Elora Festival Brochure 2017

A celebration of song in honour of Canada’s 150 | July 14th-30th, 2017

Elora Fergus Tourism Ad

Welcome
In celebration of our country’s 150 th , I welcome you to the Elora Festival’s 38 th
season!
I smile inwardly when I think of the countless individuals who have given so very
much to this — your Festival — which has been a proud, vital component of
Canada’s cultural history since 1979.
Our own Proms Opening Night Gala kicks things off in a victorious
fashion on July 14 th with guest conductor Bramwell Tovey from the
Vancouver Symphony. Other special Festival guests include the Choir
of Trinity College from Cambridge England, the legendary Gordon
Lightfoot, Inuk recording artist Susan Aglukark, and America’s finest
male choir, Cantus.
I am so pleased to bring back some old Festival friends from the
international stage such as Karina Gauvin, Angela Hewitt, Cecilia
Quartet, and Daniel Taylor. We also welcome some new friends —
Charles Richard-Hamelin, Jonathan Crow, and the National Youth Choir
of Canada.
Our salute to Canada’s 150 th comes in the form of a new production by
Hugh Brewster entitled With Glowing Hearts — a spectacular multimedia
show with very special guest performers. This is just a portion of the
splendours that await you here at the Elora Festival — Southern
Ontario’s signature of summer!

