Bassoon-apalooza: Return of the Bassoons! concert on July 25

BY THE SALISH SEA BASSOON COLLECTIVE The Salish Sea Bassoon Collective is proud to present Bassoon-apalooza: Return of the Bassoons!, a rare and spectacular musical event featuring 12 bassoons sharing [...]

BY THE SALISH SEA BASSOON COLLECTIVE The Salish Sea Bassoon Collective is proud to present Bassoon-apalooza: Return of the Bassoons!, a rare and spectacular musical event featuring 12 bassoons sharing the ArtSpring stage on Friday, July 25 at 7 p.m.

This concert marks the one-year anniversary of The Bassoon Incubator Project, a unique initiative dedicated to nurturing the next generation of young bassoonists on Salt Spring Island. Led by the Collective’s founders — local residents and professional bassoonists Kerry Graham and Tracie Whitelaw — this novel program offers low-cost instruction, mentorship, and instruments to local youth eager to master this wonderfully complex double-reed instrument. A year ago, in collaboration with regional bassoonists and local music groups, the Collective successfully raised funds to purchase instruments.

Today, the project proudly supports four dedicated students. The Collective wishes to extend a massive thank you to the Salt Spring community for their incredible generosity in getting these new players up, running, and blowing up a storm. The bassoon has been a foundational pillar in music from the Renaissance era through to the modern symphony.

In fact, the early wind bands of the 17th century consisted entirely of oboes and bassoons, paving the way for the concert bands we love today — including our very own community band, Bandemonium, which now includes two of the project’s new bassoonists! Bassoon-apalooza celebrates the project’s milestone by bringing Salt Spring’s new student bassoonists together with eight seasoned professional players for an unforgettable musical showcase. Soloists will include Lynn Giesbrecht, principal bassoonist of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, who will perform Felix Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words, accompanied by Don Conley on piano, and Tracie Whitelaw, co-founder of the Collective, performing Amber Ferenz’s beautiful nature-inspired work, Yellow Poplar with Birdsong.

The evening’s repertoire highlights the instrument’s incredible range, proving just how versatile, fun and powerful the bassoon can be. The students will perform a selection of global folk song duets, while the “mass band” of 12 bassoons will tackle everything from charming children’s tunes and rowdy sea shanties to dramatic tangos and classical favourites. Kerry and Tracie will perform a classical bassoon standard by composer François Devienne — a piece they hope their students will tackle in the future.

This concert is an extraordinary opportunity to witness a true double-reed extravaganza while cheering on the island’s emerging musical talent. Come out for a fantastic evening of music, fun and community spirit. See you there!

Tickets are available through ArtSpring online and through the box office.