The Cariboo Chilcotin Youth Fiddlers will present their Gold and Fiddle Fever Concert Saturday, May 30 in the Gibraltar Room.
The youth fiddle group includes approximately 40 musicians ages five to 18 who take lessons locally with Ingrid Johnston and participate in workshops with noted Canadian fiddlers such as Gordon Stobbe from Nova Scotia, Greg Nixon, and Kelli Trottier.
Gold and Fiddle Fever is a one-year project with fiddle music, narration and costumes highlighting the Cariboo Gold Rush with music from that era.
“Gold and Fiddle Fever tells the story of the British colonization of our stunning province, British Columbia,” says Johnston.
“It breathes life and vitality into this 150 year old story and highlights different aspects of the gold rush with its rich and dynamic history.”
She says the colourful characters that were drawn to the Cariboo Gold Rush are brought to focus by music, with the sparkle, passion and zest that only young people can exhibit.
“These young fiddlers, pianists and guitar players have worked tremendously hard for a whole year, enthusiastically learning the music that brings these interesting stories to an animated and energetic culmination,” Johnston says.
“It has been a fabulous way to explore history, using fiddling, dance and singing as the vehicle.”
The youth fiddlers will also take the show on the road for two performances on the Theatre Royal stage in Barkerville on July 11 and 12.
“Last year our Fiddle History of Canada concert at the Gibraltar Room sold out,” says fiddle parent Candice Magnowski.
“We hope this one will too.”
Tickets are available at The Open Book and Cariboo GM at $10 for adults; $5 for children under age 12; and free for children under age five.
Doors at the Gibraltar Room, open Saturday, May 30 at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m.