Past Events

Thursday, August 28th. Calvary Baptist Church at 7:30 pm.

Michel Payment & Joëlle Roy

Two veteran Franco Ontarienne singer

-songwriters offer high-energy ‘full emotion’ performances. Their show is a mixture of cover songs as well as original material from French folklore to country and blues. They perform French and bilingual songs where audience participation is often encouraged.

Thursday, August 26th. Calvary Baptist Church at 7:30 pm.

Tottering Biped Theatre in association with Bobolink Productions presents

Trevor Copp in The Carnival of the Animals "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" with Robert Missen, Narrator

Trevor Copp, one of Canada's foremost mime artists, has created a delightful new version of Camille Saint-Saens' musical bestiary, Carnival of the Animals, which is a witty introduction to classical music for audiences young and old!

This year’s Festival will look and feel quite different as we respect and adhere to the provincial Covid guidelines including social distancing and audience size.

The Festival will be a hybrid of restricted live attendance outdoors and live streaming for those who would prefer to enjoy the music from the comfort of their own home. The concerts will be held on the lawn behind Calvary Baptist Church on King Street in Midland. Those attending are asked to bring their own lawn chair. Details on attendance numbers allowed and how to access the live stream will be provided at a later date. The best part of this year’s Festival is that attendance is FREE OF CHARGE!

Thanks to a grant from Tourism Simcoe County as well as the support of the Ontario Arts Council and the Department of Canadian Heritage we can continue the tradition of bringing extraordinary performances to Midland with accessibility to all as we emerge from the pandemic. Brookside has long enjoyed the generous support of businesses and individuals who value its contribution to the cultural opportunities available to the public. I hope you, too, will consider making a financial contribution to ensure that Brookside is well-positioned to continue presenting full live performance next year.

Thursday, August 19th. Calvary Baptist Church at 7:30 pm.

Toronto All Star Big Band!

A Midland favourite. This group "cooks" with its powerful tributes to the heady hits of the 1930s and '40s.

A youthful and vibrant presentation of big band dance tunes and ballads with lots of brass and shinanigans.

This year’s Festival will look and feel quite different as we respect and adhere to the provincial Covid guidelines including social distancing and audience size.

Thursday, August 18th. Calvary Baptist Church at 7:30 pm.

The Shining Water Drummers & Kiiwedin Dance Troupe

A spiritual tribute to First Nations Culture as performed for centuries.

A colourful and spectacular performance in traditional regalia.

Thursday, August 14th. Calvary Baptist Church at 7:30 pm.

Guy Monague

Guy Monague is a former Chief from Beausoleil First Nation. Guy performs

a wide genre of original and cover songs, making him a favorite with young and old.

Drums/Vocals–Scott Snache, Rama First Nation,

Lead Guitar/Vocals–Carol Baird, Wasaga Beach

Peddle Steel/Fiddle–Ollie Strong, Orillia

Bass/Vocals–Chris Monague, Beausoliel First Nation

Thursday, August 12th. Calvary Baptist Church at 7:30 pm.

Huronia Hot Strings

A Seasoned group of musicians from many different genres of music, who have come together to perform in the demanding and elite style of the great Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Quintette du Hot Club de France. The style became known as "Gypsy Jazz"

A lively swing-style rhythmic presentation of jazz standards and classic tunes that will have you dancing in your seat!

This year’s Festival will look and feel quite different as we respect and adhere to the provincial Covid guidelines including social distancing and audience size.

Thursday, August 6th. Calvary Baptist Church at 7:30 pm.

Ariko

An Authentic French Canadian Kitchen Party...from beautiful lilting French

Canadian ballads to ruckusy, foot stomping jigs.

Local Lefaive sisters Kelly, Jill and Nicole, accompanied by their parents Louis and Laura.

Thursday, August 5th. Calvary Baptist Church at 7:30 pm.

