As we complete the finishing touches on our new 2014 album "Serenade", we can't help looking forward to the Album Release Concert in December! We had a fantastic time at the recording session last month (see sneak preview) and we recommend booking your seats in advance as we are already half full, notably not half empty. 😉
Tag Archives: Ivan Tucakov
Concert in the Courtyard
The last eight months have been a busy and enjoyable time for V&F with requests to perform for local recitals and events in and around BC. One of our favourite venues to date was Ravencourt B&B, an artistic and creatively designed post and beam straw-bale mansion located in the gorgeous Slocan Valley within the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada.
We were delighted when our hosts Dorothea and Peter invited V&F to be part of their 2014 summer series of eclectic house concerts. Surrounded by wilderness with sounds from the nearby creek and chirping birds, Ravencourt B&B is a collection of charming little details. On a hot summer's day, the main living areas welcome a comfortable cool breeze, which is served by the beautiful inner courtyard. Our concert took place in a spacious atrium with overlooking balconies and a beautiful forest backdrop.
We chose 'Vino' as part of the V&F name specifically because we liked the idea of our audiences enjoying a glass of wine while listening to music. Peter thus went to great efforts to organize an incredible wine tasting event as part of the concert! He invited the regional owner to tell his story and introduce the wines personally to the guests, which we felt created the perfect Vino & Forte ambience. We were also astounded by the sense of community as people flowed in the doors for a pre-concert drink.
Overall, we would like to thank our wonderful hosts for their hospitality as well as the engaging audience who brought a family atmosphere to this warm musical evening. We hope you enjoy this little snippet of our experience, illustrating the natural beauty and serenity of Ravencourt B&B with excerpts from Schubert's Serenade and Ivan's flamenco inspired composition Dulces Suenos. Capturing moments of the stunning skies surrounding the Slocan Valley, we sincerely hope to return for another Concert in the Courtyard in the near future!
Spontaneous Seawall Rehearsal
If you take a walk or bike ride along the Vancouver seawall, you will come across a pleasant surprise. CityStudio, in collaboration with the City of Vancouver, have set up a series of outdoor public pianos for anyone to play during the day. We came across one on our way back from a local performance so we paused to play a few tunes.
Offering music to random passers-by with the fresh ocean air and slowly setting sun in the background felt great. Thank you CityStudio for the “Keys to the Streets" project. We are sure to pass by there a few more times in the upcoming months and rehearse for our next show! 😉