Socializing: Picnic 2026 & Our Chamber Choir Launch

With much delight I’m sharing here that on Friday (July 24’26) I organized the annual summer picnic of my Circle, event which brought together a nice group of dear friends (Circle’s friends = Circle’s members) for an engaging evening of music, dance, shared memories, enjoyment and community spirit.

The highlight of this social event was the launching of VOCAL ART – The Chamber Choir of ALICE & Friends Circle™.

On this occasion, it was profoundly significant for each of us to have our chamber choir’s inaugural performance taking place at an event I organized for my Circle.

Bringing together emerging talents, amateur artists and music professionals, our choir aims to present inspirational choral music across the realm, to create a cultural experience that resonates with audiences of all ages, and to explore a wide repertoire, ranging from timeless classical masterpieces, Byzantine and Baroque florilegia to contemporary choral works.

Our first mini-concert was featuring pieces by Romanian composers. In the foreseeable future, we will deliver both public concerts and bespoke performances to special events, while featuring the beauty and the extensive versatility of choral music. Beyond artistic performance, our choir’s launch signals a clear emphasis on musical art and cultural dialogue. 

Over the last 8 years of existence of our socio-cultural Circle, amongst other events of our Circle, the annual summer picnic of ALICE & Friends Circle™ has become a truly cherished tradition, each time providing excellent opportunities to strengthen community ties, while enjoying the fantastic scenic outdoors of our beautiful Vancouver – this time featuring, the one and the only, Granville Island.

Additionally, invited by Alice to offer a dancing demonstration as part of the event, our old friend Sandu Oprea presented several (dancing) styles for everybody to join. Needless to say how much fun the engaging experience it was for all guests! 

This complimentary event was open to the public, expressing interest proactively – enthusiasts were asked to RSVP via email before the specified due date.

The purpose of this gathering was to create an inclusivist ambiance, meant to strengthen culture, diversity and shared experiences.

Overall, this summer picnic of our Circle was a successful combination of cultural appreciation, leisure and fine gastronomy, leaving all participants with lasting memories of a nice sunny day well spent!

Until our paths will meet again on the same wavelength, from me only the best!

Alice

● For your convenience here is the Press Release  for the launching of  VOCAL ART – The Chamber Choir of ALICE & Friends Circle™

● For your convenience here is the Press Release  for this event – the annual summer picnic of ALICE & Friends Circle™

Reflections on MUSIC

     Music is one of the most important forms of human expressions because it brings together countless emotions, creativity and communication in ways that go beyond any language and or cultural differences. Throughout history, music has been part of everyday life, helping people express their feelings, helping them celebrate important events and to connect with others. From the simple rhythms created by early civilizations to the advanced digital music produced today, music has continued to evolve while maintaining its significance in society.

At its most basic level, music is a combination of sounds organized through rhythm, melody and harmony. Although this seems simple, music can have a powerful effect on the human mind.

Extensive research has shown that listening to music activates different parts of the brain that are responsible for emotions, memory and movement. For instance, this is a reason why a particular song can remind someone of a special moment or change their mood almost immediately. Whether people feel happiness, sadness, excitement or comfort, music often allows them to experience emotions in a way that words cannot fully express.

     Music also has an important social role. Across different cultures and historical periods, it has brought people together during religious ceremonies, celebrations, festivals and other community events. Singing and performing music as a group helps create a sense of belonging and strengthens relationships between people. Even today, concerts, cultural festivals and community performances continue to show how music can unite individuals from different backgrounds through a shared experience.

     Another reason music is important is because it helps preserve culture and history. Many traditional songs tell stories about historical events, beliefs and customs that have been passed down from one generation to another.

Before written records became common, music was one of the main ways people remembered and shared important knowledge. Even in modern society, music continues to reflect social issues, personal experiences and cultural values, making it an important way of understanding both the past and the present.

     In recent years, researchers have also recognized the benefits of music for health and well-being. Music therapy is now used in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and mental health programs to support patients in different ways.

Studies suggest that music can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and help people recover after neurological injuries such as strokes. It can also influence physical responses like heart rate and hormone levels, showing that music has effects on both the mind and the body.

     One of the most unique qualities of music is that it is understood almost everywhere in the world. Even when people do not speak the same language, they can still appreciate rhythm, melody and emotions through music. The internet and streaming platforms have made it easier than ever for people to discover music from different countries and cultures. This has encouraged the cultural exchange and helped people develop a greater appreciation for traditions that may be very different from their own.

     At the same time, music continues to change as new technologies and styles emerge. Many artists combine traditional musical elements with modern techniques to create new sounds while still respecting the influence of earlier generations. This balance between tradition and innovation allows music to remain relevant and meaningful in a constantly changing world.

      In conclusion, music is much more than a form of entertainment. It plays an important role in expressing emotions, bringing people together, preserving culture and even improving health and well-being. Its ability to connect people across different backgrounds and communicate feelings that words cannot always express makes it an essential part of human life. As society continues to change, music will likely remain one of the most powerful and meaningful ways people understand themselves and connect with others.

"Music can change the world, because it can change people."

Socializing: CANADA Day 2026 – Morning Coffee Talks

 A briefing will be available soon on this website, meanwhile, here is the Press Release.

July 1, 2026: CANADA Day

Today (July 1, 2026), all Canadians across the realm take the time to celebrate the beauty and the diversity of this incredible country we all call it home now.

It is important to realize that Canada Day is not just a simple holiday; it is a great opportunity to honor the generations who build this country and to appreciate those who will carry it forward; it is the perfect time to deeply reflect on the shared history, to honor the land we live on and to embrace the values that make Canada so special: the kindness, the inclusivity and the resilience. Here is to the pride, to the promise and to the enduring wonders of Canada!

To all those who consider Canada their home, a very HAPPY CANADA DAY, dear fellow Canadians!

Here are few interesting facts about Canada:

1. Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area.

2. Canada has the longest coastline in the world, with over 243,000 kilometers of shoreline.

3. Canada has more lakes than any other country, with over 2 million lakes covering about 8% of its land area.

4. The country's name comes from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word "kanata," meaning "village" or "settlement."

5. Canada is home to the world's oldest known rock, the Acasta Gneiss, which is approximately 4.01 billion years old.

6. The country has six time zones: Pacific, Mountain, Central, Eastern, Atlantic, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

7. Canada is home to the world's longest street, the Trans-Canada Highway, which spans over 7,800 kilometers.

8. The country has a vast array of wildlife, including bears, moose, wolves, and beavers.

9. Canada is the world's largest producer of maple syrup, accounting for over 70% of global production.

10. The country has a diverse population, with over 20% of Canadians being foreign-born.

11. Canada has two official languages: English and French.

12. The country is home to the world's largest freshwater island, Manitoulin Island, located in Lake Huron.

13. Canada has a strong reputation for its natural beauty, with many famous attractions like Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and the Canadian Rockies.

14. The country has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and festivals.

15. Canada is known for its friendly and welcoming people, with a high standard of living and a strong social safety net.

(Source: Love Canada)

● My previous greetings on the same theme: CANADA Day – 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019