WEDNESDAY
Please Note that all
evening concerts
begin at 7:00 pm*
*The Gordon Lightfoot performance
will begin at 8:00 pm
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THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
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Opening Night: Proms
7pm | $65 | $75
Elora Festival Kids Camp
The Lion King Kids
4pm | $10 | $15 | $5 | Elora Public School
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Angela Hewitt, piano
1pm | $50 | St. John’s Church
Cecilia String Quartet with
Lawrence Wiliford
3:30pm | $40 | $15 | $5 | St. John’s Church
Susan Aglukark
7pm | $45 | $15 | $5 | Gambrel Barn
Starlight Series: Joni NehRita
9:15pm | $30 | $15 | $5 | Grand River Raceway Tent
Primadonna Choralis
1pm | $40 | $15 | $5 | St. John’s Church
Penderecki Quartet with Dave
Young Trio
3:30pm | $40 | $15 | $5 | St. John’s Church
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Karina Gauvin, soprano
2pm | $50 | $15 | $5 | St. John’s Church
Britten: Saint Nicolas Cantata
4pm | $40 | $15 | $5 | St. John’s Church
Crozman Pre-Concert Dinner
6pm | $15 | Wellington County Museum Exhibit Hall
Cameron Crozman
7pm | $35 | $15 | $5 | Wellington County Museum
Exhibit Hall
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Bach: Brandenburgs and Cantata #140
2pm | $40 | $15 | $5 | Knox Presbyterian Church
Trinity College Choir in Concert
4pm | $45 | $15 | $5 | Gambrel Barn
Goldberg Pre-Concert Dinner
6pm | $15 | Wellington County Museum Exhibit Hall
National Youth Choir
7pm | $25 | $15 | $5 | Knox Presbyterian Church
Emily D’Angelo in Recital
7pm | $35 | $15 | $5 | St. John’s Church
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Pergolesi: Stabat Mater
and Purcell: Dido & Aeneas
7pm | $40 | $15 | $5 | St. John’s Church
JS and CPE Bach: Magnificats
7pm | $45 | $15 | $5 | Gambrel Barn
Cantus
7pm | $45 | $15 | $5 | Gambrel Barn
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Gordon Lightfoot
8pm | $85 and up | Gambrel Barn
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Charles Richard-Hamelin, piano
1pm | $40 | $15 | $5 | St. John’s Church
Jonathan Crow
3:30pm | $40 | $15 | $5 | St. John’s Church
With Glowing Hearts
7pm | $45 | $15 | $5 | Gambrel Barn
Starlight Series: Melissa Lauren
9:15pm | $30 | $15 | $5 | Grand River Raceway Tent
Goldberg Variations for String Trio
7pm | $40 | $15 | $5 | Wellington County Museum
Exhibit Hall
Folksongs! Canada & Beyond
2 pm | $40 | $15 | $5 | Gambrel Barn
Hymn Tasting
4pm | $45 | $15 | $5 | St. John’s Church
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ON THE FRINGES OF THE FESTIVAL: Free events, family fun, and more!
FESTIVAL FAIRE
July 8th | 2:00 - 9:00 pm | Free admission
Wellington County Museum & Archives | 536 Wellington Road 18, Elora
The Elora Festival has partnered with Riverfest Elora, the Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Wellington County Museum, Elora & Fergus Tourism, and many others to
create a Canada 150 celebration showcasing all that this region has to offer. Festival Faire harkens back to the county fairs of the past and is a free, family-friendly event for the
public, with live performances, activities, displays and food/drinks. Enjoy this community celebration the weekend prior to the Opening Night Gala at the Elora Festival!
This initiative is made possible by the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th, a collaboration between Centre Wellington Community Foundation, the Government of Canada,
and extraordinary leaders from coast to coast to coast.
AFTERNOON TEA
July 15th & 22nd | 2:30 - 3:30pm | Free admission
St. John’s Church | 36 Henderson Street, Elora
Enjoy tea with the vicars, as well as some tasty treats, on the grounds of St. John’s Church following the
Angela Hewitt and Primadonna Choralis performances.
EVENSONG & SUNDAY SERVICE
HISTORIC ELORA: POST-CONCERT RECEPTION
July 29th | 5:00 - 6:30pm | $45
One Axe Pursuits | 24 Henderson St, Elora
In partnership with One Axe Pursuits, we invite you to enjoy this unique event in the historic 1877
Chalmers Church, just steps from St. John’s Church. Join violinist Jonathan Crow and enjoy gourmet food
prepared by an on-site chef, plus get a guided tour of this spectacular converted church. Learn about the
fascinating history of this important part of Elora. Advance tickets only. Limited capacity.
FALL FESTIVAL HOME TOUR
September 16th | $30 | Save the date!
Sunday Service
Bach Reformation Organ Recital
Michael Bloss, organ
Choral Evensong
Sunday Service
Bach Reformation Organ Recital
Michael Bloss, organ
Choral Evensong
Sunday Service
July 16 | 11:00 am
July 20 | 4:30 pm
July 20 | 5:00 pm
July 23 | 11:00 am
July 27 | 4:30 pm
July 27 | 5:00 pm
July 30 | 11:00 am
Join us for a revival of one of our most popular fundraising events: The Fall Festival Home Tour! Explore
some of the most interesting and beautiful homes in Elora and Fergus followed by an open rehearsal by
The Elora Singers. Mark Saturday, September 16, 2017 in your calendar!
These are non-ticketed events at St. John’s Church with a
recommended freewill offering of $20. Choral Evensong and
Festival Sunday Services are sung by The Elora Singers.

NIGHT OF
THE PROMS
The famous tradition
enjoyed in The Royal
Albert Hall is brought
to Elora, with beloved
favourites such as Pomp
& Circumstance, Rule
Britannia, and much
more. The Elora Singers
and The Toronto
Mendelssohn Choir join forces with
a full orchestra in this fun spectacle!
Bramwell Tovey, from the Vancouver
Symphony, conducts.
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July 14th | 7:00 pm | Gambrel Barn | $65 | $75

