A local violinist’s online concert series is bringing in big views and donations for Vancouver Island musicians in need.
Chloe Kim started Music for the Pause three weeks ago and has already raised over $10,000 for her fellow classical musicians affected by the pandemic.
“It’s been a community project and the community has really shown up to support the project so it’s been really heartwarming to see,” says Kim during a break from pre-taping a future performance.
Each concert is filmed ahead of time by local production company Roll Focus and features high definition audio and video. It’s a change of pace from Facebook live streaming, but for Kim, the extra work is well worth the result.
“We’ve really never done this before and it’s a lot of figuring the beast out as we go, but I’ve really been happy with the progress that we’ve all made together as a group,” says Kim.
Apart from supporting musicians financially, Music for the Pause also gives professionals the chance to venture back into the art of live performance. It’s drawn in members of the Victoria Symphony, who have been dealing with the cancellation of their marquee summer events.
“We sort of went from doing nothing to zero to 60 in a short period of time, but it’s really fantastic,” says 19-year symphony veteran Mieka Michaux.
“What’s also great is that it boosts the Victoria community on an international level because it’s online and anybody from anywhere around the world can watch.
And longtime friend and fellow symphony member Christi Meyers was excited by the opportunity to play in the same room with other musicians.
“We as musicians, we don’t do super well in isolation even though of course to master an instrument you have to spend hours and hours in isolation, but really the joy in our music making is all about the music we get to make with others,” says Meyers.
The performances take place every Friday at 7:30 on the Music at the Christ Church Cathedral Facebook page through Sept. 11.
Cole Sorenson
