Apr. 15: Québec guitar ensemble makes Toronto debut

Mooredale Concerts concludes its season and pays one last salute to Canada’s sesquicentennial with a guitar extravaganza.

Québec-based ensemble Forestare makes its Toronto debut Apr. 15 at 3:15 p.m. in the Edward Johnson Building, Walter Hall, 80 Queen’s Park Cres.

Tickets are $30, $20 for under-30s. Information is available online at www.mooredaleconcerts.com, or by phone at 416-922-3714, ext. 103.

Forestare comprises 12 guitars and two double basses. Since its 2002 inception, Forestare has participated in the creation of 50 original works and adapted nearly another 100 for its unique configuration — as a result creating the largest repertoire for guitar orchestra in the world.

Forestare’s recordings include its 2007 self-titled CD, which garnered a Félix as Instrumental Album of the Year, and the 2016 Baroque. It has also toured its environmental concert De l’arbre à la guitare throughout Canada, France, and Chile, performing where possible outdoors and in forests.

The ensemble will perform works from its Baroque CD by Lully, Vivaldi and J.S. Bach. Arrangers are David Pilon (conductor), David Ratelle, and Jürg Kindle.

Young people’s program

Forestare will also offer a one-hour interactive version of its concert, for young audiences ages 5–11 at Music & Truffles, at 1:15 p.m. at Walter Hall.  Host Joanna explores the music with the audience. Adults are also welcome to learn more about the music and music-making. Everyone gets a Lindt chocolate truffle at the end.

Tickets are $20, available from the Mooredale Concerts website and phone number.