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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, April 9, 2014 | 16 Oakville soprano performs with Masterworks this weekend Masterworks of Oakville Chorus & home. Orchestra's Fauré Requiem concerts "I particularly enjoy teaching this weekend will spotlight Oakville adults who have always had a passoprano Gillian Grossman. sion for music and singing and She'll be performing with the teach to a wide range of levels, group at both its concerts at St. from absolute novice to estabJohn's United Church Saturday lished chorister," she said. (April 12) at 8 p.m. and "Teaching has been Sunday (April 13) at 3 an extremely rewardp.m. ing experience, both The concert program professionally and perincludes Fauré Requiem sonally for me, as it has with Lux Aeterna by not only reaffirmed my Morten Lauridsen and own singing and techCredo from the Berlin nique, but has lead to Mass by Arvo Pärt. some wonderful friendTickets cost $30 for ships." adults, $25 for seniors Baritone soloist Matand $20 for students thew Cassils will also be and children. They can lending his voice to the be purchased online by concerts, which MasGillian Grossman visiting www.masterterworks Music Direcworksofoakville.ca. tor Charles Demuynck Grossman, who has been liv- describes as a mix of classic and ing in Oakville since 2007, also modern. performs with Shoestring Opera, "This time around we're gowhich recently performed at the ing for music that more closely Oakville Public Library. matches Fauré's aesthetic; Morton She said settling in Oakville has Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna is the spirallowed her the space to establish itual heir to Fauré's serenity and a private vocal studio out of her tranquility," he said. Artscene "Connected to your Community" Masterworks of Oakville Chorus & Orchestra will be performing at St. John's United Church Saturday (April 12) at 8 p.m. and Sunday (April 13) at 3 p.m. The concert, Fauré Requiem, features Oakville soprano Gillian Grossman and baritone soloist Matthew Cassils. | photo courtesy of Oakville Chorus & Orchestra's "Its updated harmonies speak eloquently to the soul of our time." Demuynck added, "The short credo by Arvo Pärt is a wonderful way to open the concert. Its fresh harmonies and focus on communicating the words, are both related to, and a perfect foil for the larger works on the program. "I think it's very important that we occasionally hear works by liv- ing composers, and I can guarantee that our audience will be very pleased by these modern masters." St. John's United Church is located at 262 Randall St. Improv classes encourages students to explore self-expression Oakville Trafalgar High School graduate Julian Frid teaches five-week improv course at Oakville's West End Studios by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff Improvisational theatre, better known now as improv, has been gaining momentum over the years, says Julian Frid. The Oakville Trafalgar High School graduate, who teaches improv classes at University of Toronto's Hart House, says he's not exactly sure why it's been growing in popularity, but believes short-form improvisational comedy TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? -- and the success of other TV hits like Seinfeld -- have played a role in bringing the theatre form to where it is today. "You don't have to be an actor to learn how to improvise," said Frid, describing how improv, in its purest form, is the creative collaboration of participants through dialogue, action, story and characters without the use of an already prepared written script. "The skill runs deeper than making jokes," said the 27-year-old, who has been doing improv for more than 10 years and teaching it for five. Frid has started two five-week improv programs at Oakville's West End Studios, 1109 North Service Rd. E. to teach students how to think creatively on their feet. The new Julian Frid classes began yesterday (April 8) for youths aged 12-14 and aged 15-17 and provide teenagers with the opportunity to explore their imagination and participate in exercises that encourage positivity, creativity, acceptance and expression. Frid, who has been a player, coach, volunteer, trainer and then judge of the Canadian Improv Games throughout the last few years, said although the class will appeal to actors who want to become better at their craft, it's for everyone who wants to express themselves better. He said all students would benefit from learning skills that will carry over into their personal lives. "They're going to have to play or communicate with another human being in a respectful and yet playful manner, playful meaning dynamic, interesting and progressive and that's what improv is all about that," said Frid, who has trained with the Bad Dog Theatre Company and Second City in Toronto. He added today, as people communicate less in person and more through social media, text messaging and cellphones, improv is there to keep people sharp during everyday encounters. "Improv represents something we don't get to do as often," said Frid. "... improv is really good at... (creating) fun face-to-face interaction and I think that's a valuable tool for everyone. Plus, it's fun to learn." The most rewarding part of teaching, he said, is watching his students grow into a more creative and charismatic version of themselves, week after week. For more information, visit www.the-west. ca/class/acting-classes/improv-for-youth. Sing-along with Musikay choir Saturday Residents are invited to Grace Lutheran Church this Saturday (April 12) for a singalong with Musikay. The professional choir will be reading through the repertoire from their season finale concert, which will take place later this month at St. John's United Church. The event begins at 4 p.m. and features music by composers Alexander Agricola, Clement Janequin and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. Admission to the sing-along at the church on Reynolds and Spruce streets is free. Reserve a spot online by visiting https:// oakvilleensemble.ticketbud.com/singalong. For more information, visit www. musikay.ca.