ProArts @ Noon

ProArts@Noon Concert Series presents a free-to-the-public performing arts concert every Wednesday, all year ‘round, in the historic Cathedral Church of the Redeemer. 40 minute noon hour concerts provide local and guest performers with concert recital opportunities, contributing to Calgary's vibrant arts community through a wide diversity of artistic expression.  This performance has been hand selected by ProArts Society's Artistic Director Damon Johnston.

Wednesday, January 18/23 - JOHN VOOYS & GUEST

John Vooys is a singer/songwriter/choral composer, based in Calgary. And yes, his last name is pronounced like “voice”. (Very fitting!) From a young age, John has been composing and playing music; originally as a piano player, but later for guitar and for voice. He first joined a choir when he was 20, and the art form particularly won him over – nothing makes him feel things quite like voices harmonizing well. He spent several years arranging works for his own choirs, but then began to write original music – partly because, as he says, he “discovered the complexities of copyright law.”

Though his solo work tends to be a blend of jazz and folk, John has a deep love for the video game soundtracks of his youth – Sonic the Hedgehog, Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger in particular – and he is quite pleased when people notice these influences shining through

When not performing on his own, John is the Associate Artistic Director with ARC (Adult Recreational Choir), and leads chapel music at Ambrose University.

John will be performing as a soloist, with songs for piano, guitar, and voice. Performing a selection of his own music and several familiar folk and jazz numbers, with special attention to the theme of mountains and rivers, John he hopes to enlist audience members to help him create a song or two, and perhaps even join him in the performance.

Wednesday, January 25/23 - DUO SOLISTA

Olga Kotova (violin) and Dmitry Nesterov (piano) have played together since they were 17 and named themselves Duo Solista to reflect their dedication to being both solo artists and life partners. 

Wednesday, February 1/23 - BETHROOT SANDVOSS & SUSANNE RUBERG-GORDON

Quoted by the Chronicle Herald as “A superb musician” and other critics as “accomplished, experienced….providing an evening of musical magic”, Swedish-born pianist Susanne Ruberg- Gordon’s passion for chamber music is evident. She has collaborated with artists such as Andres Cardenes, Ron Leonard, Andras Diaz, Desmond Hoebig, Ian Swensen, Alain Trudel, Jens Lindemann, Ning Feng, Ni Tao, Arnold Choi and Nikki Chooi.

Studies at the Banff Centre Music and Sound program brought her to the Bow Valley where she now resides with her family. Her primary teachers include Jose Ribera and Greta Eriksson from the Edsberg Institute of Music in Stockholm where she graduated with a Diploma in Chamber music, but she has also had the privilege to learn from Gilbert Kalish, Marc Durand and David Moroz. 

Susanne has been on faculty at the Mount Royal University Conservatory since 1991 where she is the coordinator of Collaborative Pianists and teaches chamber music. She has also been a Collaborative Artist for the acclaimed Morningside Music Bridge program in Canada, China and Poland since 2001.

Cellist Beth Root Sandvoss is known for her intensely committed performances and interpretations. She has a notably varied career as a recitalist, chamber musician and pedagogue. Beth lives in Bragg Creek,Alberta, and enjoys an active performance career in Canada and abroad.

She has recorded for WERN Madison public radio, RTHK Radio Hong Kong, and CBC Radio. Beth has recorded ten commercial CDs and has premiered more than 125 new works for solo cello, cello/piano and chamber ensemble. Beth has an intense interest in new music and is a founding member of the acclaimed Juno nominated Land’s End Ensemble.

Beth is also a member of the Calgary String Quartet in residence at the University of Calgary. Nominated as Instrumental Group of the Year, the Calgary String Quartet has completed live recordings of all the Beethoven String Quartets as well as the CD Far Behind I left My Country which features Klezmer and East European Folk Music.

Beth teaches at Mount Royal University Conservatory where she has been awarded the title, Distinguished Instructor of Cello. Additionally, Beth is also an instructor at The University of Calgary working with cellists in the School of Creative and Performing Arts. Beth has the great pleasure and privilege to perform on an award – winning cello made by her husband, Luthier, Christopher Sandvoss.

“The performance brought out its depth of passion…. Beth Root Sandvoss has a beautiful sound, coupled with an excellent sense of harmony.” – Gordon Rumson, Music and Vision

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the cathedral as this renowned cellist and pianist perform contemporary and classical works. As a special festival treat, One Yellow Rabbit ensemble member Denise Clarke will join Beth and Susanne to present a movement work to the music of Arco Pärt’s Spiegel im Spiegel to complete this concert.