An Uncommon Thread...

Live!@WestPlains and the Burlington Symphony Orchestra invite you to join Corey Gemmell, violin, and Benjamin Smith, piano, of the Gemmell & Smith Duo, on May 18 2025 at West Plains United Church, 549 Plains Road West, Burlington, ON at 2:30pm. The program includes Elgar's Violin Sonata, Heifetz's Selections from George Gershwin's incredible opera, Porgy and Bess, and Brahms' monumental Piano Quintet in F minor. Joining Gemmell & Smith for the Brahms Piano Quintet are Paul Barna, violin, Elspeth Thomson, viola, and Gordon Cleland, cello, all three principal players from the Burlington Symphony Orchestra.

This program reflects a time of great upheaval from the time of the Industrial Age, through the First World War and into the Great Depression. The music and art of this period are at the centre of human expression and highlight the hope, despair and ultimate triumph of our basic humanity over adversity; as relevant today as back then.

We look forward to seeing you May 18 as we weave our way through this glorious repertoire.