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.

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