ANGELA HEWITT
Goldberg Variations
July 15 | 1pm | $50 |
St. John’s Church
Hear one of Bach’s most revered works, the
Goldberg Variations, performed complete
by this incomparable artist. Angela Hewitt’s first recording of
the Variations has been praised as “a miracle of music-making
at its most instinctive and spontaneous,” and is the crowning
achievement of her complete Bach cycle.
CECILIA STRING QUARTET
with Lawrence Wiliford, tenor
July 15 | 3:30pm | $40 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
St. John’s Church
Hailed for their “powerful” (Chicago Sun-
Times) and “dauntingly perfect” (Berliner
Zeitung) performances, the CSQ perform
worldwide. This special concert includes Schubert’s Death and
the Maiden and a guest appearance by famed tenor, Lawrence
Wiliford.
SUSAN AGLUKARK
July 15 | 7pm | $45 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
Gambrel Barn
Susan Aglukark, an Inuk from Arviat,
Nunavut, is one of Canada’s most unique and
most honoured artists. With eight albums to
her credit, Susan has won three JUNO awards and received the
Order of Canada. Her songs speak to all of us.
STARLIGHT SERIES
Joni NehRita
July 15 | 9:15pm | $30 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
Grand River Raceway Tent
Toronto born Jamaican-Canadian soul/jazz
artist, Joni NehRita, is not one easily forgotten
after seeing her live. She has performed for global audiences
and has made it to the top of international radio charts. For
our Starlight Series, Joni presents songs of love and protest,
reflecting and commenting through soulful music on issues
and themes that impact us all.
To order tickets, call 519-846-0331 or visit www.elorafestival.ca 7

KARINA GAUVIN, SOPRANO
July 16 | 2pm | $50 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
St. John’s Church
Karina Gauvin, with “a voice like liquid gold,”
is an internationally-acclaimed, Montrealbased
soprano who sings with major
orchestras and on the stages of opera houses around the world.
Don’t miss this phenomenal voice in recital!
BRITTEN: SAINT NICOLAS CANTATA
July 16 | 4pm | $40 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
St. John’s Church
Benjamin Britten’s masterful cantata, Saint
Nicolas, presents legendary incidents in the
life of Nicolas, patron saint of children and
travellers. Featuring American-Canadian tenor, Lawrence
Wiliford, the Guelph Youth Singers, The Elora Singers and the
Festival Orchestra.
CROZMAN PRE-CONCERT DINNER
July 16 | 6pm | $15
Wellington County Museum Exhibit Hall
Prior to Cameron Crozman’s concert, enjoy
a light dinner brought to you by Fergie’s Fine
Foods at the Wellington County Museum
in the Exhibit Hall. Only $15 for a themed catered meal to
complement the concert!
CAMERON CROZMAN
July 16 | 7pm | $35 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
Wellington County Museum Exhibit Hall
Described by The Scene Magazine as a
“musical force to be reckoned with,” Cameron
Crozman is quickly being hailed as one of
Canada’s leading young cellists and already
has an international career. Enjoy arrangements of works by
Wagner, Fauré, Brahms and Poulenc, a commissioned piece by
acclaimed Canadian composer, Kelly-Marie Murphy, and more!
Add a catered light dinner at 6pm for only $15 (details above).
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To order tickets, call 519-846-0331 or visit www.elorafestival.ca

NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR
WITH THE ELORA SINGERS
July 19 | 7pm | $25 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
Knox Presbyterian Church
Every two years, singers between the ages of
18 and 25 are auditioned across the country
to form the NYC, which has won critical acclaim across Canada
since its inception. Some of Canada’s finest conductors have
been invited to lead the choir. A rare opportunity to see the best
young Canadian singers on one stage — with The Elora Singers!
EMILY D’ANGELO IN RECITAL
July 20 | 7pm | $35 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
St. John’s Church
One of the top winners of the recent Christina
and Louis Quilico Awards Vocal Competition,
Emily has already won a number of prestigious
awards, including the 2016 Metropolitan Opera National
Council Audition Finals. The New York Times described her
as having “a voice hued like polished teak.” Brought to you in
partnership with the Canadian Opera Company!
ELORA FESTIVAL KIDS CAMP
The Lion King KIDS
July 21 | 4pm | $10 | Youth: $5 | Child: $5
Elora Public School
Sir Elton John’s music brings life to this
classic tale of good and evil, set in the African
wilderness.
JS AND CPE BACH: MAGNIFICATS
Trinity College Choir and The Elora Singers
July 21 | Pre-concert chat at 6:15 | 7pm
$45 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
Gambrel Barn
The Elora Singers are joined by Cambridge,
England’s renowned Trinity College Choir,
bass Michael York and tenor Zach Finkelstein for two
Magnificats by JS Bach and CPE Bach. Come delight in this
extraordinary music that is the staple of baroque choral
repertoire. Pre-concert chat at 6:15.
To order tickets, call 519-846-0331 or visit www.elorafestival.ca 9

