History

Originally formed in 1994 as a fund raising effort for St. Alban's church, we have evolved into an independent not-for-profit organization who's focus is the presentation of quality music in the wonderful settings that Amherst Island provides.

The original WaterSide Summer Festival committee:
Jan Sneep (President and Ticket Master)
Diane Hieatt (Musical Director)
Dave Hieatt (Secretary / Treasurer)
Caroline Yull (Marketing)

These people managed to pull off an amazing first season of five incredibly well attended concerts.

Over the years many others joined us for various seasons to offer what assistance they could Lyn Fleming, Dick and Ardis Shurtleff, Dorothy McGinn, Bobbi and Michael Shaw, Janet Grace, Andrea Cross and Bruce Burnett, Andy and Lisa Chisholm, John Schutzbach and Inka Brockhausen, Kirsten Bennick, Bernice Gould and Neil Johnston.  Even Hans and Erica Krauklis were active in passing out flyers in the early days.  As you can tell we have had the help of many wonderful people throughout the years.
For the 2000 season Inka Brockhausen, who was the lead performer in our very first concert (Wassermusik), took on the role of President and Music Director from Diane Hieatt whose fledgling Real Estate career started to provide additional time constraints in her life.

While there obviously was a strong association with St Alban's during the first season, in order to pursue different sources of funding and broaden our appeal to other groups of volunteers and sponsors we started to operate more and more at arms length  starting with our second season and by the 2001 season we became a fully independent organization.  In 2005, Beverley Harris became Music Director.  The Waterside Summer Series receives administrative support as part of the Recreation program of Loyalist Township.


Our past performances:

2009

  • The New Zealand String Quartet with James Campbell, clarinet, Canada's pre-eminent clarinetist and wind soloist.
  • The Barrett Brothers with Peter Tiefenbach  Hailing from Corner Brook NL, these brothers are taking the world of opera and concert by storm!
  • Janina Fialkowska, returning following her hugely successful debut in Japan.
  • Elizabeth Beeler with Fred Love and Derek Bate return to perform songs from Broadway and the West End.
  • Michael Kaeshammer and his trio returning with his unique piano styled "boogie and blues"

2008

  • Mark Haines fiddle, guitar and voice with Tom Leighton playing accordion, piano and bodran. with their jigs and reels and down east infectious humour.
  • Cellist Denise Djokic and award-winning pianist David Jalbert.
  • Quartetto Gelato returns with an exciting new program.   Tenor Peter DeSotto also plays violin, Alexander Sevastian accordion, Carina Reeves cello and Shalom Bard clarinet.
  • The New Zealand String Quartet travels twelve thousand miles from their Island to ours. 
    Hailed as an absolute perfect ensemble with outstanding technical skills and passionate playing.
     
  • Richard Raymond   "If piano playing ever becomes an Olympic sport, count on Richard Raymond to win a gold medal ... a very romantic virtuoso ...electrifying pianist..."  Toronto Star    

2007

  • Janina Fialkowska piano, performs Mendelssohn’s Songs without Words, Schubert’s
    Sonata in G Major and Chopin’s Barcarolles, Waltzes and Scherzos.
  • The Canadian Cabaret with Ruth Morawetz, piano & Gerald Isaac, actor, singer, dancer,
    with special guest, singer Glynis Ranney from the Shaw Festival.
    On Wings of Song
  • The Gryphon Trio. Annalee Patipatanakoon violin, Jamie Parker piano and Roman Borys
    cello.
    They returned  to Waterside by popular demand.
  • The Michael Kaeshammer Trio “Boogie-woogie, ragtime. and romantic ballads with jazz stylings seamlessly melding into a unique piano sound”.    
  • Gordon Craig, clarinet & Michel Szczesniak piano, entertain with classical pieces and
    improvised stylings of popular favourites.
     

2006

  • The Music Within
    Mark DuBois                 

    Elizabeth Beeler             

    Danny McErlain             

    Waterside patrons still talk about Mark’s concert in 2003. Mark returns this year in a performance of Operetta, Broadway and Song partnered with soprano Elizabeth Beeler and accompanied by pianist Danny McErlain. Mark’s recent CD, Chansons d’Amour, with Gloria Saarinen, was nominated for a Juno.

