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Ensemble ends Lent with Haydn's Seven Last Words By Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF With a week left in Lent, the Oakville Ensemble will celebrate the Christian season with a performance of The Seven Last Words of Christ. Joseph Haydn wrote the music specifically for the Good Friday service at Cádiz Cathedral in Spain in the late 18th century. It was originally written for a large orchestra. A few years after, Haydn wrote two more versions, one for large choir and one for strings. The ensemble will perform the string quintet version at a pair of its Last Words concerts on Saturday and Sunday (March 31 and April 1). "I chose the string version because it's more intimate," said Stéphane Potvin, artistic director. "It's a work that I wanted to do for several years. It's very poignant work. Haydn really did a fantastic job of putting in the emotion of each of the words." And the orchestra intends to project that emotion to its audience. When the music was originally performed, between each of the movements, the bishop read out each of the last words of Christ. In the Oakville performance, members of the Oakville Literary Alliance will read poetry between the movements. "We'll have poets from Oakville who will present their own compositions and one of them is a new poem that was written specifically for this concert," Potvin said. The poetry will not necessarily be religious, but it will be used for mood setting. 17 · Wednesday, March 28, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com "It's a work that I wanted to do for several years. It's very poignant work. Haydn really did a fantastic job of putting in the emotion of each of the words." Stéphane Potvin, artistic director Oakville Ensemble "This piece is more than just a religious piece. Of course, you can get the religious experience, but when I read those words, when I read the story, I can really relate it to my own life," Potvin said of Haydn's work. "This piece is a very human, very personal experience. That's how I like to present it. Not that I want to take away from the religious aspect of it, because some people will be touched by that, but I think other people will be touched by the fact this is what's happening in their life." Potvin admits crucifixions are no longer commonplace; however, there are still some situations where people just feel powerless, he says. "You look at people and say, `What's going on here? Why?' These questions and these words relate to today's people's lives," he said. Potvin encourages people to come out to the Ensemble's concerts, the first in the last few years to feature the orchestra alone. The Saturday, March 31 concert takes place at St. John's United Church, 262 Randall St., at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday concert will be at Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, 2745 North Ridge Trail, at 3 p.m. The Sunday showing will also feature students from the Oakville Suzuki Association doing an informal performance prior to the concert. Advance tickets cost $25 for general admission, $15 for seniors and students or $50 for a family. Tickets at the door cost $35 for general admission, $25 for seniors, $15 for students or $70 for a family. People can also bring non-perishable food items in support of the Salvation Army of Oakville. Auditions The ensemble is currently hosting auditions for singers to be part of its 16-voice, semi-professional choir. For more information, visit www.oakville-ensemble.ca. TM NOW OR NEVER Purchase a Carrier Hi Efficiency Furnace and Receive a DON'T MISS OUT! LIMITED TIME OFFER! FREE CARRIER High Efficiency CENTRAL AIR absolutely free! er Carri Free ficiency Ef High ral Air Cent (Installation Extra) OVER 120,000 UP TO $650 IN HYDRO REBATE Youthful, vibrant environment. No partner required. Let them enjoy the dance discovery of latin & ballroom and give them the social edge - poise, grace, confidence in any situation. ballroom Reserve now and you will receive a central air This is a great opportunity to replace your old SATISFIED CUSTOMERS inefficient furnace and air conditioner with hi-efficiency and greatly reduce your utility bill. LIMITED Call today to book an appointment with our LIMITED TIME OFFER. QUANTI Professional Home Comfort Advisors. AVAILABLE. TIES PLUS: NO PAYMENT NO INTEREST FOR 6 MONTHS O.A.C. Mention this ad and receive... if you register by April 30, 2012 New Customers Only 30% Off THE FORECAST CALLS FOR 9 Locations To Serve You Better! REGISTER NOW. SPACE IS LIMITED. A+ Rating *Call Dealer for Details 905-849-4998 905-849-0008 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 blueheel dance studio | 284 church street | www.blueheel.ca beauty & spa Voted Best Salon & Best Stylist (Bob Richardson) RealLisse a truly formaldehyde free smoothing system. Give us a call for further information. College Park Plaza 905-338-6465 · www.bob-r-shop.com