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May 2007
Magic Happens
by Barb Deters
For a man who is so about music, George Blondheim is incredibly visual. He can actually see the notes he writes. His mind takes him beyond the realm of sound to create a mosaic for the senses.
That Bernie Zolner is on the same wave-length is a godsend… and audiences are the beneficiaries of their collaborative genius. Magic happens.
Case in point: Symphonia Masonica. Never heard of it? You will. Commissioned by the Grand Lodge of the Alberta Freemasons to commemorate its provincial centenary in 2004, the symphony in three movements premiered at the Winspear Centre for Music. It was unlike anything patrons—and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra—had ever experienced.
This groundbreaking concert evoked emotions that swept through the audience like an electrical charge. Enhanced by massive video screens that projected inspiring images throughout the performance and an unrivalled light show that danced to the beat, the music filled the concert hall like never before. That’s what you get when you combine their talents with those of Don Metz of Aquila Productions.
In another departure from the norm, the entire audience—armed with complimentary recorders, slide whistles, harmonicas, drum skins and sticks—was invited to make its own music… to fully participate in its own symphonic presentation of Steelcraft & Coast Interactive. What a rush!
But wait there’s more. One patron put it this way: “James, George and Bernie became a triangle of excellence in that hall…” That reference would be to artist James Picard who stood elevated above the choir and in front of the Davis concert organ creating a massive painting. The finished piece, inspired by the music, was a symbolic representation of the Masonic culture. But Blondheim is quick to point out that great works take time, something the professional community has to accept and embrace. He and Zolner are in the third re-write of Symphonia Masonica, and plan to re-record for release in the next year. |
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The publicity-shy Zolner wrote the introduction to the event in the Symphonia Masonica program. It is the embodiment of what fuels the collective passions of Zolner and Blondheim.
“There are certain occasions that bring to mind the nature and position of art within our community and its deep connection with the identity of our culture. Art lives on as a testimony and a legacy towards future generations…“…the people of Alberta are capable of contributing to the grand cultural legacy of the world.
“To achieve our equal position as contributors and not just consumers
of the great legacy of human civilization, we must pause every so often
to put aside our worries, our fears and the daily stress inflicted upon
us by the modern world. We must stop and smell the flowers of art that
spring from the inspiration that we, ourselves, give to our artists through
simply living together and thus sharing our hopes, our triumphs and our
tragedies.”