BISQC Blog:

Banking with Bartók

Posted by The Calliope Quartet
Wednesday, 25 August 2010

Yesterday we journeyed to Calgary to play for our good friends and sponsors at RBC. Our first performance at Banker's Hall was on the first floor of a three-story mini mall (compared to those in Texas). For the first time since we arrived in Banff, we had an elevated stage AND a microphone to talk to our listeners. Since we played at noon, we attracted a good portion of the lunchtime crowd. Our audience listened from all three levels and the heavy foot traffic created a lot of background noise. The prestissimo in the second movement of Bartók's second string quartet was the loudest we have ever played it!

After a quick lunch break, we proceeded to the RBC branch in Aspen Landing. Stuart and Nicola, our Quartet in the Community stage managers, helped set up shop in front of the ATMs. In contrast to Banker's Hall, the quiet environment at this local bank allowed us to play with more nuance. Our most entertaining audience member of the day danced into the bank, continued to dance while waiting in line, and danced right out, all during Joplin's most famous rag. One might say he was certainly "entertain"-ed!

Here's a picture of us with our poster which appeared in RBC banks all over Calgary! Many thanks again to RBC for allowing us to play yesterday and for supporting emerging ensembles through BISQC and The Banff Centre!

See y'all later,

Tim and Cynthia

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