KAIMERATA CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025: FRENCH MUSIC
In this year’s edition of the Kaimerata Festival, Canadian violinist Kai Gleusteen and French pianist Catherine Ordronneau are back with a selection of masterpieces from the arguably the most glorious era of classical music in France. The time span is between 1875 and the Second World War. Kai and Catherine will be joined by American/Canadian cellist Beth Root Sandvoss, Canadian violist Reg Quiring and American clarinettist, Sean Osborn. They will perform three different programs August 6th, 7th, and 8th.
For those unfamiliar with this festival, this is the 14th edition on the island! Kai and Catherine, the heart of the ensemble, have been performing together world-wide for the last 25 years. They are based in Barcelona, where they put on the same series of concerts during the winter months. Here on Denman Island, they are joined by top notch musicians from the West Coast. Local hosts and billets generously receive them during their week of rehearsals and concerts on the island, making if for an unforgettable experience for the musicians as well.
The programs are magnificent. Kai Gleusteen, the creator of the festival, takes pride and joy in explaining the works beforehand to heighten the understanding and appreciation of the compositions. The Community Hall has an excellent acoustic and one of the best pianos on Vancouver Island. The concerts are varied and delightful.
Among this year’s selection of compositions, the musicians will perform the magnificent Piano Trio by Maurice Ravel, the ultra-Romantic Piano Quartet by Gabriel Fauré, and the profound and striking Quartet for the End of Time by Olivier Messiaen. They will also include many French “bonbons,” including the Swan from Saint-Saëns’ Carnaval of the Animals, the Meditation from the Opera Thaïs by Massenet and the ever-so-beautiful Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy. Attending all three concerts will give one a wonderful overview of the pre-impressionist, impressionist, and post-impressionist music of France.
Tickets for individual concerts are $25 (students $12). A Pass for three concerts is $70 and a Supporter’s Pass which includes reserved seating and access to rehearsals is $120. Tickets and more information at kaimerata.com. Tickets are also available at the door (cash only). Supporter’s Pass holders have the privilege of witnessing from close-up the actual work involved in the preparation of the works, the discussions about interpretation, and the interaction between the musicians.