Hogtown Brass

Hogtown Brass is on a mission to reinvigorate the entire concert experience for their audiences. Recent performances include: TD Toronto Jazz Festival, Guelph Connections Concert Series, Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto Chamber Players, CityTV Carol Sing, and a tour through Atlantic Canada.

Hogtown Brass has released two albums featuring new Canadian compositions and arrangements. Their most recent recording 'Introducing' ...was nominated for a 2017 Toronto Independent Music Award.

This year’s Festival will look and feel quite different as we respect and adhere to the provincial Covid guidelines including social distancing and audience size.

Thursday, October 8th.

Exploring the Heart of Georgian Bay Through Song

Brookside Music Association invites you to participate in a unique and fun way to engage your imagination, exercise your creativity, and celebrate the beauty and history of the region lovingly called the Heart of Georgian Bay. With funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage, through Ontario Presents, Brookside is offering a virtual learning experience that will lead you through the process of writing a song. The experience is open to anyone and a background in music is not required.

Conceived and conducted by John French, Artistic Director of Brookside Music and Nonie Thompson, a treasured local and prolific singer/songwriter, the experience will take you on a journey through the various stages of writing a song from an idea to a final performance. The project will begin on October 8, 2020 when you will participate in an on-line virtual workshop in which the principles of song writing are explained and explored. The basics of selecting a theme, writing lyrics, and creating a melody will be discussed and demonstrated as we work together as a group to create a new song.

Following the virtual workshop, you will select and research a topic pertaining to the Heart of Georgian Bay which will become the basis for the song you will write. You will then schedule some virtual coaching sessions with Nonie who will work with you to transfer your ideas into lyrics and finally to set those lyrics to music. Each participant will have their coaching sessions tailored to their specific requirements.

A finale concert will bring your song to life in a virtual performance and it will be included on a CD and in a songbook compilation of all of the songs.

There is no charge for this one-of-a-kind experience which is designed to enable participants of all ages to engage in a form of cultural expression that celebrates our region’s unique history and heritage.

Printable PDF Version

If you wish to participate, please register by sending an email to jaldenfrench@yahoo.ca by Friday, October 2, 2020. You will then be sent a link to attend the virtual workshop along with further instructions.

Saturday, March 7th. St. Paul’s United Church at 7:00 pm.

Buzz Brass and Raphael Ashby

Buzz Brass joins forces with the talented organist Raphael Ashby to create a stunningly orchestral concert that appeals equally to fans of Holst and those of music for brass and organ. The concert includes the best known of all Gustav Holst’s compositions, The Planets, a sequence of seven movements, reflecting the composer’s interest in astrology and the generally attributed qualities of each planet.

Sarah Hagen and Brendan McLeod

“Exultation” is an intoxicating music and storytelling collaboration from classical pianist Sarah Hagen and spoken word artist Brendan McLeod. Hagen performs all thirteen preludes of Rachmaninoff’s Opus 32, interspersed with stories and poems from Brendan McLeod. The result is a narrative journey that explores Rachmaninoff's struggles and triumphs, as well as the estrangements, losses, and redemptions at the heart of contemporary life. Centered by Hagen’s intricate, passionate rendition of Rachmaninoff’s compositions, “Exultation” is a stirring exploration of how to make the world worthy of its music.

Friday, November 15th. St. Paul’s United Church at 7:00 pm.

William O’Meara & Norman Engel – LIVE AND IN Concert

International soloist, Organist at St. Michael’s Cathedral, Toronto and accompanist for the choirs of St. Michael’s Choir School, William O’Meara will be joined in this concert by trumpeter Norman Engel in a dazzling program of music that will usher in the Christmas season.

Saturday, November 2nd. Midland Alliance Church at 7:00 pm.

Beatriz Boizan & John French - Piano 4 Hands

Considered “one of the brightest new lights in the classical world” (Vancouver Sun), the charismatic Beatriz Boizan is joined by Midland’s own John French in music for piano four hands including works by Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert and Debussy.

