Westben Group Goes to New York City
March 2 2012, 8:00 pm
Great Escapes says “START SPREADING THE NEWS”
NEW YORK CITY with a WESTBEN CONNECTION March 2nd-5th 2012
A Weekend to Sing About! SOLD OUT!
What do New York Cityand the Westben Arts Festival Theatre have in common? World class artists! In March 2012, one of Westben’s upcoming guest artists, Canadian superstar baritone Gerald Finley appears at The Met singing one of his signature roles: Mozart’s Don Giovanni. And Westben will be there! You are invited to join Westben
co-founders Brian Finley and Donna Bennett on an exciting Great Escape to the city that never sleeps. On the way to NYC, Brian will introduce you to Mozart and his masterpiece, as well as some “insider information” about the life of his cousin opera singer. Once in the Big Apple, join Brian and Donna at the opera itself. Simply choose your tickets, and we will arrange them for you (cost is extra). The day after the performance, we will enjoy our own private dinner with the opera star at a popular NY restaurant. It’s an extended weekend in early March that will make your heart sing!
Even if you decide not to go to the Met, you can always be sure of a fabulous weekend in NYC! Your Great Escape, arranged and escorted by Bev Hanna-Jones, will get you comfortably to the heart of the city for three days of guaranteed adventure and excitement.
Included in your Great Escape: $745 per person based on db occupancy
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Deluxe motor coach transportation with Franklins of Belleville
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3 nights at Affinia Hotel in midtown Manhattanwith baggage handling - this 3 1/2 star hotel is located at 7th Avenueand 31st Streetand all rooms have fridge and coffeemaker (rooms with 2 doubles or 1 queen available)
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Step on guided tour of NYC
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1 dinner at a fantastic NYC restaurant-Geraldwill be there to tell you all about performing in the opera (Sunday night)
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Gratuity of our driver
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Escorted and arranged by Bev Hanna Jones
Details, Details.....
Friday March 2nd
• Depart bright and early for NYC....(we will stop for breaks and lunch)
• Arrive in NYC hotel late afternoon - drop your bags and start exploring!
Saturday March 3rd:
• Join us for a step on guided 3 hour tour this morning
• Take the rest of the day to do your own thing-
• Tonight - if you are going to the MET, meet Brian and Donna in the lobby of the
hotel at a pre-arranged time for an evening of magnificent opera!
Sunday March 4th
• Another day to explore on your own....shop, tour a museum, ride the Staten
Island Ferry, visit the Empire State Building......
• Dinner tonight is at a lovely quaint restaurant in uptown Manhattan with Gerald Finley
Monday March 5th
• We will leave the NYC mid morning and arrive back in Belleville around dinner
time......
Cost is $745 (double occupancy) Full payment due by January 15th 2012
• tickets to the MET are extra and vary in cost depending on seating (ticket
purchase can be arranged for you)
• you need a current passport for border crossing
• cancellation and out of country medical insurance is highly recommended
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enquire with Marlin Travel for your needs
• minimum of 30 people needed for this tour to go!
• all payments are with Marlin Travel of Belleville 199 Front Street
613 962 9227 re # 3163882
• To book your Great Escape contact Bev Hanna-Jones
613 968 3359 or 905 344 7214 or bevhj@sympatico.ca
THIS IS THE DAY!
April 21 2012, 7:30 pm
A royal affair! Westben's "first couple" Donna Bennett and Brian Finley team up with the Westben Festival Chorus and special guests, the Kingston Chamber Choir under Gordon Sinclair for an evening of choral splendour including John Rutter's This is the Day composed specially for the royal wedding of kate Middleton and Prince William, and other favourites from Bruckner to Gershwin.
FIRST-CLASS JAZZ
June 2 2012, 7:00 pm
FIRST-CLASS JAZZ $8.85/ $4.42
Saturday, June 2 at 7 pm
The highest of standards with the award-winning CDHS Jazz Ensembles under directors Dave and Michelle Noble.
