We’re not sure if the mostly classical-oriented Montreal Chamber Music Festival was ever a strictly black-tie affair, but it seems that for at least three concerts this year showing up in Levi’s will be O.K.-encouraged, even. This is the first year for an informal series of concerts at the festival called “ChamberJazz and Jeans,” which will emphasize improvisation and explore the link between classical music and jazz.
The first concert, to be held on May 31, will feature violinist Gilles Apap (pictured) with his band, the Colours of Invention. Apap has made a name for himself with his knack for incorporating disparate styles of music as bluegrass and Gypsy fiddling with the standards of the classical repertoire. The set list is still in the works, but it is likely Apap will play familiar classical pieces from the likes of Vivaldi and/or Bartok and Bach along with folk tunes from around the world. Accordian player Myriam Lafar, bassist Philippe Noharet and cymbalum player Ludovit Kovac fill out Apap’s band.
The concert on June 7 will feature a tribute to the mighty clarinet, celebrating the instrument’s place in jazz history and famous jazz tunes by famous jazz players like Duke Ellington, John Lewis and Benny Carter will also be played. A week later on June 14, Bach fans can slip into some dungarees and listen to improvisations on the master’s Goldberg Variations.
All concerts will be held in Oscar Peterson Hall, Concordia University – Loyola Campus in Montreal and will begin at 8 p.m. Ticket prices (in American
dollars) are $45 for the whole series, or $18/adult, $14/senior, $7/student for individual tickets. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 514-489-3444 or 514-489-7444, fax 514-489-7711, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.festivalmontreal.org.
Even though they’ve let us know that denim won’t be damned at these concerts, how far can we go? Stone washed? Acid washed? Please tell me they won’t let you in wearing acid-washed jeans.
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