Saturday, October 19th. St. Paul’s United Church at 2:00 pm.

Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir

Returning to Midland by popular demand, the 40 voice Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir will perform an afternoon concert of Welsh hymns, spirituals; operatic arias, Canadian folk songs as well as Broadway show tunes and contemporary favourites.

Sunday, September 22nd. Midland Alliance Church at 2:00 pm.

Luciano Bellini

Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Institute, Luciano Bellini will perform a concert of piano music by some of Italy’s greatest composers including Scarlatti, Puccini and Verdi among others.

Tickets are available online here, at the Midland Cultural Center Box Office and at the door.
Price: $30 plus HST & s/c

Composer of operas, symphonic, sacred, vocal, chamber and electronic music; author of pieces of music for cinema, theater and ballet. His works have been executed in almost all western countries, in the Middle East and in South America. Permanent conductor of Nova Philarmonia and guest conductor or soloist for many European, Asian and Latin-American Orchestras and Institutions, up to now he has performed nearly 150 world premieres. He conducted symphony or chamber orchestras in Rome, Sanremo, Lecce, L'Aquila, Bari, Pescara, Bratislava, Kosige, Ziilina, Halboorg, Bucharest, Brno, Seoul, Antalja, Hanoi, Manila, Bangkok, Damascus, Rio de Janeiro, San Paulo, La Habana, Holguin. He performed as pianist in England, Spain, Portugal, Norvey, Austria, Finland, Poland, Greece, Egypt, Danmark, Estonia, Belarus, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Jordan, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapor, Philippines, Vietnam, China, Korea, Barhain, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, California, Canada, Ethiopia, Kenya, Cuba. He has recorded many CDs both as a pianist and as a conductor; his music - edited by AfM, B&W Italy, EDIPAN, RadiciMusic Records, Sedam, and Rugginenti Music - is partially collected in eight other monographic CDs and in several Radio and Television recordings. In 1998 he conducted one of his chamber operas at the National Academy of Cecilia in Rome, and in 1999 his work-ballet "Canto General" (with Pablo Neruda's poetry) was performed at the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto. In '99 he conducted in Rome and in Krakow some of his compositions on a worldwide TV "via satellite". In 1980 he published "The Three Songs of the Imaginary" (Pro Musica Studium) and then often contributed to many music reviews. In '97 he published the piano album "Mediterrando" which was given a wide national circulation, while in 2001 he published the flute collection "Effects Collateral". In collaboration with the producer and choreographer Anna Cuocolo, who has been composing since '91 various pieces of musical theater and "dance and music" which had a great success of audience and criticism both in Europe and the United States. In 2006 he collaborated with Prix Nobel Dario Fo composing music for his theatral piece "Isabelle, trois caravelles et un charlatan". He received many musical commissions: in '94 by Istituto Gramsci in Bologna for composing an Opera named "Ulisse's Song", in 99 and in 2006 by Teatro Marrucino in Chieti for composing Operas "Les Ritals" and "Shoah"; in 2013 by University in L'Aquila for an Opera named "born on 21 March" with Alda Merini's poetry. In '2009 he published "Prime notes from the world" for young pianists, in 2011 "Notes from history" and "Tutti al Circo" for young chamber orchestra. In '97 he founded "Duo Bellini" with his son Luca flutist, and they together already performed in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. In 2008 he founded "Italian Piano Duo" with Antonella Vitelli. He worked together with many important artists as: Severino Gazzelloni, Claudia Antonelli, Massimo Quarta, Sergio Cafaro, Marco Rogliano, Guido Arbonelli, Ciro Scarponi, Federico Mondelci, Giuseppe Scotese, Angelo Persichilli, Angelo Manzotti, Gabriella Tucci, Bruno Aprea, Giorgio Carnini, Milva, Dulce Pontes, Noa, Leo Férre, Piera Degli Esposti, Maddalena Crippa, Maria Faranduri, Dario Fo, Chin Chin Gutierrez. At present he teaches at the "A. Casella" Conservatory in L'Aquila. Regular holder of a Master conductor at the Federal University in Rio de Janeiro and - actually at the Conservatory in Hanoi, Jakarta, Manila, Habana, London, Sydney, Bangkok, Singapore; he also leads seminars in various European and Latin American centers. Regular holder of a Master conductor at the Federal University in Rio de Janeiro and - actually at the Conservatory in Hanoi, Jakarta, Manila, Habana, London, Sydney, Bangkok, Singapore; he also leads seminars in various European and Latin American centers. Regular holder of a Master conductor at the Federal University in Rio de Janeiro and - actually at the Conservatory in Hanoi, Jakarta, Manila, Habana, London, Sydney, Bangkok, Singapore; he also leads seminars in various European and Latin American centers.

