A classical music duo and interdisciplinary jazz show kicked off the eighth annual Harvest of Music Festival Thursday.
The multi-genre concert series runs through Sunday in Qualicum Beach, with most performances occurring in the intimate setting of the Old School House Arts Centre's main gallery. Tickets range from $10 or $16 for single events to $90 for a full-festival concert pass and are available at the centre, 122 Fern Rd. W., or by phoning 250-752-6133.
Harald and Sharon Krebs, a pianist and soprano who are faculty members at the University of Victoria's School of Music, opened the festival with a series of songs they "harvested" during recent travels through Europe. Later that night, Dutch photographer Ton van Wageningen presented his shots of jazz masters alongside a complementary performance by a jazz quartet featuring Karen Graves (saxophone, flute, voice), Ron Hadley (piano), Rick Kilburn (bass) and Buff Allen (drums).
The shows continue today at noon, when earlymusic specialists Soile Stratkauskas and Douglas Hensley perform together. Stratkauskas (wooden flute) and Hensley (guitar and lute) will play a Baroque set featuring works by Boismortier, Giuliani and Telemann.
Latin music rules tonight from 7-9 p.m., when Latin-American woodwind quintet Aires Latinos brings their unique sound to the stage. Mexican oboist Geronimo Mendoza leads a quintet of master's students from UBC's School of Music.
Young classical pianist Jeffrey Luo, from West Vancouver, returns to the festival Saturday at noon.
Japanese folk group the Takio Band, featuring vocalist Takio Ito, moves to the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre Saturday from 7-9 p.m. The singer folds rock, jazz and Latin influences into traditional Japanese forms. He'll be joined by an intercultural ensemble of vocalists, traditional folk dancers and more.
A variety of performers share the Arts Centre stage at the finale Cornucopia Jam, Sunday from 2: 30 to 4: 30 p.m.
