Epiphany in SmartPark
Annual concert showcases performances by U of M faculty and students
Laura Blakley, Staff
Photo courtesy of the Faculty of Music.
It seems like whenever you think you’ve got somebody figured out, they manage to surprise you. A musician who plays sports? An engineer who sings? Someone who crosses the dichotomous lines? Is this even possible?
It certainly is possible, and it’s happening right at the University of Manitoba on Wednesday, December 7th. SmartPark’s presentation of Eureka! Musica! features performances by many U of M students and professors. Leave your top hats and monocles at home for this show, as the event will find casual dress perfectly suitable (pun intended).
Lindsey Wiebe, project coordinator for the Eureka! Musica! annual concert series, said that SmartPark is mostly known as the group of buildings on the South West end of campus, but there’s more behind the buildings. As a group of companies representing analytical fields like biotechnology, IT, engineering and agriculture, it seems to be an odd source for an artistic outlet.
“There’s a high degree of innovation in the Park . . . [it’s created by] companies who share their experiences and help each other,” said Wiebe. She points out, though, that even those whose faculties and majors may be labelled uncreative are a great resource to give life to a new idea in the arts. She stresses that SmartPark is about bringing people together from different parts of the community to celebrate their common love of the arts.
Okay, and maybe that it’s the last day of lectures, too.
“There’s a different feel every year, with different musicians. It depends on the students and what [style, genre or piece] they decide to play, [but there are] . . . lots of repeat concert audience members,” she said.
Wiebe also described what has kept the annual show so fresh, explaining that, while the park is already a site of innovation, faculty of music instructors Steve and Anna-Lisa Kirby are adding more.
The majority of the performers are from the faculty of music, using opportunities like this one to earn their performance credits in an intimate and fun atmosphere. Many have already worked closely with Steve and Anna-Lisa Kirby, who may have had a hand in picking the musicians involved and certainly give a well-rounded sound to the performance that they hope will please those with a varied palate.
“It’s not just a bunch of musicians in the audience,” said Wiebe, as people of all music interest-levels and involvement in the university will attend. “It’s a real community event; we’re not trying to have scholarly, high-brow music only. It’s for everybody.”
Musica! Eureka! takes place on December 7 at 7:00 pm. at SmartPark, located in the lobby of 135 Innovation Drive. Admission is free, but you must call 474-7975 to reserve tickets.
