Sweet Strings Ensemble Launching in Meaford
Originally published in The Meaford Independent, January 20, 2025.
Sweet Strings is the new community string ensemble, being launched under the umbrella of the acclaimed Sweetwater Music Festival, a festival that has been bringing outstanding music to the region for over 22 years.
Made possible by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Sweetwater was awarded a seed grant for this amazing project.
Rehearsals are set to begin at Meaford United Church on February 6 from 7-9pm. Any interested intermediate+ violinists, violists, cellists or bass players are encouraged to join. This group is perfect for people too busy to join an orchestra with a heavy performance schedule and is open to all ages or for orchestra folks looking to play even more.
Various professionals will lead rehearsals including: violinist and former Meaford resident Victoria Yeh, cellist Kerri McGonigle who resides locally in Thornbury, and violist and fiddler Shari Lundy. Sweetwater’s Artistic Director, violinist Edwin Huizinga, will also mentor the group in May when he is in the region for the Sweetwater concerts. Each spring Edwin programs an incredible concert at Leith Church and this year there may be an additional offering. Stay tuned by checking the website: www.sweetwaterfestival.ca
Having access to professional musicians is one of the highlights of the grant.
“Embedded in the grant is funding for this type of mentoring which will allow members to develop their musicianship in a relaxed, enjoyable way,” explained Sweetwater board member and Meaford resident Jen Burak.
Thornbury resident and cellist Jill Willington is also on the planning committee. As a supporter of all things Sweetwater and a member of the Rosin Dust string group out of Owen Sound, her perspective will greatly support this new musical initiative.
The ensemble will meet bi-weekly and will work on repertoire during 2025 which will culminate in a ticketed year-end concert in Meaford.
“The idea is to allow members to enjoy developing music over the course of the year, with a few casual, fun, community concerts included along the way,” said committee co-chair Alicia Hutchings. “There is a modest membership fee which can be waived for anyone who finds it to be a barrier.”
Folks are encouraged to give Sweet Strings a try for a rehearsal or two to see if it’s a good fit.
Meaford is the perfect launch spot for Sweet Strings. It is hoped that players in adjoining communities such as Thornbury, Collingwood, Kimberley, Blue Mountains, Creemore, Owen Sound, and more will find it reasonable in terms of travel time.
“Like the incredible Sweetwater Music Festival, this is yet another amazing cultural addition to our community. Meaford welcomes Sweet Strings with open arms!” said Meaford Councillor Rob Uhrig.
Supporting and building a strong arts and culture scene is crucial for creating a vibrant, inclusive, connected and inspired community.
For more information about becoming part of Sweet Strings or to find out more about the Sweetwater Music Festival visit: sweetwatermusicfestival.ca/sweetstrings.