Quintet Brings Music to the Bay

In photo (L-R): Praise Lam, Cecilia Chan, Natalie Kemerer, Felix Deak, Elspeth Thompson
Photo by Deedi Ward

-by Peter & Cynthia Kemerer

On Saturday, July 17th, a gorgeous Georgian Bay day with bright sun and a fresh breeze, a number of fortunate summer residents gathered at the lovely cottage of William and Kathleen Davis in Cognashene for a chamber music concert performed by the Georgian Bay Quintet.

The brainchild of Cynthia and Natalie Kemerer, the concert was conceived as a fundraiser for the GBLT. It was enthusiastically adopted by the GBLT, and the arrangements and organization made by Chris Baines, Janet Lougheed and the GBLT staff. Natalie organized the musicians and the music program. The players are all professional musicians active with a number of orchestras in Ontario. The members of the group were:

Praise Lam - first violin
Cecilia Chan - second violin
Elspeth Thompson - viola
Felix Deak - cello
Natalie Kemerer - double bass

Since the ticket sales had no central registry, we were apprehensive that there would be a small crowd. Imagine our delight when more than 50 people turned out for the concert. They were treated to a program in a most intimate setting of:

Doizetti - Introduzione
Mozart - Divertimento
Corelli - Cocerto Grosso #10
Elgar - Serenade for Strings.

The music was played with sensitivity and musicality and was warmly received and applauded by the audience, which was much appreciated by the musicians. Wendy Cooper gave an update of GBLT happenings at half time, and William Davis gave a closing summing up, praising the Ontario musicians and the Ontario wine. The big thrill of the day was the final proceeds of $2,565 for the event. Many thanks to our hosts and all that helped on the day of the concert.

Maybe an encore in 2011??



In photo (L-R): William Davis, Praise Lam
Photo by Deedi Ward