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This year marks 30 years of the New Brunswick Summer Music Festival. Founded in 1994 by Richard Hornsby, clarinetist and Director of Music at the University of New Brunswick, and pianist Robert Kortgaard, the program has expanded substantially over the years, evolving from a three-day chamber-music event to a two-week music festival, complete with educational and mentorship programming for emerging musicians, community outreach activities, and a wide variety of concerts. Offering what Hornsby describes as a “combination of events in various locations around Fredericton,” the festival ensures that “anyone can experience and enjoy live classical chamber music.”
“When we started,” says Hornsby, “Fredericton did not have an event dedicated to classical music.” He and Kortgaard wanted to share their love of music with what they anticipated would be a receptive public, and to “bring in some of (their) colleagues from around the country to perform with (local) musicians.” Players stay in Fredericton for the program’s duration, spending time together outside of rehearsal, and performing in various ensemble configurations. At this writing, the 2023 lineup has yet to be announced, but last year’s musical talent included violinists David Adams, Timi Levy and Mercedes Salazar, soprano Sally Dibblee, pianist Peter Allen, and cellists Sonja Adams and Joshua Morris. Hornsby thinks that “the camaraderie that is created comes out in the music-making itself, and helps the audience feel connected to (both) the musicians and the music.”
Not only is the organization celebrating a milestone anniversary this year, so too is the city of Fredericton, which turns 175. Festival performers will raise their bows in a special string concert consisting of works by Fredericton composers past and present, in addition to a special work commissioned for the occasion. “Being a small city, people may not think of Fredericton for its musical history,” notes Hornsby, but “over the years it has been home to prominent composers and musicians.” Other celebrations of the city’s birthday include a series of outdoor concerts at various locations in the city, children’s concerts, and a set of four evening performances highlighting Canadian musicians.
Instead of dedicating itself to a theme, Hornsby says, “we are presenting musical gems that we have not done in previous years—music that may have slipped through the cracks.” The festival will culminate in a gala concert, which will centre on the artists themselves, rather than specific composers. “It’s a party,” declares Hornsby, “with lots of fun, and great music.”
The New Brunswick Summer Music Festival will run from July 31-Aug. 12, with Main Series concerts taking place in the University of New Brunswick’s Memorial Hall.
www.nbsummermusicfestival.ca
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