Saturday, September 14th. Midland Cultural Centre at 7:00 pm.

David R Maracle – LIVE AND IN Concert

World Renowned Mohawk sculptor/carver of stone, Multi-Instrumentalist, Master of the Iroquoian Flute, David R. Maracle has received two Gold Records from the RIAA for his world fusion Indigenous ambient sounds, featuring rare Indigenous world instruments. He has won multiple Indigenous MusicAwards, and has performed at many prestigious events all over the world; Holland, Austria, Pakistan, the Olympics in Australia, and for the Queen in Parliament.

Friday, August 16th, 2019. Midland Golf & Country Club at 5:00 pm.

Toronto All Star Big Band

FUNDRAISER/DINNER/DANCE

Join in the fun and dance and dine under stars at the Midland Golf and Country Club as Brookside Music celebrates the music of the golden era of the big bands. The Toronto All Star Big Band revives the spirit, style and sound of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Armed with brilliant programming and engaging cultural nostalgia, this vibrant cast of awesome young talent has earned its position at the top of the list throughout North America.

Wednesday, August 7th. Midland Alliance Church at 7:00 pm.

Canadian Guitar Quartet

Reviewed as “fantastic, spirited playing and sheer inventiveness”, the Canadian Guitar Quartet has toured extensively in North and South America, from one standing ovation to the next, establishing a reputation as one of the finest guitar ensembles in the world. The CGQ has appeared with orchestras across Canada, and has recorded three critically acclaimed CDs. They are joined for this concert by guests Sebastien Singer (cello) and Andre Fischer (guitar).

Monday, July 29th. Martyrs' Shrine at 7:00 pm.

Festival Baroque

Festival Baroque is sure to delight as some of Canada’s foremost instrumentalists combine forces to present a concert of music by some of the great composers of the Baroque era. The program includes music by Vivaldi, Telemann and J.S. Bach including the Brandenburg Concert #5.

Friday, July 26th. Midland Alliance Church at 7:00 pm.

The Swiss Trio

Lydia Adams – Conductor and Artistic Director

Artistic Director of both the Elmer Iseler Singers and the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto

The Swiss Piano Trio has gathered a remarkable reputation among both experts and the public as an ensemble of outstanding balance and technical perfection whose interpretations electrify with emotional power and their rich and colourful sound. Therefore, there is no surprise that the US-magazine Fanfare recently described the Swiss Piano Trio as „one of the very top piano trio ensembles on today’s stage“. They are joined for this concert by Canada’s own James Campbell (clarinet), Ken MacDonald (French horn) and Douglas Perry (viola).

Sunday, July 21st. Midland Alliance Church at 7:00 pm.

Syrène Saxophone Quartet

Four professional female saxophonists from Holland who have named themselves after the Sirens from Homer's Odyssey: sea goddesses that seduced sailors with their divine voices. Syrène strives to make the sounds of the classical saxophone known to a diverse audience. It is their energy, their musical qualities and their subtle communication, that makes them so beloved with their listeners.

