THE FREE PRESS ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 22, 1994 Bll Christmas Cheer/By Perry and the Pops Perry Dickison was one of the stars of Pops at the Christmas put on this past weekend by the Prince George Symphony. Also on hand were the Sweet Adelines, rob Biron/free press New date, new look for P.G. Music Festival “In Music Festivals, the object is not to gain a prize, nor defeat a rival, but to pace one another on the road to excellence. ” Sir H. Walford Davies If Sir Davies is correct, the Prince George and District Music Festival is setting that pace, and it is a fast one this year. The Festival is being held on an earlier date than ever before and there are some innovative new categories this year. The calendar adjustments may come as a surprise to some, but it was for the benefit of all involved. “We couldn’t fit it in between spring break and Easter and we needed Vanier Hall for the honours performance,” explains Festival president Heather Von Bloedau. The move also has some side effects that benefit the performers. “It allows them to learn pieces for the festival, and still leave them time to learn other ones for their exams later in the year,” she says. The changes to the categories are also aimed at fostering creativity. The chief element is the revolutionary Diverse Styles Class which will be offered for the first time. “Prince George is one of the very first in the province doing this. We’re somewhat of a test case,” says Von Bloedau. The class will open the doors to Pop, Jazz, Country, Boogie, Ethnic, Sacred, and Old Time Fiddling. This modern approach could well establish the Festival on the cutting edge of formal musical showcases in Canada. It is hoped the new class will bring an active modern audience to this years affair. Allistair Elliott has been charged with the duty of adjudicating this dynamic program. The other adjudicators, all extremely competent, so far include John Buttrey and Eugene Dowling in the Band program, Denis Tupman in Vocals, and Ellen Silverman for Piano. Some other fresh developments this year are the addition of the Civic Centre as a venue, which brings a helpful centralizing factor; and the attention of City Council, which raises the profile of the Festival. Mayor John Backhouse has declared March 2 to 16 to be Music Festival Days in the city. Since a school ‘Pro D’ day happens during the festivities, it allows out-of-town visitors and performers to take part. The Board of Directors is encouraging everyone within a 300 mile radius to “make an event out of it!” There will be a grand opening celebration to start it all off, and it will culminate in the Honours Performance two weeks later. Von Bloedau is expecting the talent pool to be deep. “We had 900 students last year, and we’re hoping for a positive increase this year in the neighbourhood of 1500 entrants.” It should come as no surprise, however, that since the performance dates are earlier, so is the entry deadline. January 6 is the last day you can register. The syllabus is available at a variety of arts venues, or you can call for one at 964-7798. Amadeus Coming Theatre North West and Prince George Theatre Workshop are hard at working getting ready to present the hit play Amadeus, about the rise and fall of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The play opens February 10 and runs until February 23. The production will combine professional and amateur actors and will be directed by Ted Price. Cook Islands Enjoy true rest and relaxation in this laid-back tropical paradise! 11 nights from si 880™ • ’ ,wo sharing Regular price 52,090 Includes round trip airfare from Vancouver. BCAATtavel Agency^^. Call for detaili today! vCD' 492 Victoria Street 533-0191 •March 1995 deptrttn .Bath Robes .Candles .Candle Holders .Soaps & Bath Oils .Wall Scones .Pot Pourri .Hampers .Embelished Towel .Ceramic Toilet Brush .Lamps .Beach Towels .Towel Stands .Shower Curtains & Accessories .Free Parking .And many more Gift Ideas for the Christmas Season (f Vanities Plus v^ : BATHROOM BOUTIQUE 350 Queensway Street Prince George, B.C. 563-5669 r/// aw For Christmas Sapphire & Diamond Necklace, earrings & ring Special $299ea 1/2 Carat T.W. 14k Special $999 $ Qo/tdon'f; xl inc Jru/rMc/iij (Formerly Golden Chalice Jewellers) 1275 Fourth Avenue, Prince George, B.C. Tel: 564-4232 Out of Town Call 1-800-667-4367