Inspired by the popular TV show Downton Abbey, violinist Calvin Dyck and his team present a show celebrating the best of British music.
The concert, called Down-Town Abby, takes place Saturday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at Gateway Church, 2884 Abbotsford-Mission Hwy.
The concert is in the style of the popular “Proms” concerts in Great Britain with a full symphony orchestra, tea and biscuits at intermission, characters from the 1920s, and a mini car show featuring a 1929 “Phantom” Rolls Royce.
Along with Sylvia Friesen, the team is adding costumed “characters” to the show, visual and lighting elements, and choreography.
The audience is invited to participate by dressing up. Ladies are encouraged to wear hats or “fascinators.” They will be welcomed by a butler, greeted by “the Queen,” offered a complimentary tea by costumed “servants” and invited to participate in singing along with God Save the Queen and the patriotic Land of Hope and Glory.
Highlights from the concert include themes from 007, The Chronicles of Narnia, Pride & Prejudice and Downton Abbey.
Soprano Alison Nystrom is featured in Pie Jesu by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the famous Dido’s Lament from Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas.
The Alumni Project presents the 1840 madrigal Lay a Garland, as well as Jenkin’s enchanting Adiemus featuring Ajay Klassen on drums and the popular song Penny Lane by the Beatles.
The goal of the concert is to raise $25,000 to assist three Abbotsford charities whose mission is to help people recover from addictions: Kinghaven Treatment Centre for men, Peardonville House for women and LifeBridge Ministries.
All funds from ticket sales and donations will go directly to the charities. Tickets are $25 (plus tax and fee) and are available at King’s Music or House of James.