MCA CONCERT COULDN’T GET BETTER, WITH BRIDGE AND WALOK. BUT 70-YEAR ARTS GROUP NEEDS YOUR HELP MORE THAN NEVER — MAYBE
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
GRAVENHURST — The whirling sounds of music, gaiety and laugher yesterday in the Opera House were testament to more than 70 years of the Muskoka Concert Association.
The MCA is on hold now, taking a break to regroup over the winter, as it looks to regrow its core base of concert goers. Watch for more news in the spring.
Meanwhile, president Diane Harrop and her volunteers presented as fine a performance as they have for decades.
Michael Bridge and Kornel Wolak were as humourous as talented.
The digital accordion and clarinet players, respectively, were entertaining as hell with a show that stayed true to the MCA’s classical roots while playfully mixing their ‘Scandalous Romantics’ program with the best of past and present — including each taking turns on the grand piano accompanying one another.
It was also a great way to end Harrop’s 20 years at the MCA helm.
Not only did she book Bridge and Wolak, but she made a cameo performance with them that almost stole the show and highlighted her acting talents as she bashfully gasped and foe feinted at the appropriate time while filling in for Chopin during an introduction to his music.
A star may be born.
It was all fun and made for the usual splendid concert.
And included a spirited Polish polka that had the small house on their feet clapping and stamping along.
Another one that deserves more than that encore.
The MCA may be down, but it’s not out after this show.
Watch for the MCA to rebound over the summer and offer to help if you can.
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