Opera Kamouraska gets premiere after 33 years
From The Toronto Star: Opera Kamouraska gets premiere after 33 years.
Charles Wilson, born, raised and educated in Toronto, ended up finding fulfilment as a composer in Guelph. Now, on the verge of his 79th birthday, he’s leading a rich musical life in an even less urban setting: amid the 4,500 inhabitants of B.C.’s Gabriola Island.
I needed to get away from all the noise so that I could work,Wilson says in a Toronto hotel room, with his wife Elizabeth an eager and welcome party to the conversation. (…)Elizabeth, a contralto, continues to premiere Charles’ new settings. The couple also work with a chamber choir.
We discovered we had to make our own music if we were going to hear the kind of music that we like,the singer says.Although new music was not part of the culture on Gabriola Island when the Wilsons arrived, the couple says locals have welcomed their aesthetic.
It’s a change from jazz and folk, which are the tradition on Gabriola,Elizabeth says. [continue]
Related
- Wilson, Charles – Encyclopedia of Music in Canada
- Charles Wilson – Wikipedia
- Photo of Charles and Elizabeth Wilson, taken by Carolyn Davey at Gabriola’s Malaspina Gallery – IslandsInstitute.pbworks.com
Filed in Gabriola people,music 8 Comments so far
8 Responses to “Opera Kamouraska gets premiere after 33 years”
Elizabeth Hansen on 29 Mar 2009 at 11:13 am #
Dear Dr. Wilson,
I just came across your name minutes ago in the Toronto Star with reference to this opera. Having read your biography I have a strong feeling that you are the same Dr. Wilson who taught music at Georgetown High in the early 1960s. If so I have thought about you many times over the years and often wondered where you might be and what you might be doing. I have such fond memories of those years – you got us off to a wonderful start implementing a band for the first time ever in that school. I played clarinet at the time and went on to play in the Citizen’s band and later at university. Although I don’t play it now I think it helped get me through those teenage years with nary a scratch so to speak!
So Dr. Wilson if you are indeed that wonderful teacher thank you for everything you gave to so many of us. I am eternally grateful. All the best in your new endeavor.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Hansen
Gabriolan on 29 Mar 2009 at 1:33 pm #
Hello, Elizabeth! This is not Dr Wilson’s website, and I don’t know him. He lives on Gabriola Island, as I do; this is a blog about life on Gabriola.
If somebody who does know Charles Wilson happens to read this page, perhaps that somebody will let him know about your message. I’m sure he’d be pleased to see your comment.
Elizabeth Hansen on 29 Mar 2009 at 2:39 pm #
Thanks for your reply. If this message were to get to him that would be great!
S Wilson on 29 Mar 2009 at 8:54 pm #
Elizabeth, I am Charles Wilson’s son and yes, he was a teacher at Georgetown in the 60′s. I will happily pass your message on to him.
Elizabeth Hansen on 30 Mar 2009 at 1:00 pm #
How about that! Thanks so much! I must thank the owner of this blog too for allowing this communication to take place. I should have realized the situation i.e. that is was not the personal site of your Dad but then if I had I may not have sorted this out! Thanks to both of you for passing this on. It sounds like he is doing well and has found a mini paradise.
Best regards,
Elizabeth
Bill Pope on 05 Jun 2009 at 10:10 pm #
Hi:
I’m not sure if you’re aware of the connection, but I’m pretty sure “Elizabeth Wilson” is the “Beth Wilson” that Pat and I mentioned to you this evening when we met you at Berry Point.
Good chatting with you! How do you find time to maintain this blog? Great content, and really well put together. I only wish I could click a button and see all your photographs.
Bill
Gabriolan on 06 Jun 2009 at 4:54 pm #
Hi, Bill! Thanks for the note. I was wondering why Beth Wilson’s name seemed familiar, even though I’ve never met her. Now I know!
Thanks for your kind comments about this blog. It doesn’t take much time to run; most entries take no longer than I’d spend writing email to a friend. Every once in a while I research something before posting about it, and that takes longer, especially if the information takes a while to dig up.
Maybe one day I’ll post a photo gallery or something. I do have about a gazillion Gabriola photos by now, and perhaps I should think about sharing more of them. Meanwhile, I wish I could read your blog. Ever thought of starting one?
Bill Pope on 08 Jun 2009 at 10:55 pm #
I’ve tried starting blogs a couple of times, but they tend to get lost and left behind. With two businesses, a few web sites, and lots of other things to do, I just haven’t had the time. I’m already three weeks behind on my “weekly” law office newsletter to clients.