Thunder Bay-born violinist Gregory Lewis returns home to perform for us as we of Consortium Aurora Borealis launch our exciting 46th concert season on September 14, at Trinity United Church because of needing to use the wonderful piano there. Performing a diverse program of virtuosity and lyricism, he will be joined by the acclaimed Canadian pianist Paul Williamson. We are most privileged to hear Gregory on a very special instrument, whose three-year use he won through a competition in the late summer of 2023. It’s the gorgeous 1768 “Miller” Gennaro Gagliano violin, generously on loan to him from the Canada Council for the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank. One year later, the critically-acclaimed Canadian cellist Cameron Crozman was awarded the use of an instrument by the same maker, a Gennaro Gaglianocello from around 1750.

I have invited our special guest, distinguished Canadian organist Christopher Dawes, to write the blog accompanying the concluding concert of our Consortium Aurora Borealis 45th Season. He will perform the programme “The Brilliance of Baroque Organ: Bach and Buxtehude”, which ties in perfectly with our organization’s desire to promote this particular period. His blog post will give us an interesting overview of what will be heard, with fascinating insights into the composers and the music which will be presented. You may find his bio under “About: Artists” on our website.

Consortium Aurora Borealis celebrates the flute! Penelope Clarke and Doris Dungan, who for many years made up the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s flute section, reunite to perform “Fanciful Flutes”, an endearing programme of Baroque and Classic-era solos, duos, and trios, with cellist Peter Cosbey.