Long Walk in the Snow comes to Rosebud
By Melissa Piche Times Contributor
Audiences seeking an intimate evening of music and storytelling found a rare artistic experience in J.S. Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow, presented Feb. 17 at the Akokiniskway Gallery by Rosebud Theatre & School of the Arts.
Set in the picturesque Rosebud River Valley, the one-night-only chamber musical blended live classical music with narration to tell the story of a remarkable journey.
J.S. Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow “takes you along on a trip: a 400 km odyssey to a glittering northern port city with street fights, big business, insight, fulfillment, the father figure Bach didn’t know he needed and, quite possibly, true love.”
The performance took place in the historic Akokiniskway Gallery, a former church known for its acoustics and close setting.
“It’s very different than anything we typically do,” said marketing coordinator Hayley Rosenau. “It has beautiful acoustics.”
The gallery accommodates roughly 70 to 80 guests, creating a personal and immersive environment.
“It’s an ethereal experience to be in such a small setting, have this beautiful music playing and then have Tom kind of weave this story. It’s really magical.” Rosenau explained.
Narrated by Tom Allen of CBC, the production blended classical music with storytelling about the life and journey of composer Johann Sebastian Bach.
Artistic Director Craig Hall said the production came to Rosebud through a direct invitation from the narrator himself.
“Tom Allen from the CBC is the one that actually approached us,” Hall said. “This is basically the artists reaching out to us saying, ‘we have this show, (it)’d be perfect in your gallery space.’”
The show combined Bach’s music with storytelling in what Hall describes as a distinctive format.
“It’s kind of a combination of Bach’s music and the story of Bach’s life,” he said.
The performance offered audience members a chance to experience classical music in an intimate rural setting.
“They are tapping into all things fine arts,” Rosenau said. “They get to hear about one of the best pianists and composers in history, like J.S. Bach is iconic, and then they’re kind of stepping out from what is typically offered in rural Alberta without going to a symphony.”