  • Studio Sparks on Amherst Island      

    Eric Friesen                            

    Amanda Forsyth                   

    Jean Desmarais                

    “Music to stimulate and surprise, sooth and seduce, with conversation to match”; that is how Eric Friesen describes the spirit of his afternoon Studio Sparks program on CBC Radio Two. For this special presentation on Waterside he is hosting Juno Award-winning Amanda Forsyth, considered one of North America’s most dynamic cellists.

  • On Wings of Song                           

    Russell Braun                    

    Norine Burgess                     

    Carolyn Maule                      

    One of the most sought-after lyric baritones on the international stage today, Russell Braun comes to Waterside this summer from the Salzburg Festival. He is joined by Canadian mezzo-soprano Norine Burgess, whose compelling stage presence and beauty of tone promise an ideal partnership with Russell and their accompanist, Carolyn Maule. Russell’s latest CD, Winterreise, is now available on the CBC label.

  • The Celtic Spirit                              

    Mark Haines                           

    Tom Leighton                         

    Mark and Tom share a not so secret passion; jigs and reels and other forms of traditional music. Engaging humour and personality have made them popular performers, a “two man folk festival”. They received the PEI Song of the Year Award 02 for the title track from their CD, Hand To Hand.

     The Gryphon Trio                 

    Annalee Patipatanakoon       

    Jamie Parker                         

    Roman Borys                         

    “The secret of the Gryphon Trio is their sheer love of musical experience, a love which they communicate to their audiences with a blend of passion and ease”. (Globe & Mail)

    Touring internationally since 1993, the Gryphon Trio is now recognized as one of North America’s premier chamber ensembles.

     

2005

  • Humour in Music
    The comic songwriters Nancy White and Roger James joined forces in a cabaret show with delightful and hilarious takes on many timeless issues.
  • Canadian Jazz Quartet
    Well-known on the Toronto Jazz scene, the C.J.Q. play mainstream jazz with a graceful treatment of standards and original material: Gary Benson, guitar; Frank Wright, vibraphone; Duncan Hopkins, bass; Don Vickery, percussion.
  • Quartetto Gelato
    This dazzling ensemble performed classical masterworks, opera, tangos, gypsy and folk songs. The concert included highlights from the CD ‘Quartetto Gelato Travels the Orient Express’ with Cynthia Steljes, oboe and English horn,  Peter DeSotto, tenor, violin and mandolin,  Alexander Sevastian, accordion, piano and bandoneon, and  Kristina Reiko Cooper, cello.
  • Chantecleer
    Thomas Davidson, piano, Tracy Davidson, soprano, and Gordon Craig, clarinet, performed in a delightful evening of classical and lighter chamber music from Chopin and Schubert to Gershwin.  
  • Baroque and Beyond
    Donelda Gartshore, Sarah Gartshore, Aurora Dokken, and John Edwards, played early and baroque music on rare instruments (lute, theorbo, baroque flute, harpsichord) with soprano voice in a beautiful and educational performance.

2004

  • Classics in the Country
    Violinist Arkady Yanivker and pianist Olga Tcherniak have enjoyed successful careers as musicians in Russia and Canada. They performed romantic and virtuoso classical music by Bach and Beethoven to Gershwin.
  • Romances and Rhapsodies

    Mark DuBois is acclaimed for his outstanding lyric-tenor voice, his artistry and versatility. New Zealand –born pianist Gloria Saarinen returned by popular demand for her brilliant and intuitive playing.

  • Summer Bells

    The Japanese Kobe YMCA Bell Choir offered a broad repertoire of songs, hymns and classical pieces performed on hand bells. This impressive group is internationally known for outstanding performances.

  • Bluegrass and Gospel

    The talented Abrams Family and Clarendon Station, a group of nine musicians, sang and played a refreshing blend of Bluegrass and Gospel music on fiddles, banjos, bass and mandolins. An exceptional and exuberant event!

  • Winds among the Trees

    The Alexi Ensemble performed spirited chamber music on piano and reed instruments, including oboes and bassoons. This internationally acclaimed ensemble was founded in New York in 1986.

2003

  • The Romantic Piano
    New Zealand born Gloria Saarinen lived for many years in Calgary while gaining international recognition for her “warm, lyrical and imaginative playing” (London Times). She presently lives in Burlington.
  • Romance Italian Style
    Baritone Bruce Kelly returns this summer by popular demand. He has performed with orchestras and opera companies in Europe and throughout Canada. He is a member of the Queen’s University School of Music. Dina Namer teaches piano at Carleton University and frequently performs with the National Arts Centre Orchestra.
  • Marriage in Music
    CBC-TV featured Anton Kuerti & Kristine Bogyo in their "Marriage in Music" documentary in January 2003.

