2026 Music at MERA Fall Series

Sunday September 20 – The Homewood Duo –

Sunday October 18 – Lynne Hanson with Blair Michael Hogan –

Sunday November 15 – Les Boréades –

Sunday November 29 – Valdy

The Homewood Duo

presents

“Fall Colours”

Sunday, September 20, 2:00pm

MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald’s Corners

Violinist Patrick Goodwin and pianist Reese Barkhuizen have been performing together for years but have only recently formalized their collaboration as the “Homewood Duo”. For their performance at MERA they will present “Fall Colours”, a classical “playlist” for the autumn season. The programme contrasts the spirited energy of Beethoven with the colourful brushstrokes of Debussy, exploring the rustic hues, bucolic comforts, and quiet resolutions of the fall. The programme also features solo works for both instruments, including Mendelssohn’s beloved Rondo Capriccioso for piano and a nostalgic work for solo violin by South African composer Hendrik Hofmeyr.

Violinist Patrick Goodwin previously held the position of concertmaster with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, frequently leading the orchestra in partnership with Cape Town Opera and Cape Town City Ballet. Now based in Toronto, Patrick regularly performs with various orchestras including the Canadian Opera Company, the Orchestra of the National Ballet of Canada, and the newly formed Canadian Chamber Orchestra. As a passionate chamber musician, Patrick has appeared in concert throughout South Africa and collaborates regularly with various groups in and around Toronto, including performances with his duo and life partner, pianist Reese Barkhuizen.

Originating from South Africa, Reese Barkhuizen enjoys critical acclaim as a concert pianist, collaborative artist, and teacher. As well as competing in several international piano competitions, his performances and studies have taken him from Cape Town to Finland, China, Estonia, the USA, and the United Kingdom. As an educator, Reese has taught students at some of South Africa’s most prestigious institutions. He is currently the director of music at Sunnybrook School in Toronto where he continues to inspire and motivate students while maintaining a busy performance schedule.

Tickets are available at Tickets Please

Thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Arts Council we are able to offer a $20 discount to those 30 years and under, and if they wish, an additional $20 discount for their “guest” of any age.

Regular – 31 years & older: $30 plus fees
Discount Single – 30 years & under: $10 plus fees
Discount Pair – 30 years & under with guest of any age (2 tickets): $20 plus fees

Funding support provided by the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario

Lynne Hanson

and Blair Michael Hogan

Sunday, October 18, 2:00pm

MERA Schoolhouse, McDonald’s Corners

“Canada’s Queen of Americana” last graced the MERA stage late in 2021 and her return is long overdue. Over the last 20 years Lynne Hanson has built a solid reputation for live performance and produced 10 (and counting) albums of critically acclaimed original music including her Canadian Folk Music Award winning collaboration with Lynn Miles “Heartbreak Song for the Radio”. Lynne describes her musician’s persona as a “heartbreak poet” whose compositions include “a little blues, a little country, and a little folk with a whole lot of grit and capital T truth in the lyrics”. To this list we should add her great ear for intriguing melody and story lines. This folk roots blend has been labeled “Americana” and is certainly a term Lynne does not dismiss. However, her extensive catalog offers many wonderful pieces that fall outside of that genre musically while retaining Lynne’s unmistakable rich vocals and mature lyrical standards. Joining Lynne will be Blair Michael Hogan, her long time collaborator and one of the most gifted and versatile guitarists on the scene today. This pair will bring us a selection of material that includes some of Lynn’s newest work. Honest, finely crafted compositions and impeccable performance. Prepare to be captivated.

For more information plus video Click Here

Tickets are available at Tickets Please

Regular – 31 years & older: $35 plus fees
Discount Single – 30 years & under: $15 plus fees
Discount Pair – 30 years & under with guest of any age (2 tickets): $30 plus fees

Funding support provided by the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario