The Cul-de-sac Quartet

All the world’s a stage, even the end of Blue Ridge Road (photo by Gary James)

At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, the north end of Blue Ridge Road was transformed from a dead end street into an outdoor delight. The “Cul-de-Sac Quartet,” featuring Calvin Cheng, Jonathon Garabedian, Minjung Lee, and Eros Tang, played pieces by Schubert and Shostakovich to a socially-distanced audience of 70.

The BVA, led by Membership Chair and Blue Ridge Road resident Jim Williams, worked with Cheng and his group to ensure that this recital could be held with all Covid safety protocols in place. With the street cordoned off and the blacktop chalked into socially-distanced circles, event organizers carefully checked indemnification paperwork and ensured that all attendees wore masks as they were ushered to reserved spots.  

“Everyone graciously accepted the challenges of attending an outdoor recital with strict Covid protocols, and then the evening turned into something magical,” said Williams. “People seemed so happy to have a community event with such amazing talent. The music blew us away. Even the cicadas were singing along.”

“Had a wonderful evening enjoying classical music under the stars by some very talented local musicians,” tweeted Han Dong, MP for Don Valley North, accompanying the text with a short video of the quartet. “Thank you [to the BVA] for organizing such a lovely, well-organized, and safe event.”    

Now that the procedures for organizing outdoor events during Covid have been established, it’s just a question of time before the next BVA event occurs (this RSVP-via-e-mail recital “sold out” in less than four hours). The BVA is open to any ideas members might have. Meanwhile, be sure to check the recently revamped BVA Web site as well as your Monday “What’s Happening” e-newsletter to get the inside scoop on happenings and upcoming events in our community.