Summer Season 2010
Season 11 Comes to a Close
It's over - but not really!
The final notes of Westben's 2010 season of Concerts at The Barn have finally died away. After the last long and hearty standing ovation, the crowds have finally gone home. The piano has been covered, and the lights are off. All that is left is an empty barn surrounded by a quiet meadow.
This may be true, but it is not the complete picture! If you allow yourself, you can still sense an astounding array of unforgettable memories which are still very much alive. Remarkable concerts ranging from Bach to brand new with Broadway along the way. Top tier artists including the principal cellist of the Montreal Symphony, the Elmer Iseler Singers and Canada's internationally acclaimed prima donna Adrianne Pieczonka. Music from opera to Klezmer, with everything in between. All of this, along with the enthusiastic response from audiences from across southern Ontario, seems to continue to shine like summer sunshine throughout the Barn.
But there is more still. Completely surrounding this enduring echo of international stars, music and applause there is a definite and unquenchable hum of never-ending support from an ever growing community of nurturers. It is the incredible combination of all of this which truly makes up the ongoing Symphony that is Westben.
This past weekend, Westben celebrated its final weekend of Concerts at The Barn 2010 with a dazzling closer. Despite damp weather, smiles were everywhere as the organization's Finale-Fundraiser transformed the Barn into the glittering Court of Camelot. Fabulous food, an eclectic silent auction (not to mention the thoroughly entertaining live auction), door prizes and raffle prizes kept the near-capacity audience entertained. Fabulous music was everywhere, courtesy of "minstrels" Rosanne Warren (flute), Angie Ottewill (harp) and Dan Warren, trumpet. The afternoon also featured an unforgettable concert with special guest, canadian superstar tenor, Michael Burgess who joined Westben Co-founder Donna Bennett with Brian Jackson at the piano for favourites from Lerner & Loewe's Camelot as well as Brian Finley's Rapunzel.
The event was yet another unforgettable moment at Westben, and a fitting close to yet another great season. Once again, as in every one of the ten years preceding this season, I am reminded of the truly outstanding effort by so many who continue to nurture the Westben phenomenon. The guest artists may feel that all the applause is all for them, but the truth is slightly different! Those standing ovations also fully belong to...
Westben's 200-plus volunteers, including its incredibly dedicated Board of Directors chaired by Debra Richardson-Edge, with special mention to head volunteer coordinator Marilyn Keene, stage manager Jim MacDonald, technical coordinator Ron Vogan, grounds coordinator Doug Keene and hospitality coordinator Katherine Cochrane. Thank you for so generously assuming such important roles, and for your leadership engaging and inspiring such enthusiastic crews!
Westben's staff, including Donna Bennett (director of advancement & marketing), Teresa Castonguay (business & development coordinator), April Watson (administrative assistant), Ellen O'Connor (box office assistant), Andrew Gartenburg & Ben FInley (production assistants) and Pam Moran (bookkeeper). A professional team who handles the virtually impossible with ease and grace!
Westben's membership of over 240. Your support is vital and exemplary! The same can be said for the many generous donors and grant givers, including all three levels of government.
Westben's 21 sponsors, most of whom have stuck by the organization for many years. In 2010, we thank Allen Insurance....................
Clearly, the Westben Symphony is a participation sport! Without question, the music is wonderful, but the true harmony is the people. To all those who helped make Westben 2010 what it was, thank you! My sincerest wish is for you fully realize (and never forget) the glorious Symphony that you are so important a part of!
Sing/play on, one and all! Here's to next year...
