Testimonials
I was so pleased to have the opportunity to attend the Beyond Vimy event this past weekend at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney with my wife Eva. We both found the musical and dance performances together with the visual presentations evocative in relaying the complexity of the impacts of the First World War at an individual human level that still resonates. Perhaps, as we currently find ourselves navigating challenging times again as a nation we have a deeper understanding of the personal stories of those Canadians of those past times that is more easily relatable to us. The event did a great service in deepening that understanding for those in attendance and honoured the sacrifices of those Canadians of that era with unflinching honesty and empathy. Thank you to Blair Ketcheson for his particular contribution to the event with his photographic skills and to the other performers and participants for their talented contributions.
— Paul Seguna, CD, Lieutenant Commander RCN (Ret'd), President Royal United Services Institute-Vancouver Island
Congratulations on bringing the stories, songs, images, and people together for such a strong impact. We enjoyed the evening so much. It was moving, and powerful. All the people I chatted with felt the same. The story of Piper Richardson was enhanced by us being able to speak with the bagpiper after the show - he was animated and interesting.
The music and production was superb. What a perfect pairing of The Fugitives with your work.
Thank you to Frances Litman and Blair Ketcheson for their work and commitment to bringing all that creativity together in one show.
— Barbara Parker
Beyond Vimy was great. The choir and dancers together was particularly unexpected in its power. It was a complex undertaking and one I hope you are happy with.
— Roger McGuire, Pipe Major
Thank you for the most lovely opportunity for the VPC singers and myself to have contributed to the Beyond Vimy event. It really was the most diverse act of remembrance there may ever have been. I loved the RIDGE first half, and loved the variety of the second half. The singers loved putting our bit together with the dancers, as did I, and the rousing final songs were a great way to finish. The still photos in the foyer were beautiful, as is the copy of Blair Ketcheson's book.
There is always more than meets the eye in producing these types of ‘original’ presentations, and I admire you all hugely for your courageous approach to planning such events. Your goal(s) are never in doubt, and the messages for all to take away and to think upon are always worthwhile.
Thank you and thank you. I will always be delighted to fit into your presentations, whatever they be, and to provide whatever they need!
— Peter Butterfield, Victoria Philharmonic Choir Director.
First, heartfelt congrats on pulling off such a meaningful and beautiful event, and thanks for the opportunity to be part of it. The choir had an excellent time transforming from classical ensemble to gospel choir to banger folkies with percussion, and felt really good about supporting the grander purpose of it all.
— Sherry Lepage, Choir Promotions/Management Team
I just wanted to reach out and congratulate you all on such a wonderful performance.
Blair — your photos and monologue were truly moving and added such heart to the event.
Frances — your incredible leadership, professionalism, and tireless work really shone through. You were at the center of making it all come together, and it showed in every detail.
I’ve heard so much positive feedback, and I know how much effort went on behind the scenes. You should all be incredibly proud.
— Andrea Bayne, Ballet Victoria Conservatory
Beyond Vimy was amazing and it has stayed with me all weekend.
Everyone I spoke to at Beyond Vimy was so extremely impressed. You have all done an amazing job!
— Carol Brown
Thank you for including us in this project! A military buddy, who I invited to the show, said he was very moved by the whole thing. He said as a former soldier the themes, projections and letters were handled very beautifully and tastefully. He really loved the band and how they kept the pace going and took you on a journey.
Your show really hit people in the right way.
— Peter Starr, Ballet Principle
We had a lot of military people in the audience .. both serving and retired .. and without exception they were so taken and moved by your performance. One older, retired officer told me how much he learned from your monologue and music. Some of them told me they were moved to tears. There is not much higher praise than that.
The choir, and their leader Peter, told us unequivocally how excited they were to perform with you. From offstage I can say that it sounded fantastic. The pieces in the second half were superb !! … and the ‘Where Do We Go’ finale with all the pots and pans had the audience spellbound.
— Anonymous
The Beyond VIMY production was amazing!!! You and the team conveyed the message of war with high impact. What a lot of thought and time went into that production…it was a big job!
You just keep outdoing yourself!
— Marlene Lewis
We want to congratulate you for an amazing performance. Paul and I were in tears for much of it and it was so well done. I learned a lot. The Fugitives were/are a fabulous group and I'm so glad to know about them.
— Lorna R.
We very much enjoyed the Beyond VIMY production. It was very well done. My friends in attendance agreed.
— Frank Carson
Thank you for asking me to be a part of it. Working on the event helped me reflect on the sacrifices that have been made to allow me to live such a comfortable life. Very moving show.
— Ryan S.
With Support From:
Beyond VIMY Guest Artists
The Fugitives
The Fugitives are a Canadian, Juno-nominated acoustic folk-roots group headed by songwriters Adrian Glynn and Brendan McLeod, and joined by banjo player Chris Suen (Viper Central) and violinist Carly Frey (The Coal Porters).
