Barrie Concerts and Georgian Music are back in tune.
After being closed down by the pandemic in early 2020, four makeup concerts from that time will take place this March and April.
“Our concert board didn’t want 63 years of Dad’s volunteer work go to waste … given he was so passionate about classical music,” Valerie Owen said about her late father, Bruce, who was the driving force in Barrie behind these live concerts for decades.
Bruce Owen died unexpectedly at age 90 in February 2022.
“Our 2023-24 season is fully booked and will be spectacular,” said Owen, who has taken her father’s position as artistic director with the Barrie Concert Association (BCA) board.
“We’re showcasing Sinfonia Toronto, featuring amazing Austrian violinist Elisso Gogibedaschwili, Quartetto Gelato, singing sensation baritone Brett Poligato with pianist Robert Kortgaard, Montreal’s nine-person string ensemble collectif9, world famous pianist Sheng Cai, Ladom Ensemble, cello duo VC2, and others,” she said.
“We’re asking people to mask in order to make it as safe an environment as possible for both our patrons and our musicians."
Owen said she’s trying to continue what her father started and what is obviously a passion with her as well.
“Dad started taking me to concerts at the age of three and we never stopped until COVID started,” she explained. “Fortunately, I know many of the performers, having met them over the years through Dad, so I’m trying to continue his legacy and help continue to bring the highest quality classical music to Barrie in his honour.
“All of the artists are thrilled to continue to have the opportunity to perform in Barrie, as they all had fabulous experiences playing for us in the past,” Owen said. “I’ve managed to add a few other artists that Dad had also wanted to bring to Barrie.
“Thankfully his name is continuing to open doors for us.”
Barrie Concerts and Georgian Music’s new 2023-24 season tickets are still available. To buy in-person and live-stream tickets, visit barrieconcerts.org .
Owen had previously sat on the BCA board in another capacity, with the seniors portfolio, which she is still doing.
“In the fall we’re hoping to restart Seniors Serenade on the first Wednesday of every month at 12 noon at Bethel Community Church on St.Vincent Street,” she said, noting it’s a free, hour-long performance.
