Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Paranormal Tours at Fort Edmonton Park

• Upcoming Sarah McLachlan performance

• A deep dive into the life of Violet Archer

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated."

– Maya Angelou

Edmonton Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What unique architectural feature is the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton known for?

A) Its glass pyramids

B) Its revolving restaurant

C) Its underground galleries

D) Its Victorian greenhouse

Last Week's Trivia:
What major roadway in Edmonton is known for its large number of festivals and events? Answer: B) Whyte Avenue

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Edmonton city core cleaning pilot had 'undeniable impact' say Downtown business group as city mulls continued funding. (link)

Buta Singh Gill, Indian-Canadian builder shot dead at Edmonton construction site. (link)

The low cost of owning a home makes Edmonton a desirable destination, says the latest housing market report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. (link)

A distillery is halting production of discount four-litre vodka jugs after the Alberta minister responsible for the province’s liquor industry called out the product for not being responsibly priced. (link)

🏦 Finance

The Canadian Hydrogen Convention, hosted by dmg events, will engage with energy executives, government officials and Indigenous leaders to build Canada's low-carbon energy future. (link)

🏒 Sports

Calvin Pickard's Remarkable Journey to Success With the Edmonton Oilers. Calvin Pickard is having a standout season with the Edmonton Oilers, and if any NHL goalie has earned their shot, it's Pickard. (link)

The NHL has assessed Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane a maximum fine of $5000 US for slashing Flames forward Dryden Hunt. (link)

Edmonton Oilers fans were alarmed by a heated exchange between Corey Perry and Evander Kane during a recent game, sparking concerns of toxicity. (link)

Evan Bouchard sits alone in the Edmonton Oilers record book after his game-winning goal against the Calgary Flames. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Edmonton Oilers vs. San Jose Sharks
Rogers Place, Edmonton
Monday April 15 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Concerts

🎸 Luke Bryan: Mind of a Country Boy Tour 2024
Rogers Place Edmonton, AB
Thursday April 18 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎵 Shred Kelly w/ Megan Nash
The Starlite Room - Temple
Friday April 19 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎶Taylor Swift Album Release Dance Party
Midway
Saturday April 20 2024 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎷Sarah McLachlan: A Benefit for the Sarah McLachlan School of Music
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Edmonton, AB
Saturday April 20 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

👻 Paranormal Tours at Fort Edmonton Park
Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton
Daily tours from April 15-21 | (more info)

🖌️ Draw Funny, Comics and Cartooning Workshops for Students 7+
Rolling Tales 10219 106 Street Edmonton,
Thursday, April 18 | (more info)

🔍 Scavenger Hunt Edmonton
Your neighborhood 10000 Jasper Ave Edmonton
Thursday, April 18 | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Edmonton with wildlife corridors and roaming animals” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Edmonton History

1913: The extension of streetcar service to Highlands.

In 1913, Edmonton witnessed a significant expansion in its public transportation network with the extension of streetcar service to the Highlands area. This extension represented a major milestone in the city's development, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for its rapidly growing population. The Highlands, known for its scenic views and desirable residential spaces, became even more attractive to Edmontonians and potential residents with the introduction of reliable streetcar service. This transportation link not only facilitated easier commutes into the city's commercial and industrial centers but also underscored the city's commitment to expanding its infrastructure to meet the needs of its residents.

The streetcar service extension to Highlands was part of a broader vision to create a comprehensive public transportation system that could support Edmonton's urban growth and economic development. By integrating distant neighborhoods like the Highlands into the urban fabric, the city was able to promote more balanced development, reduce congestion, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The streetcars themselves, a symbol of modernity and progress at the time, became a vital component of daily life, enabling people to travel for work, education, and leisure with unprecedented ease.

Over time, the extension of the streetcar service to Highlands has been celebrated as a forward-thinking move that helped shape the character of the neighborhood and the city as a whole. It played a crucial role in making the Highlands one of Edmonton's most cherished communities, known for its historical charm and vibrant community life. Although streetcars have since been replaced by other forms of public transportation, the legacy of this extension lives on, reflecting Edmonton's early commitment to connectivity and sustainable urban planning. This historical milestone highlights the city's ongoing efforts to adapt to the needs of its residents and to promote a high quality of urban life through thoughtful infrastructure development.

Famous Edmontonians

Violet Archer (1913–2000)

Violet Archer: The Formative Years (1913–1932)

Violet Archer was born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1913, into a world where music was a burgeoning field for women. Her early life was immersed in music, learning piano and violin, which sowed the seeds of her future career. These formative years were crucial in developing her passion for composition and setting her on the path to becoming one of Canada's most celebrated composers.

Academic Excellence and Musical Foundations (1932–1949)

Archer pursued her musical education with fervor, attending McGill University where she studied under the guidance of Douglas Clarke and later, at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Her academic journey was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, leading her to further her studies in the United States at Yale University and then with the legendary Italian composer, Luigi Dallapiccola, in Italy. This period was instrumental in shaping her compositional voice, blending European techniques with her Canadian roots.

Early Compositions and Recognition (1949–1958)

The late 1940s and 1950s marked the beginning of Archer's professional recognition as a composer. Her works from this period, characterized by their innovative use of form and texture, began to gain attention in Canada and abroad. It was during this time that Archer's compositions were performed by prestigious orchestras and ensembles, establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary music.

A Pioneering Music Educator (1958–1972)

Archer's career took a pivotal turn when she delved into academia, becoming a revered music teacher. She joined the faculty at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, where she would influence a generation of Canadian musicians. Her teaching philosophy extended beyond the classroom, advocating for the importance of Canadian music and composers within the broader curriculum.

Connection to Edmonton (1972–1985)

Violet Archer's connection to Edmonton was deepened through her contributions to the city's musical culture. During her tenure at the University of Alberta, she became a central figure in Edmonton's classical music scene, composing works for local ensembles and events. Her impact on Edmonton included fostering a community that valued Canadian compositions and nurtured local talent.

Late Career and National Recognition (1985–1995)

In the later stages of her career, Archer continued to receive accolades and recognition for her contributions to Canadian music. She was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honors, acknowledging her influence as both a composer and educator. Her work during this period remained innovative, with compositions that explored new sounds and challenged conventional musical forms.

The Final Years (1995–2000)

Violet Archer's final years were a period of reflection and continued creativity. Despite facing the challenges of aging, she remained active in the music community, composing and attending performances. Her legacy was already being celebrated, with retrospectives and concerts dedicated to her extensive body of work.

Key Achievements

• Studied under renowned composers and educators, enhancing her compositional techniques and philosophy.

• Served as a pioneering music educator at the University of Alberta, shaping future generations of musicians.

• Received national recognition, including appointment to the Order of Canada, for her contributions to Canadian music.

• Made significant contributions to Edmonton's musical culture, promoting Canadian compositions and nurturing local talent.

Violet Archer's life was a testament to her profound impact on Canadian music as both a composer and educator. Her journey from a young music student in Montreal to a celebrated composer and beloved teacher in Edmonton showcases her dedication to her craft and her country's cultural heritage. Archer's legacy lives on through her compositions, her students, and her unwavering commitment to Canadian music, making her one of the most influential figures in Canada's musical history.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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