LEGENDS & FABLES
June 3 2012, 3:00 pm
LEGENDS & FABLES $8.85/ $4.42
Sunday, June 3 at 3 pm
Relive the magically musical world of tall tales and heroes with the 40 members of Westben's Youth & Teen Choruses, Donna Bennett & Brian Finley, directors.
BAND BONANZA
June 8 2012, 7:00 pm
BAND BONANZA $8.85/ $4.42
Friday, June 8 at 7 pm
Nancy Elmhirst brings her 60-piece award-winning concert band from Hillcrest Public School, along with up and coming soloists from the Trent Hills community.
GOLDEN AGE OF OPERETTA
June 10 2012, 3:00 pm
GOLDEN AGE OF OPERETTA $22.12/ $13.27/ $4.42
Sunday, June 10 at 3 pm
Mark DuBois is back! With the help of the Westben Festival Chorus, Westben's favourite tenor explains the why and wherefore of all the best from the world of operetta from Lehar to Gilbert & Sullivan.
The Auction Preview
June 29 2012, 2:00 pm
PREVIEW TO
THE WORLD PREMIERE OF…
THE AUCTION Preview: $24.78/ $23.01/ $13.27/ $4.42
A Canadian Folk Opera by John Burge and Eugene Benson
Preview Friday, June 29
Saturday June 30 and Sunday July 1at 2 pm $44.25/ $42.48/ $13.27/ $4.42
Fully staged with chamber orchestra; Free Pre-performance Chat on June 30 and July 1 at 1 pm
Westben is thrilled to present the world premiere of a brand new Canadian Folk Opera, The Auction. Commissioned by Westben with the assistance of the Ontario Arts Council, The Auction is composed by Juno Award-winning composer John Burge to a beautifully poignant English libretto created by Eugene Benson. Echoing with the dreams, memories and hopes of a family as they come to terms with selling their farm, the fully-staged production is directed and choreographed by Allison Grant. The all-star cast includes Bruce Kelly, Kimberly Barber, Donna Bennett, Olivia Rapos, Matthew Zadow, Keith Klassen and Tim Stiff. Philip Headlam conducts the Westben Chamber Orchestra.
*used with permission by the publisher, Groundwood Books, www.groundwoodbooks.com
The Auction
June 30 2012, 2:00 pm
THE AUCTION $44.25/ $42.48/ $13.27/ $4.42
A Canadian Folk Opera by John Burge and Eugene Benson
Saturday June 30 and Sunday July 1 at 2 pm (Preview on June 29 at 2 pm)
Fully staged with chamber orchestra; Free Pre-performance Chat on June 30 and July 1 at 1 pm
Westben is thrilled to present the world premiere of a brand new Canadian Folk Opera, The Auction. Commissioned by Westben with the assistance of the Ontario Arts Council, The Auction is composed by Juno Award-winning composer John Burge to a beautifully poignant English libretto created by Eugene Benson. Echoing with the dreams, memories and hopes of a family as they come to terms with selling their farm, the fully-staged production is directed and choreographed by Allison Grant. The all-star cast includes Bruce Kelly, Kimberly Barber, Donna Bennett, Olivia Rapos, Matthew Zadow, Keith Klassen and Tim Stiff. Philip Headlam conducts the Westben Chamber Orchestra.
*used with permission by the publisher, Groundwood Books, www.groundwoodbooks.com
The Auction
July 1 2012, 2:00 pm
THE WORLD PREMIERE OF...
THE AUCTION $44.25/ $42.48/ $13.27/ $4.42
A Canadian Folk Opera by John Burge and Eugene Benson
Saturday June 30 and Sunday July 1 at 2 pm (Preview on June 29 at 2 pm)
Fully staged with chamber orchestra; Free Pre-performance Chat on June 30 and July 1 at 1 pm
Westben is thrilled to present the world premiere of a brand new Canadian Folk Opera, The Auction. Commissioned by Westben with the assistance of the Ontario Arts Council, The Auction is composed by Juno Award-winning composer John Burge to a beautifully poignant English libretto created by Eugene Benson. Echoing with the dreams, memories and hopes of a family as they come to terms with selling their farm, the fully-staged production is directed and choreographed by Allison Grant. The all-star cast includes Bruce Kelly, Kimberly Barber, Donna Bennett, Olivia Rapos, Matthew Zadow, Keith Klassen and Tim Stiff. Philip Headlam conducts the Westben Chamber Orchestra.
