Haunting melodies and lively drumbeats bounced off the atrium walls as “Convivencia” made its debut performance at Trent University Oshawa on Saturday, May 18, 2013.  Concert goers were treated to the light-hearted sounds of the nightingale, the mournful melody of lost love and the pulsing Middle Eastern rhythm which accompanied a solo belly dancer. Ancient tales of far-off kings, religious devotion and hardship were on the playbill. Vibrant costumes and completely foreign instruments of old stole the show.  

The public concert was performed by early music ensemble, Hurly Burly, based out of Peterborough.  The group predominately performs music from the Medieval and Renaissance periods. During the concert, they played a variety of percussion, wind and string instruments which were representative of those used hundreds of years ago. A dulcimer, citole, rebec and vielle took their place comfortably alongside more recognizable instruments such as the harp, drums and chimes. The attention to melodic detail and nuances of the language of the time was meticulous.

“Convivencia” refers to a period in history when contrasting cultures and religions lived in relative harmony in Spain. The music performed at the concert drew from a combination of ancient Muslim, Jewish and European Christian influences between the years of 700 and 1492. The cultural sounds of the music of that time are still recognizable today.

In addition to the discovery of America, the year 1492 is very significant for another reason.  As narrated by Hurly Burly member and Trent alumna Cindy Ellen Morgan (English Literature and Ancient History & Classics), it is the year when Jews were expelled from Spain by order of the Crown. It marked an end to a time when the three cultures co-existed together in a mostly convivial environment.

Ms. Morgan plays dulcimer, harp and sings in the ensemble. She has written several thesis papers on the events of this time period in Spain. She feels the various influences in the music reflect the cultural scenario of the time. She says, “The Muslims, Christian and Jewish communities had respect for each other’s contributions in architecture, the visual arts and music. That’s what we’re celebrating; diversity and how influences overlap.”

Ken Field, principal for Trent University Oshawa feels that the culturally inclusive nature of the music performed at Trent University Oshawa is representative of the university itself.  He says, “The concert reflects Trent’s values. It’s reflective of Trent’s openness to new ideas and new ways of thinking about things.  Hopefully it will bring a new awareness of music and cultures that existed in Spain at this time together.”

Ken Field is the principal for Trent University Oshawa. He also sings and plays recorder with Hurly Burly.  Ken’s love of early music began as he studied the recorder in his teens and continued throughout his music studies at university. The other members of the group including Barbara Ratz, Roy Hagman and Tanah Haney, also share a deep devotion to the music and its colourful history.  

Several other members of the Trent community played prominent roles in the “Convivencia” performance. Trent alumna, Tanah Haney, plays the harp and recorder and provides vocals for the group.  She is also the music director.  Roy Hagman sings and plays a variety of instruments. He is also a Professor Emeritus from the Modern Languages Department.  Trent library technician, Carmen Gelette, revealed her artistic side as she performed Middle Eastern belly dances in traditional colourful costumes throughout the concert.  In addition to her work at Trent, she belly dances professionally and operates her own company called Hazina Belly Dance.

Audience members came from near and far to enjoy the concert.  Janet Sankey came to watch her daughter, Tanah, perform. Ms. Sankey is a musician herself with the Victoria Chamber Orchestra in Victoria, British Columbia. She had high praise for the group and their performance. Ms. Sankey said, “I find their choice of music so interesting. They do a lot of research and find some really interesting choices for their music.  It’s quite fascinating. They have such a delightful variety.  They each play two or three instruments and sing.

As the concert demonstrated, Trent University Oshawa provides an ideal venue for a variety of performances. Ted Warren is a local Oshawa resident.  He sings with the Durham Philharmonic Choir, is involved with the local Kiwanis and is the past president of the Durham Youth Orchestra. He has worked with Trent University on several community events.  Regarding the venue at Trent University Oshawa he said, “It is an intimate and pretty setting. I’m looking forward to doing more events here.”

In keeping with Trent philosophy, “Convivencia” demonstrates how a forum such as music can unite eras, cultures and religion. The performance celebrates appreciation and tolerance. As the sun shone brightly through the atrium windows, it was a glorious afternoon of harmony at Trent University Oshawa.

Posted on Friday, May 24, 2013.