Written by Marianne Marusic

“I am both honoured and excited to perform in a place that captured my imagination so deeply and profoundly.”

Richard Herriott

Enjoy this captivating concert Saturday, September 24, 7:30 PM at Trinity United Church in Cobourg, as part of Northumberland Festival of the Arts.

Concert pianist Richard Herriott premiers his composition “Postcards from Northumberland” and is joined by violinist David Shewchuk in performing a program of J.S. Bach, Paganini, Sarasate, and Gershwin. The backdrop is a tapestry of images curated by Art historian Evan McMurtry.

Richard Herriott

Richard made his CBC radio debut at the age of twelve. At eighteen, while studying at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, he performed as guest soloist with The Toronto Symphony. 

After a twenty-three-year career in England, touring Europe and southeast Asia, Richard returned to Canada and had his first concert in Cobourg. Since that time, he has premiered his own compositions with chamber orchestras and symphonies. The epitome of resilience, Richard lost everything a few years ago in a devastating fire from which he narrowly escaped.

He will premier “Postcards from Northumberland,” a piece written in honour of Cobourg and the hundredth anniversary of Presqu’ile Provincial Park.

David Shewchuk

David Shewchuk began studying violin at a young age and became Concertmaster of La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra. Dave studied at Glenn Gould School in Toronto and at the Royal Academy in London, England, graduating with a Masters’ degree in Performance. Over the last three years, Dave has brought his expertise to SONG, teaching in the Cobourg and Port Hope locations.

His third CD, Wave Rider, was recently released and he will play selections for the NFOTA Festival, as well as Bach, Paganini and Sarasate.

“I’m very much looking forward to performing in Cobourg. The chance to play Sarasate and Paganini again really brings me back to why I fell in love with the violin in the first place,” stated Shewchuk.

Evan McMurtry

Evan McMurtry is an academic, photographer, and published writer who holds an MA in Art History specializing in architectural studies. His research into the Classical Revival in Ontario illustrates the impact of social history on architectural style. In addition, Evan holds a BAH and an M.Ed degree, and has worked for over 15 years in museums.

“I will be honoured to highlight some of the interesting stories behind Northumberland’s majestic architecture. I have also been inspired by the way Northumberland’s countryside frames the local architecture with a beautiful natural backdrop. I am certain the concert will be a feast for the senses.”

Many thanks to our generous sponsors:

Come to the Festival

Get more details or view the entire festival event schedule and purchase tickets here :

Help us spread the word! Please share this post on your social media or send to your contact list.

Northumberland Festival of the Arts is a volunteer-run not-for-profit arts organization. To volunteer for NFOTA, please contact info@festivalofthearts.ca