*used with permission by the publisher, Groundwood Books, www.groundwoodbooks.com
Canadian Guitar Quartet
July 7 2012, 2:00 pm
CANADIAN GUITAR QUARTET $33.63/ $31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/ $4.42
Saturday, July 7 at 2 pm
Since its debut in 1999, the Canadian Guitar Quartet has toured extensively in North and South America, from one standing ovation to the next, establishing a reputation as one of the finest guitar ensembles in the world. Having been featured everywhere from Bravo! TV to England’s Classical Guitar magazine, the CGQ’s eclectic repertoire includes everything from brilliant transcriptions of the classical repertoire of Rossini and Gabrielli to the steamy tangos of Patrick Roux and originals.
Quartetto Gelato
July 8 2012, 2:00 pm
QUARTETTO GELATO $37.17/ $35.40/ $32.74/ $13.27/ $4.42
Sunday, July 8 at 2 pm
Virtuosic showpieces, romantic tenor arias, pyrotechnical solos, blazing gypsy show pieces, multi-instrument mastery and a World Accordion Champion! For nearly two decades, this dazzling ensemble has enchanted audiences and critics worldwide with their exotic blend of musical virtuosity, artistic passion and humor. Classical in training – eclectic by design.
Georgy Tchaidze, piano
July 10 2012, 7:00 pm
MUSIC OF THE NIGHT... $33.63/ $31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/ $4.42
GEORGY TCHAIDZE, piano
Tuesday, July 10 at 7 pm
First Laureate of the 2009 Honens International Competition in Calgary, 23-year old Russian pianist Georgy Tchaidze is already known internationally for his lyric sensitivity, virtuosity and musical imagination. Native of St. Petersburg, Russia, Georgy performs Mussorgsky’s colourful Pictures at an Exhibition as well as works by Medtner and Tchaikovsky.
Oliver Jones
July 14 2012, 2:00 pm
JAZZ LEGENDS… $37.17/ $35.40/ $32.74/ $13.27/ $4.42
OLIVER JONES TRIO
July 14 at 2 pm
Oliver Jones (piano), Eric Legace (bass) & Jim Doxas (drums)
Disciple, colleague and friend of the late Oscar Peterson, Montreal-based pianist Oliver Jones belongs to the top echelon of Canadian jazz artists. Known all over the world for his charismatic performances, Oliver is a three-time Juno Award-winner, and won Musician of the Year at the 2009 National Jazz Awards.
Nathaniel Dett Chorale
July 15 2012, 2:00 pm
NATHANIEL DETT CHORALE $37.17/ $35.40/ $32.74/ $13.27/ $4.42
Sunday, July 15 at 2pm
Meet Canada’s first professional choral group dedicated to Afrocentric music of all styles, including classical, spiritual, gospel, jazz, folk and blues. Under the inspired direction of Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, the 21-voice Chorale has performed for everyone from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to Muhammad Ali and Oscar Peterson, as well as at the inauguration of US President Barack Obama. This afternoon’s program entitled Voices of the Diaspora… Make Me a World includes Sydney Guillaume’s Mama Afrika, Glen Burleigh’s Nguzo Saba Suite, Rosephayne Powell’s I Dream a World and more.
Winds at Westben
July 17 2012, 7:00 pm
WINDS AT WESTBEN $33.63/ $31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/ $4.42
Tuesday, July 17 at 7 pm
Ross Edwards (clarinet), James Mason (oboe), James McKay (bassoon), Ron George (French horn), and Brian Finley (piano)
“I myself consider it to be the best thing I have written in my life.” So wrote Mozart to his father following the premieree of hisQuintet in E Flat for Piano and Winds, K. 452. Beethoven was so impressed by the piece that he too composed his own Quintet in E Flat for Piano and Winds, Op. 16 twelve years later. Now, four of Canada’s best chamber musicians team up with Westben’s Brian Finley to perform both masterpieces on the evocative Music of the Night series.
