SUBMITTED BY SALT SPRING BAROQUE
Salt Spring Baroque is pleased to present its fourth annual Summer Baroque in the Trees festival.
Summer Baroque in the Trees started as a way to keep the music going during the Covid-19 pandemic, when gathering outdoors felt like the safest option. Now, it’s a two-day festival set among tall arbutus and Douglas firs, where you can watch deer wander past and soak in some gorgeous baroque music.
Kicking off the festival on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. is the lively Gay4Nature Collective, who will present Bach’s Coffee Cantata, among other works. This innovative ensemble incorporates a rich tapestry of Western classical music, contemporary dance, film and theatre — all seen through a queer and ecological lens. Their work explores themes of queerness, connection and nature. In 2024, they toured four B.C. venues with their bright, original spin on the Coffee Cantata — a mini-opera about staying true to yourself and, of course, loving caffeine. Attendees can expect an engaging performance under the direction and costume design of Loretto Espinoza. The result is energetic, joyful and as satisfying as a shot of espresso. You will hear baritone Alex Chen, soprano Anna Bigland-Pritchard, tenor Tim Carter, Perri Lo on harpsichord, Maria Wang on baroque cello and Mikyla Jensen on baroque flute.
In addition to the Coffee Cantata, Gay4Nature will perform excerpts from the Lully opera Atys, La Musette cantata by Pierre de la Garde and other works by J.S. Bach.
The festivities continue on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. with the renowned Banquo Folk Ensemble, a staple in the Victoria, B.C. music scene since 1998. This ensemble embraces over eight centuries of music, seamlessly blending written and oral traditions with an array of instruments including recorders, hurdy-gurdies, citterns, shawms, bagpipes and a variety of percussion. Their own arrangements bridge the worlds of “art” music and folk performances, and honour the age-old tradition of the minstrel, delivering energetic and tuneful music that spans generations. The program, titled Things That Do Sound So Fair (Banquo in MacBeth, Act 1, Scene 3), features music ranging from the 13th to 18th centuries: medieval songs, traditional folk tunes, Elizabethan songs and lively dance music, ensuring a dynamic listening experience that captivates the heart and soul.
Banquo is Penny Reiswig, Amy Reiswig, Bill Jamieson, Gwendolyn Jamieson and Linda Donn. Salt Spring audiences will know Gwen and Linda from their appearances with Bach on the Rock.
A few things to know: please bring a hat or umbrella and your own lawn chair (we’ll have a few extras if you need one). Park on the cul-de-sac unless you have limited mobility — there’s some closer parking, just check with the attendant. No dogs, please. An intermission will provide an opportunity for refreshments and mingling.
Tickets and venue details are available at saltspringbaroque.com.