Casual Classical: An Outdoor Afternoon of Cello

Are you already stressing about how awful winter is going to be? Are you hoping to squeeze every last bit of awesome out of the season? Do you generally just need a bit of hope and beauty in these pandemic times?

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, this concert may be for you! :)

Eleanor Hopwood (and surprise guests!) will bring a unique program of Bach, Ligeti, Kummer, and more to the backyard of 2650 Marble Crescent. The backyard can be accessed around the right-hand side of the house. Seating will be spaced out to ensure physical distancing, and hand sanitizer will be available. Please wear a mask while you are making your way to your seats. Dress comfy and dress for the weather!

Tickets are sliding scale from $15 to $25.

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Biography:

Eleanor Hopwood didn’t intend to become a professional musician when she began playing at five years old, after asking her unsuspecting parents for a cello. Throughout her formative younger years she enjoyed soccer, horseback riding, and math as much as her cello lessons, yet eventually her love of music won out. From her family-based beginnings playing chamber music with her siblings and performing at seniors’ homes, she evolved into a serious professional cellist.

An avid orchestral musician, Eleanor focused most of her musical studies toward winning a full time orchestral position. She won a one-season contract with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, and her time with them was a wonderful experience. Other professional highlights for her include performing with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, sharing the stage with Coeur de Pirate, performing the scores for Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings films with GFN Productions, and recording for High Noon to Midnight’s rock album. Eleanor has also performed as a soloist with the University of Victoria Symphony Orchestra and in professional chamber music concerts. Eleanor earned her Bachelor of Music studying with Pamela Highbaugh Aloni at the University of Victoria, and completed her Master's degree and Graduate Diploma at McGill University, studying with Elizabeth Dolin. Eleanor has performed as principal cellist with a number of orchestras including the University of Victoria Symphony, McGill Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestral Institute, and most recently with the Orchestra of the Americas on their tour across Mexico.

As well as her performing career, Eleanor has had the pleasure of teaching aspiring cellists, coaching small chamber ensembles, and leading sectionals for the Thunder Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra and University of Victoria. Eleanor was recently invited to teach with El Sistema, a well established international music education organization. Eleanor is currently working on expanding her private teaching studio, and eagerly awaiting the post-COVID return of orchestral concerts.