The Peterborough Symphony Orchestra (PSO) presents Inspired on Sunday, April 12 at 3 p.m. After a long winter, this concert promises to bring lightness to the audience with a variety of pieces.

Inspired includes two Canadian classics, Marjan Mozetich’s “Postcards from the Sky” and Glen Buhr’s “Akasha/Sky,” as well as Igor Stravinsky’s love-letter to Italy in his “Pulcinella Suite,” and “Botticelli Triptych,” by Ottorino Respighi, which is a testament in music to the genius of Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli.

The concert will also feature Mozart’s Flute Concerto no. 1, with up-and-coming Canadian virtuoso flutist Gillian Derer. Derer obtained her Bachelor of Music with high distinction from Western University in 2022, and currently studies at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory on full scholarship. She was named the Absolute First Prize winner of the Canadian International Music Competition in 2023.

Derer also maintains a large social media presence where she details her performance life and posts practice tips for thousands of flutists and musicians around the world. She seeks to use social media to share classical music with those who wouldn’t usually have access to it. You can find her on Instagram @gill.flutes.

Inspired takes place at Showplace Performance Centre, 290 George St. Attendees might consider arriving 45 minutes early for Maestro Newnham’s pre-concert talk. For more information, a link to Maestro Newnham’s curated Spotify playlist, or to purchase tickets, please visit thepso.org. Information is also available by calling the PSO at 705-742-1992.

A new exhibit titled “Elizabeth Thompson Advises” and featuring the work of JoEllen Brydon, opens at the Art Gallery of Peterborough (AGP) on Sunday, April 12, with an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m.

Born and raised on a fruit farm in Beamsville, Ont., Jean Armstrong Brydon was the advice columnist for the Globe and Mail from 1966 to 1978. She worked under the pseudonym, Elizabeth Thompson. Jean’s daughter, artist JoEllen Brydon, inherited the vast archives of letters and columns. Born in Toronto, JoEllen Brydon has lived most of her life in Cavan. Through paintings and multimedia installations, she explores community stories and unique aspects of Canadian history. The exhibit is guest curated by Rhona Wenger and runs until June 14.

The AGP is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 250 Crescent St. Admission is free, but donations in support of AGP programming are always appreciated. For more information, please visit agp.on.ca or call 705-743-9179.

“Monarchs and the internet of Things” is the title of the talk that will be presented by Greg Mitchell at the next Conservation Café, on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m.

This talk will explore tracking the fall migration of monarchs using Bluetooth low energy beacons. Mitchell is a Research Scientist in the Human Dominated Ecosystems, Wildlife Research Division at Environmental and Climate Change Canada.

The Conservation Café is a drop-in event, held upstairs at The Publican House, 294 Charlotte St., and is an opportunity for Trent University researchers and the public to meet and discuss conservation science. It is hosted by the Trent University Group for Communicating Conservation Science. This is a free event with a cash bar, and all are welcome. For more information, please email conservation@trentu.ca.

Indigenous Story Time

Indigenous Bilingual Story Time takes place on Saturday, April 11 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the Main Branch of the Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St. This is an opportunity for families to listen to a story read in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) by Mshkikik Gitigaan Kwe (Katelyn Brennan), followed by drumming and singing. An English translation of the story will also be provided. All families are invited to listen, learn and enjoy. This event takes place in the Story Corner. For more information, please visit ptbolibrary.ca or call 705-745-5382.

The United Church Woman (UCW) of St. James United Church are hosting a card party on Wednesday, April 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 per person and includes light desserts and coffee and tea. Gather a group of friends and join in an afternoon of fun! To reserve a table, please call the church at 705-742-2222. St. James Church is located at 221 Romaine St. and is wheelchair accessible. For more information, please visit stjamesunitedchurch.ca.

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