  • Organ Magic
    St. Alban's Ahlborn-Galanti organ is played by Deirdre Piper, Associate Professor in the Music Faculty at Carleton University in Ottawa and organist at Ottawa's St. Matthias Anglican Church.

  • Celtic Folk
    “Night Sun is what might happen if a bunch of Canadians played like a Greek wedding band at a Bar Mitzvah in Ireland.”  This Eastern Ontario favourite fun group  features  Chris Coleman,  Ellen Hamilton and others.  

2002

  • Summer Songs
    The magnificent voice of Bruce Kelly and the outstanding pianist Dina Namer. Exquisite classical songs, opera and piano music.

  • An Evening of Operetta
    Ruth Parent and The Voice Studio performed selections from Gilbert and Sullivan.
  • Organ Recital
    Maxine Thevenot visits from New York to performed beautiful organ music from three centuries.
  • The Romantic Flute
    Pascal Margely on flute, Pat Hiemstra on cello and Jane Perry on piano. An evening of delightful music from this Ottawa trio.
  • The Swinging Sevilles
    An evening of vocals and swing Jazz with Kingston musicians.

2001

  • Bach To 2000 and Beyond
    The rich sound of the organ, with guitar and the magnificent voices of David Cameron, Mark Schaub and Gilda Di Cola.
  • Swing Jazz
    An evening of popular entertainment, recreating music of the big band era, featuring Kingston's Ron Gilbertson Swing Quartet.
  • Wassermusik
    Romantic and baroque music by waterside with the chamber music group formed by Amherst Island pianist Inka Brockhausen.
  • Nightsun
    Kingston's well known group performs unique Canadian folk music with heart, imagination and rhythm.
  • Music and Fun
    Roger James, interactive music performance and comedy.

2000

  • Wassermusik
    Romantic chamber music played by Toronto musicians Pamela and Pierre Meulien, Clara and Leonard Odynski and Amherst Island's Inka Brockhausen.
  • Come to the Music Hall
    Songs and sing-alongs by Judith Vachon soprano, Garth Hampson baritone and our own Inka Brockhausen on piano.
  • Les Barricades Misterieuses
    A extra special performance in the old Victoria Hall - 18th century music and dance performance in period costumes.
  • The Eagle Band
    An evening of inspirational gospel music.
  • Queen's 2000
    Romantic music played by Queen's faculty Wolf Tormann cello and Cynthia Szabo piano.
  • Kingston Ceili Band
    Back for an unprecedented seventh season, our annual traditional Celtic music and sing-along concert.

1999

  • Wassermusik
    A rich and rewarding evening of romantic chamber music.
  • Classical Cabaret
    Songs of Kurt Weill, Franz Lehar and many others by Judith Vachon, soprano accompanied by Gloria Fox, piano.
  • Ragtime to modern Jazz
    George Thurgood, piano, plays and teaches Jazz styles from ragtime to modern Jazz.
  • Fourgiven
    A concert for all ages: Country music to gospel and rock.
  • Kingston Ceili Band
    A sixth season of the popular sing along and ceili music.

1998

  • Erica Goodman and Donelda Gartshore
    World-renowned harpist and flautist play chamber music in our rural church.
  • "The Country Church" Group
    The Fiddle and Bango accompany these singers from Sharbot Lake who sing gospel and blue grass style.
  • Judith Vachon and Lisa Pecora
    An evening of song - from Broadway to Opera via Victorian Music Hall.
  • Kingston Baroque Ensemble
    Music of the eighteenth century performed in a tranquil setting - Harpsicord, Lute and Baroque Flute.
  • Kingston Ceili Band
    For the fifth straight season! Many Celtic tunes for you to sing along with. Music both contemporary and traditional. Played on fiddles, hammered dulcimer, tin whistles, guitar and banjo.

1997

  • Marcella Branagan
    Renowned Pianist performing selections from Bach, Hayden, Chopin, Debussy, Ravel and Rachmaninov.
  • Classical Chamber Music
    Donalda Gartshore (Flute), Wolf Tormann (Cello) and Dina Namer (Piano) give us a selection from Handel, Kuhlau, Ravel, Damasse, Dorna and Burton.
  • Memory Lane
    The Ted Reeves quartet (Guitar, Violin, Flute and Bass) entertains us with easy listening music from the 40's and 50's.
  • Dixie 6 + 1
    Don McCallum & Company return with another evening of outstanding Dixieland Jazz.
  • Kingston Ceili Band
    They are back again with more toe tapping Celtic favourites! Music both contemporary and traditional. Played on fiddles, hammered dulcimer, tin whistles, guitar and banjo.

