Music is GREAT (in Calgary)

Music is GREAT. I challenge you to debate that point. And in my obviously biased opinion, British music is the greatest.

I grew up listening to the tunes of The Clash, Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, Duffy, The Spice Girls, The Who, and Elton John. I still do (Spice Girls at Christmas and birthdays only). The concept of marrying GREAT British music with Calgary’s unbelievably deep talent pool of artists is a particularly exciting one.

So when I heard that two of Calgary’s most dynamic musical institutions, Revv52 and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, were hosting a series of concerts to celebrate this music, we just had to support them. And dance at them. And sing at them. And act a little bit silly at them.

The good news is that you can too and perhaps even win a mystery prize.

Revv52 is a 50-voice ensemble and live band that delivers unforgettable choral interpretations of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll, pop, soul and Motown music. Revv52 features Calgary’s very best vocal performers, soloists and live musicians performing powerful and energetic concerts of the music they love.

Revv52’s London Calling concerts, described as a 20-song journey through five decades of British music, will be taking place on 17-19 January. Think of it as the Olympic Closing Ceremony style symphony of British music right in your own backyard. Tickets are available at Revv52’s website.

Soon after, on 25-26 January, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra will play two concerts “Rule Britannia”. Different setting, same point – Music is GREAT. The charismatic Welsh conductor Grant Llewellyn and Callum Smart, one of the UK’s youngest stars, will summon the majesty of the throne and the energy of British people and music. British treasures The Lark Ascending and Enigma Variations, including the deeply moving “Nimrod,” will crown the evening.

Women will swoon. Men will weep. Perhaps. But what is certain is that the CPO, which as others will know better than I is choc-full of local, Albertan talent, with Grant and Callum, will showcase the diversity, breadth and sheer power of British music. Check out their website for ticket information.

If you do attend either event, you will see why British Music is GREAT. British artists account for 12% of global music sales. We host the world’s greatest music festivals. Artists like Adele and One Direction dominate US and global music charts, like the Beatles, Stones and Coldplay before them. I could list the renowned British artists and composers who have dominated the classical music scene for literally hundreds of years. (Yes I really did mention One Direction on a UK Government blog).

So get involved. Dance. Sing. Act a bit silly. But above all, take this opportunity to see the best in British music performed by some of Canada’s top talent. Global music, local talent.

Let me know your memories or thoughts of GREAT British Music on twitter, mentioning @anthonypkay @UKinCanada @revv52 @calgaryphil, including the hashtag #MusicisGREAT.

Thoughts welcome on UK in Canada’s Facebook page too.  Mystery prizes for the tweet that makes us smile the most!