Music lovers across the area have reason to celebrate as Stratford Summer Music prepares for its 25th anniversary season.
This year’s edition kicks off with a performance of Carmina Burana by German composer Carl Orff on July 17 at The Avondale. Artistic Director Mark Fewer will conduct the concert, kicking off a month of music and conversation.
“I’d like to think it’s because there’s such an appetite in the summertime for there to be high-quality music in the Stratford area,” explained Fewer. “Over the years we have built out a series of connections to venues and partners, which we are very happy about. We have five different places we are performing this year.”
Fewer, in his eighth year with the organization, added the organization is always searching for ways to connect with the community to make the event stronger.
“We are connected to places like Revel Coffee where we have our own coffee bean this year and Jobsite Brewery where we have our own beer which is the second year we’ve done that. We are a music festival but like all music festivals we are in the business of creating community through music.”
Stratford Summer Music has become a year-round entity, holding concerts and events. The group is currently in the first year of a three-year strategic plan, something Fewer said keeps them focused on what they need to do.
“It keeps us up to date, keeps us on our toes and keeps us focused which is a great thing. We were very lucky to have it facilitated by Mary Hofstetter, who is a legend in the arts world in Canada. I’m thrilled we had the opportunity to work with her.”
Returning this season are four coffee talks where fans can get up close and personal with some of the performers and staff. Fewer said word of the events has spread and he expects a large turnout.
“Who knows, we might get ourselves in trouble with Revel Coffee because we have too many people showing up. The idea is to have an intimate setting where there’s no musical performance, just words. A couple people sitting down on stools to talk about their musical world, past, future, and to take questions from our very eager patrons.”
The festival features over 40 performances at venues across the city. More information is available at https://www.stratfordsummermusic.ca/.
