SweetWater 2016: From Vivaldi to a Kung Fu Mash Up, this all in one weekend annual music festival will include a Canadian premiere of new composition.
The 13th edition of the SweetWater Music Festival (September 16 to 18) will offer up an entirely new take on classical and jazz music performed by some of the world's best musicians. Artistic Director Mark Fewer is bringing together a stellar line up of outstanding performers including Aiyun Huang , The Gryphon Trio, Matthius Maute , Meredith Hall, and James Campbell.

"It's hard to contain the excitement for SweetWater's lucky 13th season! We're pushing the envelope again this year," says Fewer.

SweetWater will again open with a Gala Concert on Friday night at the Historic Leith Church in Meaford. Early Music Rock Stars II will feature works by Vivaldi, Hasse, and Veracini.

SweetWater moves to Owen Sound's Roxy Theatre on Saturday for something totally different. Brave New World features Aiyun Huang's performance of "Eagle Claw Wu Tsiao Chen Wins," a kung fu percussion/video mash up. Her percussion performance of a Sean Griffin composition will be paired with scenes from a 1970s Kung Fu films projected behind her.

David Braid's new composition will be the highlight of the Saturday night concert, Virtuosity, at the Roxy. The work will showcase several local singers along with guest soprano Meredith Hall. The concert programme also has works by Schubert, Weber, and Ravel.
The Festival concludes on Sunday afternoon at the Roxy with A Cla ssy Finish, featuring The Gryphon Trio, James Campbell, Steven Dann, Mark Fewer, and Aiyun Huang.

SweetWater also has several events open to all on Saturday at Owen Sound's Harmony Centre. If you play string instrument, join in with Festival performers during the Classical Jam. Mozart for Munchkins offers a fun, interactive session exposing youngsters to the joys of music. The Luthier Exhibit is a great opportunity to see beautiful string instruments made in Grey and Bruce.

Festival Passes and concert tickets are available via www.sweetwatermusicfestival.ca and at the Roxy Theatre Box Office (call 519 371 2833). The Friday Night Gala is $45 and other concerts are $30 each. Student tickets are $10 for all concerts. And until July 31, Festival Passes are only $105 ($120 after that date).
The SweetWater Music Festival is supported by Canadian Heritage and the Ontario Arts Council. SweetWater 2016 is also sponsored by the Community Foundation Grey Bruce and the Eva Leflar Foundation. Official Radio Sponsor is The New Classical 102.9FM.

For more information about SweetWater 2016, go to www.sweetwatermusicfestival.ca or via
the SweetWater Facebook page and Twitter, @SweetWaterNotes.