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MusicFest Vancouver Announces Matthew Baird as Program Director
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Matthew Baird, Program Director
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MusicFest Vancouver is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Baird as the festival's Program Director. Baird brings to the position a wealth of experience in music programming, production and recording gleaned from his extensive thirty-year career with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. A trained musician, Baird's musical interests range from classical and jazz to world music and crossover projects, qualities that make him the ideal person to carry on and expand the work of George Laverock, the Festival's founding Program Director, whose retirement we honoured and celebrated last summer.
"I'm honoured and excited to have the opportunity to work with the strong team at MusicFest Vancouver. I've been following the festival since its inception, first via national broadcasts on CBC Radio 2, and over the last four years as a resident of Vancouver. We have a wealth of talent to showcase this summer in what I'd like to think of as a musical banquet, with something for all tastes and appetites, " says Baird.
Morris Biddle, the President of the festival's Board of Directors, states, "On behalf of the Board, I would like to welcome Matthew to MusicFest Vancouver in his capacity as Program Director. He has big shoes to fill but I am already confident of his ability to keep our organization very much on track. He is creative, experienced, patient and industrious - all necessary qualities in successfully performing this critical role."
We asked Matthew a few off the wall questions just for fun:
1. If budget and time were no consideration, what would be your dream cast for Carmen?
As the most popular opera of all time and without temporal limitations I'd likely draw from both past and present. The score is also so strong it can be adapted any number of ways. How about:
- The great tenor Jon Vickers as the conflicted soldier Don Jose
- Another Canadian, baritone Daniel Okulitch as the bullfighter Escamillo (who recently swaggered through the role here in Vancouver!)
- As the innocent and devoted girlfriend Michaela I'm torn between Kiri Te Kanawa and Julie Andrews!
- For a smoky and sultry sound, how about rethinking Otto Preminger's film "Carmen Jones" and casting jazz singer Carmen McRae as the lead?
2. You're a bassoonist. Why?
Remember the pop songs Winchester Cathedral and Tears of a Clown? They both featured a bassoon in the background! I just loved the sound. And maybe it's in our nature, but bassoonists are often the organizers - the contractors, producers, impresarios - look at George Zukerman - need I say more?
3. Other than playing bassoon, what is your favourite hobby?
 I'm an avid woodworker of both musical instruments and furniture (especially Shaker & Arts and Crafts styles). I've been working on a Hardanger Fiddle for longer than I care to admit, but it's always there when I can find the time!
The 2012 Festival line up of over forty concerts and events runs August 10 - 19, with performances in a dozen venues ranging from the Chan Centre and the Vogue Theatre, to the intimacy of Pyatt Hall (at the VSO School of Music) and the warmth of downtown Vancouver's Christ Church Cathedral. Full details will be released at the end of May.
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