Winter Harp is at the Port Theatre this Saturday. Submitted photo
Sounder News
This coming Saturday, December 14, Winter Harp returns to the Port Theatre in Nanaimo.
A classic event in the Port’s Spotlight Series for over 20 years, Winter Harp is a holiday favourite that is close to being sold out again this year.
A new twist on Winter Harp this year is the Port is collaborating with Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo to present a Spotlight Dinner.
After the matinee performance, patrons can enjoy a Medieval feast a few steps from the Port Theatre.
Oscar Pacheco, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo said, “The Courtyard by Marriot Nanaimo is excited to enhance your Port Theatre Spotlight experience with a three-course feast, paired with a Medieval-style twist.”
Chef Mat King has created a special three-course dinner to match the theme of the show, with features like Peasants Pottage & Bread; Noble Roast; and Wadonys in Syrup.
The full menu is family friendly and includes vegetarian options as well as a children’s menu. If the audience enjoys this Spotlight Dinner experience, the Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo will create future Spotlight-themed meals to pair with the Port Theatre’s 2024-2025 season.
David Warburton, Artistic Executive Director, The Port Theatre Society said, “The Port Theatre has always had an important relationship with downtown businesses and restaurants, and we’re thrilled to collaborate on a new Spotlight experience for audiences who love both exceptional performances and great food.”
Nanaimo is one of nine cities on the Winter Harp tour this year. The Christmas tradition sees performers playing golden instruments in velvet gowns, candles, amid backdrops of cathedrals and snow to transport the audience to another time and place. Familiar carols, along with songs ancient and rare, celebrate the season.
Winter Harp features a number of unique instruments made especially for the ensemble.
Bass psaltery: Built by former Vancouver luthier Edward Turner, the five-foot-tall bass psaltery is the only one of its kind in the world.
Organistrum: a large, guitar-shaped instrument that requires two people to play, is the great grandfather of the hurdy-gurdy. The ornately carved instrument, dating back to 12th Century Spain, produces deep, resonant drones. Another like it can be seen in Ottawaʼs Museum of Civilization, also crafted by luthier Edward Turner.
Hurdy-gurdy: has its origins in the organistrum which was eventually made smaller and more versatile. The hurdy-gurdy was popular throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Nyckelharpa: A Swedish medieval keyed violin, the nyckelharpa is a cross between a hurdy-gurdy and a violin. It has a series of keys similar to a hurdy-gurdy, but is bowed, like a fiddle, and has a rich, wistful sound.
For tickets, and more info, head to www.porttheatre.com
Support
Local News
Recent Comments