LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
The final show of the Fort Simpson season for the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre will bring a mix of jazz, Latin and classical music to Bompas Elementary School on Dec. 12.

Pianist Jamie Parker, left, singer Patricia O'Callaghan, violinist Annalee Patipatanakoon and cellist Roman Borys will be playing a show in Fort Simpson on Dec. 12. - photo courtesy of Northern Arts and Cultural Centre

The season finale brings some familiar faces back to the Northwest Territories. The Gryphon Trio, a Canadian classical ensemble that toured the territory in 2013, will be performing along with Patricia O'Callaghan, described on the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre's website as a "wandering minstrel."

Marie Coderre, executive and artistic director for the centre, said the Gryphon Trio's show will be different than their previous visits to the territory. They will be presenting the Broken Hearts and Madmen Project, an album that blends Latin songs with jazz.

The Fort Simpson show will include a cello, violin, piano and singing.

"It's a chamber music (album) tries to push the boundaries of the classical music world," Coderre said. "The musicians are pretty bold with their initiative, and the voice of O'Callaghan is amazing."

The Open Sky Creative Society will be selling tickets in advance, with special rates for youth and senior as well as adults with children.

"It's the last show, so I encourage people to come out. The Gryphon Trio themselves are . really thrilled to come back and tour again," she said. "People are in for a really high-scale performance."

The show will feature a mixture of songs from English singer-songwriter Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen, mixed in with winter-themed music and Mexican Ranchera songs, said Gryphon Trio's Jamie Parker.

In between those songs, the group will be playing instrumental tangos by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla.

Speaking to the Drum on Dec. 3, Parker said the Gryphon Trio is just coming from a concert in Calgary as well one held in an expansive ballroom at the Banff Springs hotel. Despite the smaller venue, the group is still looking forward to its Fort Simpson show, he said.

After the Gryphon Trio's 2013 tour, they collaborated with the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre and a number of composers to put on Listen Up!, a performing arts outreach initiative for youth that saw nine Fort Simpson students head to Yellowknife.

Now, Parker said the group is looking forward to re-connecting with old friends and teachers from the communities.

"It's really great. I've managed to keep in touch with a handful of friends there (on social media)," he said.

"It's going to be a lot of fun to be back there."

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