an
Exhibition. Written in 11 movements as a melodic portrayal of a tour through an art gallery, the magnificent suite was written to generate a multitude of emotions, each one painting a musical picture for the listener.
The commanding first notes on trumpet in the Promenade are echoed throughout the lengthy suite, with emotions that range from sombre to sacrosanct, playful to frightening. Each movement is a musical representation of a particular piece of art that was known to the Russian composer, with subject matter that includes gnomes, a castle, baby chicks, cattle, catacombs and an argument in a French market. The concert ended with Mussorgsky’s magnificent final movement, The Great Gate of Kiev, which was the completion of a tremendous showcase of the amazing talents in the both orchestras. ‘Bravo!’ was heard repeatedly again as the massive orchestra completed Mussorgsky’s artistic journey. The standing ovation from the large audience, many of them mothers with children young and old(er), was warranted, long lasting and wonderfully received.
“It’s a tremendous combination of two orchestras together,” said Tony Prower, whose wife plays bassoon with the NOC. “It’s not
something you see very often.” Pictures at an Exhibition was a multifaceted, multisensory concert, with music portraying the sky, the sacred, and artistic expression. It was a delightful way to spend Mother’s Day Sunday, especially one so beautifully painted by Mother Nature herself.
ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC
Musical pictures for Mother's Day
Audra Kent/For The Intelligencer
Monday, May 9, 2016 5:06:52 EDT PM
The concert, Pictures at an Exhibition, was a unique cultural event featuring The Quinte Symphony, the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir, the Bridge Street United Church Choir, two guest soloists and the artists of Gallery 121.
Under the direction of Maestro John Kraus, Northumberland Orchestra opened the concert with an orchestral piece written by
Canadian composer Glenn Buhr. Like a musical portrayal of the day itself, Akasha was a blue sky filled with silver tinged cumulous clouds — a fresh breeze on a sunny, spring day.
On that breeze came NOC principal clarinetist Michael Lyons performing Michael Conway Baker’s Concerto for Clarinet and
Orchestra in two movements. At times frenetic, sometimes sweeping, Lyons’ last note was immediately met with ‘Bravo!’ from one audience member and a standing ovation from the rest.
The Quinte Symphony and both choirs then joined NOC for the performance of Francis Poulenc’s joyfully sacred Gloria, featuring soprano Elizabeth McDonald. Even with all that musical firepower behind her, McDonald stood poised and serene as her powerful and uplifting voice rose to the rafters in magnificent worship.
After the intermission, with original artwork displayed around the church (and on the televisions in the sanctuary during
intermission) Maestro Dan Tremblay led both TQS and the NOC through Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an
Exhibition. Written in 11 movements as a melodic portrayal of a tour through an art gallery, the magnificent suite was written to generate a multitude of emotions, each one painting a musical picture for the listener.
The commanding first notes on trumpet in the Promenade are echoed throughout the lengthy suite, with emotions that range from sombre to sacrosanct, playful to frightening. Each movement is a musical representation of a particular piece of art that was known to the Russian composer, with subject matter that includes gnomes, a castle, baby chicks, cattle, catacombs and an argument in a French market. The concert ended with Mussorgsky’s magnificent final movement, The Great Gate of Kiev, which was the completion of a tremendous showcase of the amazing talents in the both orchestras. ‘Bravo!’ was heard repeatedly again as the massive orchestra completed Mussorgsky’s artistic journey. The standing ovation from the large audience, many of them mothers with children young and old(er), was warranted, long lasting and wonderfully received.
“It’s a tremendous combination of two orchestras together,” said Tony Prower, whose wife plays bassoon with the NOC. “It’s not
something you see very often.” Pictures at an Exhibition was a multifaceted, multisensory concert, with music portraying the sky, the sacred, and artistic expression. It was a delightful way to spend Mother’s Day Sunday, especially one so beautifully painted by Mother Nature herself.
ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC
Musical pictures for Mother's Day
Audra Kent/For The Intelligencer
Monday, May 9, 2016 5:06:52 EDT PM