Authenticity. It’s what we’re all striving for right?
It’s what I’m constantly aiming for in anything I write. It’s what Rrampt Magazine reaches for every issue. And judging from my experiences with SweetWater Music Festival, it’s something they’ve successfully achieved.
Not only does it come through in Artistic Director Edwin Huizinga’s vision for the festival, and General Manager Natasha Bood’s approach to management, but it also comes from the entire SweetWater ensemble that shows up every September to play their hearts out for Grey Bruce residents.
Returning SweetWater pianist Philip Chiu, who’s played across the globe, won a JUNO for Best Classical Solo Album, and been cited as one of Canada’s most distinctive pianists, is a perfect example of this authentic vibe.
If you Google Philip Chiu, you’ll instantly see how accomplished he is, and wonder why he doesn’t have his own Wikipedia page. He laughs when I tell him I want to create one for him. He’s more than deserving, but he’s also very modest.
It would be a good exercise for me to see how well-versed I am in classical music after having attended years of SweetWater shows. One such event was Chiu’s Springtime Live concert at Leith Church, a memorable experience both for the unreal talent and the unique venue. It helped me understand the magic of classical music.
“I wish that every community had a festival like SweetWater….they’re focused on all the right things”
“Can I ask you about this experience you’re having with classical music?” he says and begins to inquire about what it brings to my life. Halfway through our chat, I realize he’s asking me as many questions as I’m asking him. We end up chatting for over an hour and by the end I realize I’ve abandoned the interview in exchange for an authentic conversation with a new friend. He wasn’t concerned with listing off his many accomplishments but instead wanted to engage with me human to human.
And that’s how I feel about SweetWater as an organization. They are more interested in connecting with the people of Grey Bruce than being a famous festival.
Philip articulates it perfectly: “They aren’t seeking external recognition. What they say in their mission and vision – that they want to build something for the people of Grey Bruce, something of excellent quality – they live and mean that. And that’s always what brings me back. No question – I will always set aside time for Edwin and SweetWater.”
I let Philip know I’m looking forward to seeing him play this September, citing his concerts as standouts from festivals past. I am constantly blown away by the talent SweetWater brings each year and 2026 is going to be no different.
“I’m happy because it’s a piano-focused year,” he says and explains their partnership with Steinway Canada to bring a second piano to Owen Sound for the festival, just one of the exciting announcements in 2026.
They’ve also helped commission Collingwood composer Ian Cusson to write an epic two-piano work that responds to Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. “There is pre-Rite of Spring in classical music, and there’s post-Rite of Spring,” says Philip on its significance.
Musician, composer, artist and actor, Sarah Slean is coming to the festival this year. “She’s incredible,” says Philip. “She’s done it all.” Also, award-winning tango ensemble Payadora will be playing. He explains how cool Carnival of the Animals is, which is one of classical music’s great masterpieces that happened to be written with children in mind.
Another part of the 2026 festival will be Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky “a massive, majestic work,” he says. Inspired by Viktor Hartmann’s fantastical paintings, it imagines someone walking through a gallery 1874’s St Petersburg. Rather than centuries old paintings, visual artist Paula Arciniega will be bringing her original artwork to the festival that she painted in response to each of the movements from the piece.
“You’re seeing a bit of a theme,” says Philip. “There’s a lot of two piano stuff and a lot of visual imagery.”
Philip has an ethos that fits in well with the mission and vision of the festival. “I really believe in access to the arts for everyone at all levels” he says. He thinks that big cities don’t have ownership over the arts and it’s crucial for smaller centres like ours to offer that for local residents. “I wish that every community had a festival like SweetWater….they’re focused on all the right things,” he says. “A rarity in its sincerity.”
Philip Chiu and the whole SweetWater organization have helped me become a classical music fan. And they’ll make you into a fan if you give them a shot. This is your invitation to go to SweetWater this September and let the authenticity of this festival overtake you.
Written by Jesse Wilkinson
