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The Indian River Festival's Facebook Page


The Indian River Festival Association

In the 1970's and '80's, the St. Mary's Church, now home to the Indian River Festival, was in serious disrepair. At that time, suggestions were made to tear down the Church as the parish alone could not afford to undertake the expensive renovations. Instead the "Save St. Mary's" campaign was launched in 1987. Due to an overwhelming response from area churches, businesses, individuals, families and other groups, the necessary renovations were paid for and completed within 3 years. One of the campaign initiatives was the "Sundays in the Summer" concert series which proved to be extremely popular and a successful source of revenue. However the volunteer core behind the series became stretched to the limit and in order to evolve to the next level into a separate entity and formal event, a dedicated focus was required.

Consequently, in 1996 the Indian River Festival Association Inc. was formed as an incorporated non-profit body for the presentation of fine music appropriate to the Church and to aid in the continuing upkeep and restoration of St. Mary's.

The Board & Staff 2008

Artistic Director
Robert Kortgaard


Board of Directors and Festival Organizers
Chair - René Hurtubise
Vice Chair - Elaine Rabinowitz
Treasurer - Derek Huestis
Secretary - Patricia Hobbs

Directors
John Drinkwater
Ian Saunders
Senator Libbe Hubley
Michel Lechasseur
Gary Scales


Staff Members
Executive Director - Christine Anderson Gallant
Office Manager - Nancy Mangos

Featured Concerts

Welcome to the Indian River Festival and some of our featured concerts.

Duo Gelato & Robert Kortgaard
Friday, July 2
Classical tenor and virtuoso violinist Peter De Sotto and four time World Champion accordionist and pianist Alexander Sevastian form a unique and thoroughly entertaining duo. The pairing of these two seasoned performers with Artistic Director Robert Kortgaard, will take you on a musical journey around the world - with personal anecdotes that will have everyone laughing out loud. Repertoire ranges from Neapolitan favourites, to Opera arias, Irish folk songs, all the way to the American jazz classics. Instrumentally the two will leave you breathless with their pyrotechnical wizardry on multi instruments including violin, voice, mandolin, accordion, bandoleon, and grand piano. Every audience will be screaming for more Duo Gelato!

Isabel Bayrakdarian
Friday, July 16
Isabel Bayrakdarian burst onto the international opera scene after winning first prize in the 2000 Operalia competition founded by Plácido Domingo. Since then she has performed in many of the world's major opera houses and concert halls. She is admired as much for her stunning stage presence as for her exceptional musicality, and she has followed a unique career path that is all her own. 'One of the most expressive voices in opera today'. (Globe and Mail)

Quartette
Sunday, July 25
Since their debut in 1993, the four members of Quartette have been both publicly and critically acclaimed for their lush harmonies and delightfully diverse repertoire. Cindy Church, Caitlin Hanford, Gwen Swick, and Sylvia Tyson are seasoned singer/songwriters whose influences range from blues and gospel to folk, country and gospel. 'Superb! Female harmony vocals don’t come any purer or sweeter' (Tandem)

David Myles
Friday, August 6
David Myles is a fresh force on the Canadian entertainment landscape. The winner of the 2009 ECMA Folk Recording of the Year Award, his trademark enthusiasm and likeability make David an instant favorite with audiences. Creativity, vocal versatility, and musical dexterity all shine through...his music is a powerful and stylish blend of jazz, blues, folk, gospel and pop influences.