PRIMADONNA CHORALIS
July 22 | 1pm | $40 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
St. John’s Church
A thrilling and hilarious afternoon of comedy
with soprano Mary Lou Fallis, pianist Peter
Tiefenbach, and The Elora Singers. Beginning
with “A History of Choral Music from the Caveman to the
Present Day,” Primadonna Choralis goes on to offer a glimpse
into the mysterious inner workings of choirs, and attempts
to answer the age-old question: why do people want to get
together and sing in the first place anyway?
GORDON LIGHTFOOT
July 22 | 8pm | $85 and up
Gambrel Barn
The Elora Festival welcomes legendary singersongwriter
Gordon Lightfoot in a very special
appearance at the Gambrel Barn! Come and
see Canada’s pre-eminent folk-rock legend with gold and multiplatinum
status!
PENDERECKI QUARTET
WITH DAVE YOUNG TRIO
July 22 | 3:30pm | $40 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
St. John’s Church
The prestigious Penderecki String Quartet
collaborates with the famous Dave Young
Trio — classical meets jazz, with original works and jazz
standards!
Photo credit: Gwen Goodmanlowe
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To order tickets, call 519-846-0331 or visit www.elorafestival.ca

BACH: BRANDENBURGS
AND CANTATA #140
July 23 | 2pm | $40 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
Knox Presbyterian Church
Two of Bach’s orchestral masterpieces, the
Brandenburg Concerti #1 and 5 are paired
with one of his most famous cantatas, Wachet Auf in an
afternoon with The Elora Singers and Festival Orchestra.
TRINITY COLLEGE CHOIR IN CONCERT
July 23 | 4pm | $45 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
Gambrel Barn
A return visit from Cambridge, England by
Trinity College Choir — voted one of the best
choirs in the world by Gramophone Magazine!
The program showcases a broad selection of
choral works by Arvo Pärt, William Byrd, Henry Purcell, and
more!
GOLDBERG PRE-CONCERT DINNER
July 23 | 6pm | $15
Wellington County Museum Exhibit Hall
Prior to the Goldberg Variations for String
Trio concert, enjoy a light dinner brought to
you by Fergie’s Fine Foods at the Wellington
County Museum in the Exhibit Hall. Only $15 for a catered
meal to complement the concert!
GOLDBERG VARIATIONS
FOR STRING TRIO
July 23 | 7pm | $40 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
Wellington County Museum Exhibit Hall
Bach’s consummate masterpiece, arranged for
string trio, played by the Bérard- Filner- Janzen
Trio! The program Includes a discussion and demonstration by
composer, Keenan Reimer-Watts.
Add a catered light dinner at 6pm for only $15 (details above).
To order tickets, call 519-846-0331 or visit www.elorafestival.ca 11

