Crimson Crescendo Launches New Concert Series in White Rock

The post-modern classical trio **Crimson Crescendo** is set to launch its highly anticipated concert series in White Rock, with the first performance scheduled for **September 7, 2023**. The concerts will take place at **Peninsula Productions’** intimate venue in **Centennial Park**, featuring two performances at **2 p.m.** and **7 p.m.**

Following the success of last season’s concerts, Crimson Crescendo aims to celebrate the unique characteristics of their home base, encompassing the sea breezes, expansive skies, and stunning ocean views of **South Surrey**. This new series is themed around the four classical elements: **Air, Water, Earth,** and **Fire**. Each concert will explore these themes through a diverse range of musical selections, showcasing the trio’s creativity and artistic vision.

The group, consisting of pianist **Bruce Petherick**, violinist **Monika Niedzielko**, and bassist/guitarist **Peter Koyander**, emphasizes that the creative process is not merely about filling a set time but rather about refining a multitude of ideas into a cohesive and engaging program. “It’s very free and liberating,” Koyander remarked, highlighting the wide scope of possibilities each elemental theme offers.

For the inaugural concert, titled “Air,” the trio has planned an exciting repertoire. While specific details remain under wraps, audience members can expect a vibrant performance of **Rimsky-Korsakov’s** works, a lyrical showcase of **Ralph Vaughan Williams’** compositions featuring Niedzielko’s expressive violin, and a journey back 500 years to the earliest known piece related to the theme of air, **Western Wind**. Additionally, the concert will include a new piece by Petherick, adding a contemporary touch to the program.

“But every one of our pieces is really a world premiere, as we work hard to make them our own,” Koyander explained. This approach allows the trio to push their musical boundaries and experiment with various styles. Niedzielko expressed her enthusiasm for the challenges presented by the diverse repertoire, noting, “I am being challenged to play styles I had no experience or wasn’t comfortable playing in the past.”

The collaborative dynamic within Crimson Crescendo enhances the creative process. Each member brings a unique background to the table, enriching their interpretations. Koyander acknowledged the distinct influences each musician contributes, stating, “We’re like red, green, and blue – we’re three distinct personalities, but when you put them all together, it all makes sense.”

The process of curating their concerts involves rigorous selection and arrangement of pieces, as Petherick noted that even after extensive rehearsal, some works may not make the final cut. “We have rather strong minds, all three of us, and each one of us says, even after working on a piece, ‘It’s not for me,'” he observed, underscoring the commitment to excellence.

The local audience has gradually embraced Crimson Crescendo’s innovative approach to music. Petherick recounted how their previous concert featuring **The Beatles** initially left some attendees confused. “I think they were expecting us to sing and replicate the Beatles sound rather than creating our own interpretation,” he said. By the end of the performance, however, many audience members were enjoying the trio’s unique take on familiar classics.

Tickets for the upcoming concert series are in high demand, with early booking recommended. The complete series is priced at **$146.41**, while individual concert tickets are available for **$42.48** each. Tickets can be purchased through **showpass.com** or by visiting **www.peninsulaproductions.org**. As the excitement builds for this new series, Crimson Crescendo promises to offer a memorable musical experience that captures the essence of their vibrant community.