JULIE & FRIENDS ON BROADWAY
July 19 2012, 2:00 pm
BARNFUL OF BROADWAY ... $33.63/ $31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/ $4.42
July 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29 at 2 pm
JULIE & FRIENDS ON BROADWAY
Donna Bennett (soprano), Elizabeth Turnbull (mezzo), James McLean (tenor), Andrew Love (baritone), Brian Jackson (piano), with members of the Westben Youth Chorus
Get a spoonful of Julie as an all-star cast teams up for this year’s salute to Broadway with excerpts from musicals made musicals made famous by Julie Andrews and friends. Enjoy all the hits fromMary Poppins, Camelot, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and more!
JULIE & FRIENDS ON BROADWAY
July 20 2012, 2:00 pm
BARNFUL OF BROADWAY ... $33.63/ $31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/ $4.42
July 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29 at 2 pm
JULIE & FRIENDS ON BROADWAY
Donna Bennett (soprano), Elizabeth Turnbull (mezzo), James McLean (tenor), Andrew Love (baritone), Brian Jackson (piano), with members of the Westben Youth Chorus
Get a spoonful of Julie as an all-star cast teams up for this year’s salute to Broadway with excerpts from musicals made musicals made famous by Julie Andrews and friends. Enjoy all the hits fromMary Poppins, Camelot, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and more!
Mozart in Vienna
July 21 2012, 2:00 pm
MOZART IN VIENNA $33.63/ $31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/ $4.42
Shows of Schikaneder
Saturday, July 21 at 2 pm
Have you ever wondered who put the “pa” in Pagageno? The answer is Emmanuel Schikaneder, the brilliant manager of the Theatre an der Wien where several of Mozart’s operas were first introduced to the Viennese public. Schikaneder was also the librettist for Mozart’s operatic masterpiece, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) as well as its very first Papageno. Now, 200 years after the death of this great impresario, Westben celebrates with a dazzling collection of arias and ensembles from the Mozart operas originally made famous by Schikaneder, including excerpts from Cosi fan tutte, Le Nozze di Figaro, Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Die Zauberflöte and others.
Gerald Finley, bass baritone with Brian Finley, piano
July 22 2012, 2:00 pm
Sunday Afternoon at the Opera $44.25/ $42.48/ $13.27/ $4.42
GERALD FINLEY, bass baritone with BRIAN FINLEY, piano
Sunday, July 22at 2 pm Free Pre-performance Chat with Iain Scott at1 pm
Selecting from his vast repertoire ranging from Mozart to Richard Rogers, Finley will present a glittering array of favourite baritone opera arias with cousin (and Westben’s artistic director), Brian Finley at the piano.
Joel Quarrington, double bass
July 24 2012, 7:00 pm
JOEL QUARRINGTON, double bass $33.63/$31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/$4.42
Tuesday, July 24 at 7 pm
Having led bass sections in several major orchestras around the world including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra and others, this Juno-award winning Canadian double bassist appears in a rare solo concert of works by Schumann, Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Korngold and others.
JULIE & FRIENDS ON BROADWAY
July 26 2012, 2:00 pm
BARNFUL OF BROADWAY ... $33.63/ $31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/ $4.42
July 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29 at 2 pm
JULIE & FRIENDS ON BROADWAY
Donna Bennett (soprano), Elizabeth Turnbull (mezzo), James McLean (tenor), Andrew Love (baritone), Brian Jackson (piano), with members of the Westben Youth Chorus
Get a spoonful of Julie as an all-star cast teams up for this year’s salute to Broadway with excerpts from musicals made musicals made famous by Julie Andrews and friends. Enjoy all the hits fromMary Poppins, Camelot, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and more!