PERGOLESI: STABAT MATER
AND PURCELL: DIDO & AENEAS
July 27 | 7pm | $40 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
St. John’s Church
The Elora Singers and Festival Orchestra
perform Pergolesi’s beautiful Stabat Mater
and Purcell’s classic Dido & Aeneas with one of the most
sought-after countertenors in the world, Daniel Taylor.
CANTUS
No Greater Love Than This
July 28 | 7pm | $45 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
Gambrel Barn
Hailed as “the premier men’s vocal ensemble
in the United States” (Fanfare), Cantus
is acknowledged around the world for its programmatic
versatility, artistic excellence and charismatic personality. In
this program, Cantus delves into the bonds that have defined
those willing to lay down their lives for others with repertoire
by Lee Hoiby, Bob Chilcott, William Billings, John Lennon,
rarely performed songs for men’s voices by Dvořák and
Janáček, and a new commission by Jeff Beal.
CHARLES RICHARD-HAMELIN, PIANO
July 29 | 1pm | $40 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
St. John’s Church
Montreal piano soloist, Charles Richard-
Hamelin, is one of the most important
soloists of his generation and is a winner of
many competitions including the prestigious
International Chopin Competition.
JONATHAN CROW
Virtuosic Violin
July 29 | 3:30pm | $40 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
St. John’s Church
The brilliant Canadian violinist, Jonathan
Crow, is Concertmaster of the Toronto
Symphony Orchestra, a founding member
of the New Orford String Quartet, and former Concertmaster
of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. The Elora Festival
presents this internationally-renowned musician in solo recital
performing works by Debussy, Willan, Ravel, and more!
Post-concert reception to follow. See page 5 for details!
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To order tickets, call 519-846-0331 or visit www.elorafestival.ca

WITH
GLOWING
HEARTS
We celebrate Canada and Ontario 150 with a spectacular
multi-media performance created by historian Hugh
Brewster. The story of Centre Wellington, Ontario and
Canada since Confederation is highlighted in words,
images and video, complemented by evocative Canadian
music. The selections range from an ode to Canada by a
Father of Confederation to an original work by Odawa
First Nations composer Barbara Croall, Oscar Peterson’s
Hymn to Freedom, to songs by the Four Lads, Gordon
Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Performers
include The Elora Singers with guests Richard Margison
(tenor), actress Martha Henry (narrator), vocalist Jackie
Richardson and others!
July 29th | 7:00 pm | Gambrel Barn, Elora | $45 | Youth: $15 | $5 13

STARLIGHT SERIES
Melissa Lauren
July 29 | 9:15pm | $30 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
Grand River Raceway Tent
A tribute to the great songs of Richard
Rodgers, performed by critically acclaimed
Toronto-based jazz-pop singer, Melissa
Lauren.
HYMN TASTING
July 30 | 4pm | $45 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
St. John’s Church
The Elora Festival brings back a wonderful
tradition! Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful
hymns with The Elora Singers and sing along
with your favourites.
FOLKSONGS! CANADA & BEYOND
A Leonard Cohen Tribute
July 30 | 2 pm | $40 | Youth: $15 | Child: $5
Gambrel Barn
The Elora Singers team up with
internationally-renowned soprano Patricia
O’Callaghan, to present a tribute to iconic
Canadian and international folk songs for piano, bass, and
voice — including a special tribute to the memory of Canadian
singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen!
MARITIME TOUR PREVIEW CONCERT
presented by Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
October 1, 2017 | 3:30pm
IN REMEMBRANCE
Fauré and Duruflé Requiems
November 4, 2017 | 3:30pm
MESSIAH
December 10, 2017 3:30pm
FESTIVAL OF CAROLS
December 19 & 20, 2017 | 5 & 7:30pm
SOUP CONCERT
February 10, 2018
Optional soup lunch: 12pm
Performance: 2:00pm
GRAND & INTIMATE
with Toronto Mendelssohn Choir
March 11, 2018 | 3:30pm
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To order tickets, call 519-846-0331 or visit www.elorafestival.ca

