What do Sydney, London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, or Toronto have in common? They are all large vibrant culturally active cities with large populations. Large cities come with well known problems: homelessness, traffic, crime and air pollution. But conversely there are advantages, most particularly a critical mass of population which makes cultural activities possible. One would not expect to find the headquarters of a major company in a tiny village, neither would one expect to find an opera house, a symphony orchestra or a theatre. But with a concentration of demand, a large city can support multiple cultural opportunities, a theatre, an opera house, and a symphony orchestra.
The last time we went to see a major star perform, we had to drive to Niagara on the Lake and stay over in a hotel, have dinner in a restaurant, and even though the tickets were reasonably priced for a headline act, all those expenses added up to a pretty penny. Plus, in my humble opinion, rather like Australia, Niagara is simply too far away.
For readers of this magazine from Whitby to Kingston and Port Perry to Bancroft seeking cultural opportunities there is an alternative: and that alternative is Westben. No one in Grapevine Magazine’s catchment area is any further away from Westben than a gentle hour and half drive. Remarkably, in an almost hidden location just outside of Campbellford, occupying what is unassumingly referred to as “The Barn,” we find a building that may be a theatre, or an opera house that could accommodate a symphony orchestra.
The guiding vision and abiding enthusiasm behind the Westben project originates with the husband and wife team of professional musicians Brian Finley and Donna Bennett, whose dream has evolved into a reality over the last twenty-five years.
From a vision in a cornfield, the wooden structure grew from massive timbers carved by designer-builder Didier Schwartz that were subsequently clad in locally milled boards hoisted into place by Rob Harley and his team. The brand new and yet to be accurately described experience was marketed as “world class music in the open countryside.”
Westben brings to readers of Grapevine Magazine the opportunity to engage with world class musical performers in our own back yard. We can enjoy Angela Hewitt without having to travel to Europe or even Asia, witness Gerald Finley’s only appearance in Canada this year, and be enthralled by “dynamically communicative performing style” of the New Zealand String Quartet, without having to schlep to the other side of the world. Westben makes high end culture compellingly convenient and accessible to all. And actually let’s not make the mistake of associating high end culture with solely classical music, Westben brings to its stages music and performers of all kinds. This season Westben presents Jeremy Dutcher, Steven Page and Holly Cole: how diverse is that, and let’s not forget comedy with Debra McGrath and Colin Mochrie. I should also mention, Natural Balance from Aldeville First Nation, The Barra MacNeils, Big Smoke Brass and Jackie Richardson with Joe Sealy presenting Africville Stories to illustrate the breadth of material to look forward to: there’s even a film night of specially selected shorts.
Several of the events start at the civilized hour of 2pm. allowing for a drive to Campbellford in time for a pre-concert lunch or you might even marry the experience of a meal with a concert. Dare to Pair combines music from blues to Haydn, played by the New Zealand String Quartet around a campfire. Hangi, a dish of lamb, chicken and vegetables will be served freshly cooked over the coals, accompanied with New Zealand wine or beer. Surely a treat for all the senses?
I would like to highlight a couple of particularly special events in the calendar celebrating Westben’s twenty-fifth anniversary. Based on a short story by Oscar Wilde, The Selfish Giant’s Garden is an original fully staged musical starring Robert Longo and Donna Bennett, which explores the “precarious beauty and power of nature and our responsibilities to future generations. Greed becomes Giving in this beautifully moving and joyful musical written especially for Westben by Brian Finlay and Ken Tizzard.”
On the 30th of June join the 25th celebration described as “part garden party, part concert and a 100% fun.”
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Look who Westben brings to our backyard.
Andie Forgie & Big Black Smoke
Jeremy Dutcher
The Barra MacNeils
Laughs with Colin and Deb
Kevin Drew
Angela Hewitt
New Zealand String Quartet
Steven Page
Colin Ainsworth
Sarah Slean
Gerald Finley
Big Smoke Brass
Holly Cole
Chelsey Bennett
Jackie Richardson & Joe Sealy: Africville
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Tickets and more information from westben.ca
To bring cultural opportunities of this nature to our backyard requires heaps of detailed planning and the background systems and organization to keep it all running. This is primarily funded from revenues derived from ticket sales. You can help Westben thrive: if you are interested in a concert, encourage a friend or two to accompany you. If you know someone who is on the fence persuade them to stick a toe in the water and try what Westben has to offer. I am sure they will not be disappointed and they may even become converts. If we want to have high end cultural opportunities available to us locally, we need to lend our support, and not just think about, but actually commit to buying tickets. Don’t delay!