They have amassed numerous award nominations for their six albums and tour extensively through Canada, Europe, and the UK.
Ridge, a WWI-centered theatre show based on the letters and music of Canadian soldiers, was named the Globe & Mail “Top Arts Pick of the Year” and has toured across Canada.
The band has earned a reputation for unforgettable live shows, brimming with complex harmonies, infectious storytelling and top-notch musicianship.
“This show is simply brilliant” - CBC
Amy Laing
Acclaimed Vancouver Island-based cellist, Amy Laing, has performed or recorded with leading artists including Stevie Wonder, Blue Rodeo, Jesse Cook, The Barenaked Ladies, Jim Cuddy, Steven Page, Sarah Slean, Molly Johnson, Royal Wood, Amelia Curran, Donovan Woods and has performed at the JUNO’s.
Amy has also acted as principal cellist with major orchestras, including the Victoria Symphony and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra in Ontario, and played regularly with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, as well as with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Canadian Opera Company, the Windsor Symphony, Niagara Symphony, Thunder Bay Symphony, and Symphony Nova Scotia in Halifax.
Amy is an active chamber musician and has been the solo cellist in numerous major musical theatre productions, including Broadway’s smash hit Hamilton, plus has played in music festivals worldwide. She is happy to call Vancouver Island home once again and be part of the faculty of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
Roger McGuire
Roger McGuire is well known in Victoria as the Pipe Major of The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s). As a serving reservist Warrant Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces he fulfilled this role from 1992 to 2012 and 2019-2022. Since 1994, Roger has served as the producer/director of concerts, festivals, and special events associated with the Victoria Military Music Festival Society and remains dedicated to preserving the proud traditions and music of the Canadian Scottish Regiment.
Raised in Ottawa as the son of an army historian, Roger was immersed in military traditions. From a young age, he delved into Scottish culture, mastering highland dancing and piping and later actively participated in historical re-enactments.
For the past three decades, Roger has showcased his talents in numerous public performances across North America and Europe. Noteworthy achievements include the repatriation of the pipes belonging to Victoria Cross recipient, Piper James Richardson, now on display in Victoria's Bay Street Armoury Regimental Museum. Other initiatives include orchestrating the Canadian Scottish's involvement in Victoria's Symphony Splash and leading the Massed Vancouver Island Pipes and Drums at the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony.
Peter Butterfield and The Victoria Philharmonic Choir
In 1982, Peter made his professional debut as a concert soloist with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. He has worked internationally as both a classical tenor and conductor. For the past 16 years, he has been the music director of the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, an 80-voice auditioned choir that collaborates with or performs with community and professional vocal soloists and musicians, including members of the Victoria Symphony.
Andrea Bayne
Andrea is the Artistic Director of the Ballet Victoria Conservatory and current Artist in Residence for Ballet Victoria, where she is able to explore different areas of this beautiful art form through choreographing, coaching and guesting.
Andrea has danced professionally with the Alberta Ballet, the Banff Summer Company, and with Ballet Victoria where she has been a Principal Dancer for 15 years, performing across Canada, the US, Mexico and Japan. She had many lead roles created for her and has performed for the Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Peter Starr
Peter began his professional training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, continuing on to the Canadian College of Performing Arts, Canada’s National Ballet School and the School of Alberta Ballet. Peter has appeared with several Canadian ballet and contemporary companies including: Ballet Kelowna, Alberta Ballet, Dancers Dancing and Move: The company. He has also spent six years as a Principal soloist with Israel's Kamea Dance company and two years as the Principal male dancer of Ballet Victoria, performing title roles such as Amadeus and Dracula. Peter currently teaches classical ballet and contemporary dance at Seda Dance Arts and the Ballet Victoria Conservatory, as well as is a dance and rehearsal director for the fledgling Victoria-based company, Travelling Bodies.
Blair Ketcheson
Blair Ketcheson is a Canadian fine-art photographer specializing in the landscapes and architecture of Europe.
He trained at the Banff Centre School of Fine Arts, graduating in 1974 with a Diploma in Visual Communications and worked for 25-years in Vancouver, BC as an architectural photographer.
His clients have included many of Canada’s foremost publications, advertising agencies and designers, Canada's pre-eminent architect Arthur Erickson, and PFS Studio, an internationally respected urban design and landscape architecture firm.
In 2007, he was commissioned by the Canadian National Vimy Memorial restoration team. His ongoing photographic work in France and the exhibitions of his Vimy Memorial photographs have been recognized as a profound and important tribute to its legacy. www.blairketcheson.com
A Celebration of Canadian Solidarity, Unity and Peace
Saturday, October 25th, 2 pm and 7:30 pm at the Mary Winspear Center, Sidney, BC
With Support From:
