The Huntsville Association for the Performing Arts (HAPA) has much to offer its patrons in the upcoming 2008-9 chamber concert series.

This, the 28th annual season for HAPA, will feature mezzo-soprano Jean Stilwell on Nov. 9, classical guitarist Daniel Bolshoy on Jan. 18, 2009, Rosedale Voices, an ensemble of 12 voices, on Feb. 28, 2009 and the famous Polish string quartet, Penderecki, on April 18, 2009.

All performances take place in the Trinity United Church sanctuary.

Jean Stilwell, hailed on three continents for her complex portrayal of Carmen, is at the forefront of this generation’s mezzo-sopranos. The singer and her pianist Patti Loach sing, play and laugh their way through a range of music including musical theatre, cabaret, opera and jazz classics.

Daniel Bolshoy is a classical guitar virtuoso who has won top prizes in numerous international competitions. He has performed solo and in chamber music recitals for many prestigious festivals across North America. His recitals are frequently broadcast on CBC Radio.

Bolshoy teaches guitar at Concordia University in Montreal.

Rosedale Voices is a brilliant new ensemble featuring 12  seasoned performers who regularly perform in opera, musical theatre and oratoria across Canada. Their director, Wayne Strongman, is managing artistic director of Tapestry New Opera Works and musical director of Rosedale United Church in downtown Toronto.

Strongman was artistic director of the Tapestry Singers, a professional vocal ensemble which toured across Canada for over 10 years. With Rosedale Voices he has fashioned an ensemble that can easily assay solos, duets, trios, quartets and various other configurations.

Formed in Poland in 1986, the Penderecki string quartet has become one of the most celebrated chamber ensembles of its generation. Comprised of Christine Vlail (viola), Jeremy Bell (violin), Jerzy Kaplanek (violin) and Simon Fryer (cello), this stellar quartet has toured internationally.

Penderecki enters its 16th year as quartet-in-residence at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo.Thanks to a $15,500 one-year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, HAPA has made progress in a number of ways this past year, said Martina Schroer, HAPA president.

“The sight lines in Trinity Church are now fabulous because of our new portable staging, which is also accessible to many community groups. Our refurbished grand piano sounds absolutely beautiful, thanks to the professional rebuilding abilities of Tim Sullivan, owner of Huntsville Piano Works.”

As well, a new website has improved marketing possibilities and an enhanced youth program includes offering youth ticket prices and master classes with some of the visiting musicians. In the upcoming season, Bolshoy will be offering master classes to guitar students of all ages.

HAPA has been instrumental in presenting a unique winter chamber music concert series in the community for over 25 years. Countless illustrious musicians have been showcased, some of them young performers who were just embarking on their musical careers and have subsequently become world renowned virtuosi. HAPA’s mandate continues to be focused on welcoming all age groups from a wide variety of demographics, specifically encouraging more youth to attend the concerts.

The annual general meeting for HAPA is taking place on May 29 at 7 p.m. at Trinity United Church. Everyone is invited to attend. The board would also like to welcome new members.  

Tickets for the four-concert series are $70 for adults and $30 for students. There are also series gift certificates available. Tickets are available at Hampton Lane Menswear in the Huntsville Place Mall, or by calling Martina Schroer at 787-1918.

For more information on HAPA visit their website at www.hapachambermusic.ca.