JULIE & FRIENDS ON BROADWAY
July 27 2012, 2:00 pm
BARNFUL OF BROADWAY ... $33.63/ $31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/ $4.42
July 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29 at 2 pm
JULIE & FRIENDS ON BROADWAY
Donna Bennett (soprano), Elizabeth Turnbull (mezzo), James McLean (tenor), Andrew Love (baritone), Brian Jackson (piano), with members of the Westben Youth Chorus
Get a spoonful of Julie as an all-star cast teams up for this year’s salute to Broadway with excerpts from musicals made musicals made famous by Julie Andrews and friends. Enjoy all the hits fromMary Poppins, Camelot, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and more!
JULIE & FRIENDS ON BROADWAY
July 28 2012, 2:00 pm
BARNFUL OF BROADWAY ... $33.63/ $31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/ $4.42
July 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29 at 2 pm
JULIE & FRIENDS ON BROADWAY
Donna Bennett (soprano), Elizabeth Turnbull (mezzo), James McLean (tenor), Andrew Love (baritone), Brian Jackson (piano), with members of the Westben Youth Chorus
Get a spoonful of Julie as an all-star cast teams up for this year’s salute to Broadway with excerpts from musicals made musicals made famous by Julie Andrews and friends. Enjoy all the hits fromMary Poppins, Camelot, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and more!
JULIE & FRIENDS ON BROADWAY
July 29 2012, 2:00 pm
BARNFUL OF BROADWAY ... $33.63/ $31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/ $4.42
July 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, 29 at 2 pm
JULIE & FRIENDS ON BROADWAY
Donna Bennett (soprano), Elizabeth Turnbull (mezzo), James McLean (tenor), Andrew Love (baritone), Brian Jackson (piano), with members of the Westben Youth Chorus
Get a spoonful of Julie as an all-star cast teams up for this year’s salute to Broadway with excerpts from musicals made musicals made famous by Julie Andrews and friends. Enjoy all the hits fromMary Poppins, Camelot, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and more!
Robert Michaels
August 3 2012, 7:00 pm
HE’S BACK! ...
ROBERT MICHAELS $33.63 / $31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/ $4.42
August 3 at 7 pm
Without a doubt, one of Westben’s most popular guest artists, Robert Michaels returns with his unique, fiery Flamenco guitar and sizzling energy. With two Junos, this platinum recording artist is hailed as one of Canada’s most accomplished Latin jazz performers. Robert will be performing selections from his most recent recording, Via Italia along with other favourites.
Cadence
August 4 2012, 2:00 pm
Did you enjoy the Swingle Singers last year? Then you’ll love…
CADENCE $33.63 / $31.86/ $29.20/ $13.27/ $4.42
August 4 at 2 pm
Combining the lyricism of Stan Getz, the sophisticated harmonies of the Count Basie Big Band and the devil-may-care attitude of Louis Prima, this fabulous foursome has been entertaining audiences worldwide for over a decade with their innovative jazz arrangements, genre-hopping covers and eclectic originals. With an infectious energy and a good measure of wild stage antics, this cool cat rat pack of musical misfits is guaranteed to leave you shouting out for more!
The Big Band Theory!
August 5 2012, 2:00 pm
FINALE-FUNDRAISER... $44.25/ $42.48
THE BIG BAND THEORY!
Sunday, August 5at 2 pm
Season 2012 ends with a bang as the Brian Barlow Big Band returns for another unforgettable finale-fundraiser! This year, we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the death of George Gershwin with a toe-tapping visit to Tin Pan Alley. Included are all your big band favourites, as well as Gerswhin’s beloved Rhapsody in Blue in a brand new arrangement for solo piano and Big Band written specifically for the event by Brian Barlow himself, and with Brian Finley at the keyboard. Fabulous music, fantastic fund-raising activities, and fun with friends – that’s the Theory!
