Iqaluit had a fantastic treat when the National Art Centre Orchestra visited our fine city as part of a northern tour that stretched from Iqaluit to Whitehorse with a number of stops inbetween.
This 2 hour concert was filled with beautiful traditional classical pieces as well as some surprises that are native to the North. The first surprise was an accordian player from Pangnirtang named Simonie Keenainak who played with the orchestra. It was amazing how beautiful the two distinct sounds blended together. He played a number of tunes including a couple of eastern jigs that all of the musicians had fun with that got the audience tapping their toes and clapping their hands.
Another northern type of music that is native to the north is the traditional Inuit music of throat singing. There were 2 throat singers that regaled the audience with 2 pieces. Again the amazing thing for me was how the orchestra blended in with the throat singers.
The most impressive part of the evening for me was Canada's number one violinist James Ehnes who played a 1725 Stradivarius Violin that is so precious it is said to be irreplaceable and virtually priceless. His playing mezmorized the audience. It was a treat and I'm sure, at the National Art Centre in Ottawa, he would have played to a sold out crowed at probably hundred's of dollars a ticket for the best seats in the house. We had him playing in Iqaluit where you could virtually reach out and touch him in a School Gym of 250 people where the concert was at no charge. AMAZING!!!!!!
A wonderful concert that Jacquie and I appreciated being able to attend!!
Thank you to the Natioal Art Centre Orchestra!!
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