Music inspired by Rosebud, performed for Rosebud

Times Contributor  

 

When Rosebud Chamber Music Festival opened in 2013, the community was fundraising for their new grand piano. 

Samuel Deason, one of the festival pianists, promised that if sufficient money was raised during the festival, he would compose a piece of music in celebration.

The money was raised, the piano was paid for, and Deason kept his promise. On July 30, at the 2014 Rosebud Chamber Music Festival (RCMF), he’ll perform the world premiere of Rosebud Variations on Rosebud’s grand piano, dedicating it to the very people who made the piano possible.

Five other musicians also performed with Deason in the festival’s opening season, and Keith Hamm, the festival director, is pleased they’re all returning for a second year. 

“We had such a wonderful time last year,” Hamm wrote in an e-mail, “We can’t wait to share some of our favourite music with this amazing community.”

During the year, Hamm plays viola with the Canadian Opera Company. Sheila Jaffe, a violinist, has been completing her master’s degree in Berlin, Germany, working with a major orchestra there. The other four company members also perform across the country and around the world. This summer, all six are performing together at music festivals across Canada.

But for all of that, they say, there’s something special about performing in Rosebud. 

“Just getting to know the town and the people was … a truly special experience,” Jaffe said in an e-mail. “All the other musicians were so inspiring and it was exciting to have such a happy audience.”

The musicians “love the chance to get out of the big city and be creative in such a special place,” said Hamm. “The Rosebud community welcomed Rosebud Chamber Music Festival with open arms and the musicians appreciated the chance to connect with locals on a personal level.”

And it’s a treat to introduce their music to new audiences. 

“For many RCMF audience members, attending chamber music concerts is a very new experience,” Hamm said. “RCMF performers love the chance to share some of our favourite music with people who may be experiencing it for the first time.”

They bring something special to audiences, too. 

“Audience (members) loved getting to know the artists throughout the week,” said Hamm. “The performances at RCMF are especially intimate and audiences appreciate the close connection to the musicians and the music.”

The 2014 Rosebud Chamber Music Festival opens with a Reading Party on July 29 at 7 p.m., in the Rosebud Mercantile. On July 30, Deason will perform his Rosebud Variations at Rosebud Church at 7:30 p.m. Admission to both events is by donation.

The company will play ticketed events in Drumheller and Three Hills on July 31 and Aug. 1, and close the festival with a ticketed event at Rosebud Church on Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Detailed information and tickets are available at www.rosebudchambermusic.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.