Symphony in the Barn 2022

Have you ever checked out a symphony in a barn? If not, you must, it is a marvellous experience. I attended my first Symphony in a Barn on Saturday, July 30. I joined many who were making their long-awaited return to the Durham, Ontario 2022 Symphony in the Barn, live and in-person, July 29 – July 31, 2022.

Since 1995, Symphony in the Barn has led the way for concerts outside of the standard concert hall setting. They have been at the forefront of marrying fine artistry with the biodynamic agricultural experience.

Founded by farmer/conductor Michael Schmidt, Symphony in the Barn has opened its doors to performers and visitors worldwide, transforming Glencolton Farms into a one-of-a-kind cultural and agricultural experience.

Symphony in the Barn has been host to critically acclaimed opera productions, jazz concerts, an annual film festival, its annual Christkindl market, First Nations dance, classical chamber and orchestral performances, and integrated farm-to-table concert collaborations as was presented at this year’s concert. 

Set on a fully operational 200-acre biodynamic dairy farm, Symphony in the Barn’s 2022 summer festival featured 3 days of concerts, tours, dinners and great fun.

The concert I attended on Saturday evening entitled Heart of the Romantic included music by Franz Schubert and Johannes Brahms.

Schubert opened, string quartet No. 13 in A minor, D 804 Op 29 “Rosamunde” the musicians included, violinists Yolanda Bruno, Ryan Davis, Emmanuel Vukovich and cellist, Daniel Hamin Go.

The concert closed with Brahms, Piano Quartet No.1 in G minor, Op 25. The musicians for this concert included pianist and Co-Artistic Director Kati Gleiser, violinist Ryan Davis and Emmanuel Vukovich, and cellist Daniel Hamin Go.

Both concerts were excellent. The musicianship was fantastic. I found the sound enhanced by the open-air setting with some of the wildlife joining in on the softer sections.

By the end of the concert, the Rondo Alla Zingarese was on fire with the piano leading the strings to a fiery finish and the finale—a blaze of glory. I envisioned smoke or at least a mist of fog rising up from the stage. 

The Symphony in the Barn has a new convert. I am all in for next year’s Symphony in the Barn as they climb the Symphonic Mountain that is the Beethoven Symphony Cycle 2023. 

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