The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre kicks off the new year on a high note with an eclectic mix of concerts and events that surely has something for everyone. From the sounds of symphony and international guitars, to a night at the movies, and a morning with the opera. The months caps off with the Cowichan Musical Society’s production of Matilda that will run into the first week of February.
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String in the new year on Jan. 14, as Victoria Baroque presents personal, energetic, and engaging performances of music from the Baroque and Classical periods, invites a press release for the show. The ensemble brings together early music specialists from Vancouver Island and beyond the explorations of chamber, orchestral, vocal, and choral works. Canadian violinist virtuoso Aisslinn Nosky leads Victoria Baroque in concerti by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, and Telemann, through “a riot of fiery energy and splendor.” Capping off this classical music extravaganza is the contemporary piece, ‘Falling Still’ by Canadian composer Emily Doolittle. The symphonic magic gets started at 7:30 in the Killy Theatre at Brentwood College. Tickets are $60, and $10 for students and children.
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On Jan. 15, film buffs will want to get dialed in for Reel Alternatives’ first film of the year Blackberry starring Canadian actor Jay Baruchel. The film is loosely adapted from Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff’s book Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry. It is a 2023 Canadian biographical comedy-drama film featuring a fictional account of the creation of the BlackBerry line of mobile phones by co-founders Douglas Fregin and Mike Lazaridis, and investor Jim Balsillie. Blackberry starts at 7:30 p.m. and all tickets are $17.
Reel Alternatives is a monthly fundraiser bringing Toronto Film Festival’s critically acclaimed films to the Cowichan Valley. All proceeds go directly to benefit individuals and families in Cowichan through Cowichan Hospice by ensuring hospice services are available when they need them.
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On Jan. 16, spend your Tuesday morning with the Metropolitan Opera, broadcast in HD from New York City with Anthony Davis’s The Life and Times of Malcolm X.
“Theatre luminary and Tony-nominated director of Slave Play, Robert O’Hara oversees a potent new staging that imagines Malcolm as an ‘Every Man’ whose story transcends time and space,” says a press release for the show. The opera consists of an exceptional cast of breakout artists and young Met stars enliven the operatic retelling of the civil rights leader’s life, the release promises.
Opera aficionados will not want to miss this take on one of the world’s most important human rights activists. The Life and Times of Malcolm X begins at 10 a.m., tickets are $36, and $32 for seniors.
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Some Cowichan Valley residents live here to get away from the white stuff, but on Jan. 19, anyone in need of a good laugh will want to get snowed in with the comedy tour of the same name.
Celebrating its 15th year the Snowed In Comedy Tour has grown up to become the biggest comedy tour in Canada, playing in 70 cities this year, coast to coast, boasted a press release for the show.
Hitting the stage at 7:30 p.m. to make you bust a gut are comedians Erica Sigurdson who has been seen on Just For Laughs and both the Winnipeg and Halifax Comedy Festival, six-time nominee of the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Male Stand-up Pete Zedlacher, Great Canadian Laugh off winner Paul Myrehaug, and Dan Quinn who has opened for comedic greats such as Rob Schneider and Russell Peters.
Regular price tickets are $57.50, $46 for seniors, and $30 for students for this unique and hilarious show aimed to make you laugh your pants off.
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Get your guitar strapped in for the 24th annual International Guitar Night on Jan. 26, with a brand new lineup of internationally-acclaimed musicians providing an “unforgettable evening of music and storytelling.”
Four amazing guitar gurus from across the globe string will take the stage.
Acoustic guitarist Luca Stricagnoli, born and raised in Italy, has become known for his unique style and innovative playing techniques earning much success on stages across the world, said the press release for the show. “Using up to five guitars in the same piece, modified capos, and self-conceived stratagems, Luca continually leaves his audiences in awe….through the enthusiastic energy he brings to the stage…”
Vietnam’s Thu Le is an International award winning classical guitarist and certified guitar teacher, with a repertoire including Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Modern and Latin American styles in addition to playing compositions inspired by local traditions and cultures from around the world — she recently toured across the U.S., Europe and Asia in 2022, said the release.
Brazil’s Marco Pereira is an internationally renowned composer, guitarist, and university professor who has performed and recorded with many top popular Brazilian singers/composers such as Tom Jobim, Milton Nascimento, and Edu Lobo, said the release.
Minnie Marks comes from the land down under. Equipped with “an old Goldtop guitar in her hands, and a revolutionary Farmer Foot Drum at her feet”. Australian-born Marks “consistently pushes musical limits with her mind-blowing, dynamic guitar wizardry” which has earned her several acclaims and accolades over the years such Best Guitarist for the Open Arms Festival competition. This night of musical marvels begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are $45.
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On Jan. 27 Cowichan Musical Society’s production of Matilda hits the CPAC stage with it opening night at 7:30 p.m. Based on the 1988 Roald Dahl book, Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl with abusive parents and extraordinary powers who finds refuge in library books enabling her to create her own stories.
Matilda, who must face the tyrannical and cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, finds companionship in her shy teacher, Miss Honey who has good intentions, the press release says in describing the plot. Brave little Matilda knows she has to stand up against the adults in her world and in doing so, discovers her own remarkable powers. Matilda’s bravery teaches Miss Honey and her classmates an important lesson.
Matilda has 2 p.m. matinees on Jan. 28, as well as Feb. 3 and Feb. 4. Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. run on Jan. 27, Feb. 2 and Feb. 3. Tickets range from $29 to $49. Look for a feature article in an upcoming entertainment section of the Citizen.
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Tickets for all events can be purchased in person from the box office at the Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan, online at cowichanpac.ca, or by calling 250-746-2722.
