A longstanding and fruitful partnership between the Campbell River musical community and a local church is moving into a new phase.
For 16 years the Friends of Music and the Trinity Presbyterian Church have worked together to present musical activities of all types in a welcoming and acoustically satisfying environment.
Now the congregation of Trinity is embarking on a building and renovation project. A family-oriented church, it needs more space for children’s activities and a Sunday School.
Courtenay architect John Chislett has drawn up preliminary designs for a new sanctuary and financial feasibility studies are now underway.
To help the church in its fundraising efforts, and to recognize the valuable partnership, the Friends of Music are planning a benefit concert, at the church, on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Admission to the concert is by donation.
The church’s original and current music directors, Kay Wilson and Julie Johnson will open the concert with a piano duet. They will be joined by a number of performers who are either connected with the church or have performed in it over the years.
Helga Hagen’s guitar group will be performing, as will a group of string players under the direction of Christine Doknjas.
The concert will also feature voice students of Amy Lelliott and Kristy Miller, as well as young singer Rory Shade and a gospel vocal quartet.
Pianists Ryan Krell, Liana Kelly, Jarod Ben Oliel and Matthew Black will perform, as will a piano trio of three young girls, Sarah Hocking, Julie Matzuzawa and Jia Jia Forsyth (pictured on page A11).
Michelle Wood, a member of the Trinity Church and a fine violinist, will also play.
The Friends of Music have used the current sanctuary, which seats just over one hundred people, for most of their activities, which include concerts, festivals and workshops, and Royal Conservatory of Music exams.
With the help of many music lovers in the community, the Friends of Music purchased a grand piano which lives at Trinity Church and is the focus of most of most of the group’s activities.
Although visiting artists praise the intimate venue and its acoustical qualities, a larger space – the new sanctuary is projected to seat 200 – will be welcome.
Trinity Presbyterian Church started its life in the Willow Point Hall about 25 years ago. After purchasing the property on Simms Road, they met in the existing cottage while the sanctuary was being built. A new building will mean the cottage can finally retire. The new plans will provide a kitchen, offices, and a good reception space.