THE ELORA SINGERS
The Elora Singers, under the direction of acclaimed
conductor, Noel Edison, is an all-professional Grammy and
JUNO-nominated chamber choir. Celebrated for its rich,
warm sound and clarity of texture, the choir is renowned for
its diverse styles, commitment to Canadian repertoire, and
collaboration with other artists.
Through its regular concert series, recordings, and touring,
The Elora Singers has become known as one of the finest
chamber choirs in Canada and beyond, contributing
to the musical life of the local community — and on
the international stage — with year-round programs in
education, health and outreach. The choir is the principal
choral ensemble of the Elora Festival and the professional
core of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
Beyond Elora, The Elora Singers continues to leave an
In rehearsal at Carnegie Hall, 2015
indelible mark. In 2015 the Singers showcased at Carnegie
Hall in New York City and thrilled audiences in Montreal and Ottawa in 2016. In celebration of Canada’s 150th, The Elora Singers will
be returning to Montreal for a special Canada Day performance and will tour Eastern Canada in the fall with a performance honouring
Vimy Ridge’s centennial.
Visit www.elorasingers.ca for more information! 15

HOW TO BUY
By Phone Online In Person
519-846-0331 elorafestival.ca 136 Metcalfe St, Elora
Office Hours
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Wednesdays from May 1st to August 1st
TICKET POLICIES
Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets may be exchanged up
to 72 hours before a performance for a service charge of
$5.00 per ticket. Any difference in price will be charged
accordingly or credited to your account. Exchanges
permitted only within current Festival season.
There will be no exchanges for tickets purchased under
promotional offers. Promotions cannot be duplicated or
combined.
WAYS TO SAVE
Flex Pack
Purchase four or more concert tickets and save the tax!
Exclusions: Opening Night and Gordon Lightfoot.
Bach Set
Purchase tickets to Bach Brandenburgs and Bach
Ma g n i fi c at s and get Bach Goldberg Variations for String Trio
at half price!
Bach Magnificats
July 21 | 7:00 pm
Gambrel Barn
Bach Brandenburgs
July 23 | 2:00 pm
Knox Presbyterian Church
Bach Goldberg Variations
for String Trio
July 23 | 7:00 pm
Wellington County Museum
Group Purchases
Save 10% on groups of 15 or more people, or 15% on
groups of 25 or more people. Advance sales only.
Season Pass
Purchase tickets to all of our performances and get a 20%
discount.
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To order tickets, call 519-846-0331 or visit www.elorafestival.ca

FESTIVAL VENUES
Gambrel Barn
Corner of County Rd. 7 and 21, Elora ON
St. John’s Anglican Church, Elora
36 Henderson Street, Elora, ON
Grand River Raceway Tent
7445 Wellington County Road 21, Elora ON
Elora Public School
288 Mill St. E., Elora, ON
Knox Presbyterian Church, Elora
55 Church Street, Elora, ON
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Fergus
760 St David N Fergus, ON
Wellington County Museum & Archives
536 Wellington Road 18, Elora, ON
For maps and directions visit www.elorafestival.ca/maps
To order tickets, call 519-846-0331 or visit www.elorafestival.ca 17

MEMBERSHIP AND VOLUNTEERING
Membership
Our membership program recognizes a special group of people whose support ensures
the sustainability of the Elora Festival and The Elora Singers from year to year.
The ongoing success of The Elora Festival and The Elora Singers is firmly based on the
high quality of the artistic vision that we all embrace. To maintain this artistic integrity,
we rely heavily on individual donations. It is only through the generous support of our
Members that we can continue our tradition of creative excellence.
With memberships starting as low as $75.00, and benefits that include early-bird ticket
ordering, special members-only promotions, access to a waiting list for any sold-out performance, and lower ticket prices, we
can all ensure the music will continue for years to come.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization. From marketing support and ushering at concerts, to planning social
events and sitting on the Board, volunteering is a rewarding way to get involved and give back to the community. Please
contact the office at 519-846-0331 to join our team!
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To order tickets, call 519-846-0331 or visit www.elorafestival.ca

With thanks to our many generous partners and supporters:
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