The Syrènes have studied at the Conservatories of Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. They were the first wind ensemble to be welcomed at the prestigious Dutch String Quartet Academy. The Syrène Saxophone Quartet is a common guest on all the major Dutch stages and has performed on many international stages.

Syrène's motto is 'Fresh and sweet, but with a bite': Talented, spicy but with a delicate female touch. The individual talents are at their finest when combined as the Syrenes Quartet.

Friday, May 17th. Midland Alliance Church at 7:00 pm.

Sonic Escape

FLUTE & VIOLIN

Fiddle-dancing for thousands in Tiananmen Square. A flute concert on skis in the mountains of Vermont. Couch surfing parties in the Arctic Circle. A cross-country caper in a busted $500 minivan. Adventure abounds when art rules life, and sharing it with the world is what Sonic Escape’s about!

Thursday, April 18th at MCC at 7:00 pm.

La belle Hélène - LIVE OPERA

When the goddess Venus promises Paris the love of Helen, the ravishing queen of Sparta, he shows little consideration for the fact that she is already married to King Menelas. This famous comic opera in three acts describes the zany strategies used by Paris to win Helen over, as well as Helen’s timid attempts at resisting the seductive prince’s advances. Directed by Alain Gauthier and featuring a cast made up of the best young opera talent in the country, La belle Hélène is full of humour, plot twists, and wit.

Saturday, March 30th, 2019 at St. Paul’s church at 7:00 pm.

The Elmer Iseler Singers

Lydia Adams – Conductor and Artistic Director

Artistic Director of both the Elmer Iseler Singers and the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto

The 20-voice fully- professional choral ensemble, founded by the late Dr. Elmer Iseler in 1979, is one of Canada's leading choral ensembles and has built an enviable reputation throughout Canada, the United States, and internationally through concerts, broadcasts, and recordings — performing repertoire that spans 500 years, with a focus on Canadian composers. The Elmer Iseler Singers are a 2014 National Choral Award recipient and a 2017 JUNO Nominee.

Thursday, Feb. 7th, 2019 at Alliance Church at 7:00 pm.

Hidden Treasures

Featuring Jeunesses Musicales Artists

Michel-Alexandre Broekaert, piano
Nuné Melik, violin

Despite its thousand years of cultural history, the music of Armenia remains little known. This concert is a celebration of the creativity and resilience of the Armenian people, whose music bears the mark of both the genocide and the country’s folklore. Accompanied by Michel-Alexandre Broekaert on the piano, violinist Nuné Melik will present the fruits of her quest to share the music of her people. Allow this expressive duo to lead you to discover Armenia’s rich and intense musical repertoire.

Thursday, Nov. 8th, 2018 at Alliance Church at 7:30 pm.

Portraits and Fantasias

David Dias da Silva, clarinet
Olivier Hébert-Bouchard, piano

Fantasias are associated with unbounded flights of the imagination. This concert, with its theatrical elements, will allow you to explore this musical form through characters that were either described by the composers or dreamed up by the performers. Meet Eusebius and Florestan, two personifications created by Schumann to embody his own contradictions, and watch as a dreaming painter comes to life to the sound of Debussy’s music. Come and be captivated by the clear rapport within this clarinet and piano duo as their instruments shine and transform with the music and characters that inhabit it.

Thursday, Oct. 4th, 2018 at Alliance Church at 7:30 pm.

The Mathieus’ Piano

As a child, pianist André Mathieu was nicknamed “the Québécois Mozart.” To honour his artistic legacy on the 50th anniversary of his death, pianists Rosemarie Duval-Laplante and Jean-Michel Dubé will perform works for two and four hands composed by André Mathieu himself, by his father Rodolphe, and by some of the composers that inspired them: Mozart, Debussy, and Gershwin. Embark on a musical journey through the life of this composer who holds an important place in Canada’s heritage.