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CONCERTS AT THE LIBRARY Kay Alsop Just when you think that Sue Kent is sure to have run out of novel possibilities for the West Vancouver Memorial Library's popular Friday Night Concert Series, she reaches into her magic bag and pulls out yet another winner! On February 9 we were treated to one of the series' most unusual performances yet a First Nations' version of Mozart's The Magic Flute. In her introduction, Sue Kent said that this was one of a number of musical events held on the North Shore as part of Wintersong Festival Week. This particular production, presented by the Vancouver Opera's Touring Ensemble, happened to be one of very few public performances given by the Ensemble, which proves again how fortunate we are! However, under its Opera in the Schools' program, the Ensemble had already given 70 performances in B.C. schools, and expected to give as many more before the end of April. If all of their vocalists are as amazingly gifted as those showcased in the performance at the Library on February 9 , there is no doubt that all of their audiences must be as thrilled as ours was that night. The unusual set, featuring an aboriginal loghouse deep in the midst of a B.C. forest, and the fantastic native Canadian costumes, provided an authentic backdrop for the performance which was opened by the Squamish Nation's Bob Baker, cultural adviser for the whole production. Beating on his drum, chanting and telling legends about his people's colorful history, he totally captivated more than two dozen youngsters crouched attentively at this feet. Baker then introduced Chief Bill Williams who spoke movingly about the importance of events such as this one. "Music has always been very significant to our people," Chief Williams said. "We hope that tonight's performance will help you understand who we are, and where we come from. It is our hope, too, that such understanding will help us to live together in peace." In this novel version the well-known story line - of star-crossed lovers reunited by a flute's magic powers - involved the extraordinary intervention of a two-headed serpent and the mystery of a box of shadows. Throughout the performance the large audience of more the 200 paid rapt attention. Special mention should be made of the exceptional piano accompaniment provided by Andrea Lahmer who performed admirably on the magnificent Kawaii grand piano purchased out of the funds bequeathed to our library by Robert Leslie Welsh. It is that same bequest which has made possible these wonderful musical concerts, the first of which was presented November 26, 2004. Friends of the Library once again served punch and cookies to the overflow crowd.