Classical Music Recital at Arden United Church

Jeff Green | Apr 19, 2023

Sylvia Goodeve (Piano) Patrick Kline (Cello) Philip Candelaria (Guitar)

Classical Music at Arden United Church

Sylvia Goodeve could not have known, when she and her partner Bill Wong became full time residents on Blue Heron Ridge Lane on Kennebec Lake last summer, that she was joining a community with a unique musical history.

And, that she would soon add another chapter to it.

The Arden Glee Club and its fearless leader Helen Prasky, and Arden’s jazzy Ardenaires, brought together dozens of people to rehearsals each week, and hundreds to concerts throughout the year.

Later, Arden based piano tuner Larry Lightstone organised a number of concerts, featuring guest musicians, at the Kennebec Hall. He also played a role in finding new homes for pianos, not in use. Larry passed away at 78, in 2020.

Helen died, at the age of 93, in early 2022, and the Glee Club and the Ardenaires are both no longer going, but Sylvia Goodeve has a part of their legacy.

Sylvia is a pianist from Ottawa, and although she suffered a concussion a few years ago that has restricted her ability to work, it has not affected her ability to play the piano. She did not bring her piano with her when moving full time to Blue Heron Ridge, but shortly after moving in she learned that Helen Prasky's Baby Grand was not being used, and soon after that, it became hers.

She has also continued to play music with Cellist Patrick Kline, formerly of Ottawa and now living in Arnprior. When they were both in Ottawa, they formed 2/3 of an ensemble, with violinist Reiko Lokker, called 234 strings.

They will be joined at a concert this Sunday (April 23) by guitarist Philip Candelaria, who Sylvia Goodeve describes as the celebrity musician on the group.

Philip Candelaria also lives in Arnprior, and was the founder of the Canadian Guitar Quartet in 1999. He has performed around the world as a solo artist, and with the quartet, and taught at both Laurentian University and the University of Ottawa.

The concert came about for a couple of reasons. Sylvia and her partner Bill have become involved with the Arden United Church since last summer, and wanted to encourage people who are still reluctant to return to church after COVID, and to raise money for the church if they can.

“I am also looking forward to performing again, and to be able to play with Philip and Patrick will be a real treat,” she said, “and the church is a beautiful intimate space to play in.”

There is not a lot of repertoire for piano, cello and guitar since it is not a standard combination of instruments for a trio, so some music had to be adapted so they can all play together.

“We will also be performing as a combination of duos, throughout the afternoon. I will play with Philip, and with Patrick, and they will also play together for some pieces. The concert will have a Latin theme, which fits the season, and Latin and Spanish rhythms are very suited to the guitar,” she said.

It promises to be an enjoyable, high level performance.

The concert starts at 2pm on this Sunday, and admission is by free will donation, with all proceeds going to the church. The Arden United Church is located at 1076 Railway Street in Arden.