ELIJAH’S ANGEL
November 24 2012, 1:00 pm
ELIJAH’S ANGEL $22.12/ $13.27/ $4.42
Linda Kash (narrator), Donna Bennett (soprano), Brian Finley (piano) with the Westben Youth, Teen & Festival Choruses
Sunday, December 2, 3:00 pmat St Andrew’s UnitedChurch, Peterborough
Saturday, November 24, 1:00 pmat The Barn
Sunday, November 25, 3:00 pmat The Barn
Saturday, December 1, 7:30 pmat NorwoodUnited Church
WINTER AT WESTBEN
Westben welcomes winter with another heartwarming narrated concert. 8-year-old Michael and 80-year-old Elijah are friends, but when Elijah gives Michael one of his special carved angels, Michael doesn’t know what to do. How can he possibly take home a Christmas angel – especially on Chanukah? Linda Kash narrates this beautifully poignant story by Michael Rosen while soprano Donna Bennett and the 80-voices of the Westben Youth, Teen and Festival Choruses supply seasonal music of love and friendship.
ELIJAH’S ANGEL
November 25 2012, 3:00 pm
ELIJAH’S ANGEL $22.12/ $13.27/ $4.42
Linda Kash (narrator), Donna Bennett (soprano), Brian Finley (piano) with the Westben Youth, Teen & Festival Choruses
Sunday, December 2, 3:00 pmat St Andrew’s UnitedChurch, Peterborough
Saturday, November 24, 1:00 pmat The Barn
Sunday, November 25, 3:00 pmat The Barn
Saturday, December 1, 7:30 pmat NorwoodUnited Church
WINTER AT WESTBEN
Westben welcomes winter with another heartwarming narrated concert. 8-year-old Michael and 80-year-old Elijah are friends, but when Elijah gives Michael one of his special carved angels, Michael doesn’t know what to do. How can he possibly take home a Christmas angel – especially on Chanukah? Linda Kash narrates this beautifully poignant story by Michael Rosen while soprano Donna Bennett and the 80-voices of the Westben Youth, Teen and Festival Choruses supply seasonal music of love and friendship.
ELIJAH’S ANGEL
December 1 2012, 7:30 pm
ELIJAH’S ANGEL $22.12/ $13.27/ $4.42
Linda Kash (narrator), Donna Bennett (soprano), Brian Finley (piano) with the Westben Youth, Teen & Festival Choruses
Sunday, December 2, 3:00 pmat St Andrew’s UnitedChurch, Peterborough
Saturday, November 24, 1:00 pmat The Barn
Sunday, November 25, 3:00 pmat The Barn
Saturday, December 1, 7:30 pmat NorwoodUnited Church
WINTER AT WESTBEN
Westben welcomes winter with another heartwarming narrated concert. 8-year-old Michael and 80-year-old Elijah are friends, but when Elijah gives Michael one of his special carved angels, Michael doesn’t know what to do. How can he possibly take home a Christmas angel – especially on Chanukah? Linda Kash narrates this beautifully poignant story by Michael Rosen while soprano Donna Bennett and the 80-voices of the Westben Youth, Teen and Festival Choruses supply seasonal music of love and friendship.
ELIJAH’S ANGEL
December 2 2012, 3:00 pm
ELIJAH’S ANGEL $22.12/ $13.27/ $4.42
Linda Kash (narrator), Donna Bennett (soprano), Brian Finley (piano) with the Westben Youth, Teen & Festival Choruses
Sunday, December 2, 3:00 pm at St Andrew’s United Church, Peterborough
Saturday, November 24, 1:00 pm at The Barn
Sunday, November 25, 3:00 pm at The Barn
Saturday, December 1, 7:30 pm at Norwood United Church
WINTER AT WESTBEN
Westben welcomes winter with another heartwarming narrated concert. 8-year-old Michael and 80-year-old Elijah are friends, but when Elijah gives Michael one of his special carved angels, Michael doesn’t know what to do. How can he possibly take home a Christmas angel – especially on Chanukah? Linda Kash narrates this beautifully poignant story by Michael Rosen while soprano Donna Bennett and the 80-voices of the Westben Youth, Teen and Festival Choruses supply seasonal music of love and friendship.
