Classical music triumphs over despair

We are unique. We gift Classical Music to those who need it most and expect it least. We are not pursuing photo opportunities. We are committed to bring dignity and hope to our audiences on a regular basis. Since 2015 we have gifted 49 classical music concerts to almost 3,500 inmates of federal correctional institutions & 1500 residents of long term care institutions in Canada. Our performers include internationally acclaimed musicians such as virtuoso violinist Maestro Gidon Kremer, pianist Lukas Geniušas, Chamber Soloists of The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, violinists Jonathan Crow, Barry Shiffman, cellist Joseph Johnson and others.

If you love classical music and are compassionate, this unusual video presentation may inspire you.

Dmitri Kanovich, Chairman, Founder and CEO
Looking at the Stars Foundation

 

[MEDIA] Another report on Maestro Gidon Kremer’s Abbotsford concert

Tanks Good News website reports on Maestro Gidon Kremer’s performance at Pacific Regional Treatment Centre, including a video clip of Kremer’s comments after the concert.

https://tanksgoodnews.com/2020/02/05/classical-violinist-plays-for-inmates-says-music-can-give-warmth-to-everyone-in-trouble/

 

 

[VIDEO] Maestro Gidon Kremer at Pacific Institution Abbotsford BC

“Music is something that spreads positive emotions. I think music is something that can give warmth to everyone in trouble, in prison or not in prison,” said 72-year-old Kremer. “I’m happy to have been here.”

CBC Reporter: “Next time If someone asks you to play in a prison?”

Kremer: “I would go immediately….”

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Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in partnership with Looking at the Stars supports Maestro Gidon Kremer performance

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) published a press release about their support of Maestro Gidon Kremer’s performance at Pacific Institution Regional Treatment Centre in Abbostford, BC; Looking At The Stars first musical gift of 2020.

In their press release they provide this enthusiastic quote from Maestro Kremer himself:

“I am honored to support Looking at the Stars and its wonderful and important work with my performance at Pacific Institution Regional Treatment Centre. By performing works by Bach and Weinberg in the circumstances and surroundings of a prison, I will do my small part to bring humanity and art into the inmates’ everyday life. I am sure it will be a unique and special performance for me and hopefully an inspiring event for the audience,” said violinist, Gidon Kremer.

To read the complete release, please click here.

Bath Medium Security Institution

Millhaven Regional Treatment Centre

We are compelled to share this commentary from BeLinda Roscoe, Recipient of the Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal, B.A., B.N., R.N. A and Executive Director, Regional Treatment Centre Ontario

Thank you again for providing this wonderful gift of presence and music for our patients. While RTC may be the most challenging venue in which you have played I hope you found it welcoming and receptive to your gifts. We were very touched by a number of events.

One of the patients has never been known to smile and rarely talks to anyone. This man could not keep smiling with a large grin the majority of the production and he was apparently talking to the staff member beside him often. I am hopeful it was not too disruptive.

The patients appreciated the beautiful cards they were given and I am sure as you could tell by their response for many it had tremendous impact leaving them with a positive memory of the event. The words of encouragement reinforced by a painting will provide most with a long time of continued reflection. You have left behind thoughts, feelings and a sense of belonging for many patients. The pride they had in creating crafts for Andrea had a tremendous impact on them and changes a man I am sure.

Thank you again for this gift to the patients as well as the staff.

BeLinda Roscoe, Recipient of the Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal, B.A., B.N., R.N. A
Executive Director, Regional Treatment Centre Ontario

History in the Making! Gidon Kremer gifts us with a performance.

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An Inmate’s Response

After every musical gift we present at a correctional institution, we receive multiple communications from both inmates and institution staff. Our extraordinary collaboration with the TSO at Collins Bay and Warkworth was no exception.

“As a direct result of your visit here, I found myself listening to music that I would normally never hear. I now watch musicals on television and even live concerts regardless of the performer or language. I took out books from our library on classical music and paintings as well as other topics formerly disregarded by my bias.”

 

“Yesterday you were gracious enough to return to our institution. This time, I sat down in the first row! The performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons was fantastic. I was genuinely touched that the members of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra stayed and not only fielded questions, but mingled with the inmates. I can tell you that it is very rare for someone to willingly come here, let alone want to be here. The artists listened to everyone and the passion they exuded was evident.”

You can read this inmate’s full correspondence here. (PDF 70K)

 

More Fall Program… Beaver Creek, Millhaven RTC and Bath

Warkworth Medium Security Institution with the TSO