1996

  • Musick's Pleasures & Quinte Consort
    A Madrigal group and a Renaissance ensemble perform a repertoire of music dating from the 14th to 17th centuries. The glowing tapestry of medieval costumes, together with music and dance by candlelight recreate the performance ambiance of older times.
  • George Thurgood - Jazz Piano
    George is a composer, soloist and teacher of Jazz and Classical piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. An evening of Jazz piano covering styles traditional to modern of all the greats, along with some original compositions.
  • Arkady Yanivker and Thomas Wiebe
    Renowned Toronto Symphony performers give us an magical evening of music which includes selections from Bach, Handel-Kallvorcen and Villa-Lobos.
  • Musical Evening and Singalong
    Tim and Bev Hallman give us a musical evening and singalong with songs in the style of Mitch Miller, Vera Lynn, Patsy Cline and other popular instrumental numbers.
  • The Love Letters
    Nick and Joy Hunter present A.J. Gurney's light, modern, often amusing play about the evolution of a relationship between a man and a woman. Written in 1988 and performed at Stratford.
  • Kingston Ceili Band
    Back by popular request. A wild and rousing Celtic romp! Music both contemporary and traditional. Played on fiddles, hammered dulcimer, tin whistles, guitar and banjo.
  • Dixie 6 + 1
    Clarinet, cornet, trombone, tenor sax, electric piano, bass and drums perform predominantly Dixieland music including; Mood Indigo, Wolverine Blues and Milenberg Joys.
  • Special Children's Concert
    Award-winning children's recording artist/performer Jack Grunsky entertains with his diverse repertoire of memorable songs and unique instruments from such shows as TVO Kids and Mr. Dressup.

1995

  • Musick's Pleasures & Quinte Consort
    An evening of Ancient Tunes, Songs and Sprightly Dances.
  • Piano and String Quartet
    Internationally renowned performers Ronald Turini (Piano), Arkady Yanivker (Violin), Thomas Weibe (Cello) and Ronald Hurwitz (Viola) An evening of chamber music including Brahms, Mozart and Dvorak. This concert was recorded by the CBC for a subsequent national broadcast.
  • Valery Lloyd-Watts
    From Heart to Heart - Music of the titans; Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin along with some enchanting themes from the great movies, arranged especially for her by Clifford Crawley.
  • Wassermusik
    Chamber music ensemble led by Inka Brockhausen. Playing from Schubert, Bach and Mozart. The musicians; Inka (Piano), Cathie Goldberg (Violin), John Kruspe (Piano), Eric del Junco (Cello) and Denis Lehotay (Viola).
  • History of Jazz
    George Thurgood presents a recital demonstrating various jazz piano styles from Ragtime to Modern Jazz.
  • Comedy & Drama
    Nick and Joy Hunter present the humour of Dickens and C.S. Lewis's "The Great Divorce".
  • Gypsy Music
    The renowned Arkady Yanivker returns to play the violin accompanied by Inka Brockhausen on the piano.
  • Kingston Ceili Band
    Bring out the Irish in you! Celtic music both contemporary and traditional. Played on fiddles, hammered dulcimer, tin whistles, guitar and banjo.
  • NordwestDuetsche Kammer Ensemble
    A family quartet on tour from Germany who found the appeal of Amherst Island irresistible.

1994

  • Wassermusik
    Chamber music ensemble led by Inka Brockhausen. Playing from Bach, Mozart and Handel.
  • Valery Lloyd-Watts
    An evening of the World's best-loved Piano Music. Playing from Chopin, Liszt and Grieg.
  • Shane David and the Textures
    An eclectic mix of original music, soft rock, blues, calypso, Australian folk and sing along.
  • Aaron Skitri
    Baroque Lute and Theorboe music. Intimate music from the 17th and 18th centuries.
  • Kingston Ceili Band
    Music of the Celtic Countries as well as Canadian Celtic music both contemporary and traditional. Played on fiddles, hammered dulcimer, tin whistles, guitar and banjo.

For further information about the WaterSide Summer Series of music concerts please e-mail bbharris@kos.net
For reservations or further ticket information please call our direct line at (613) 384-2153