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The seventh annual Queen Charlotte's Birthday Ball and Symposium on Entertaining in the Canadas in the 18th & 19th centuries
at Fort York National Historic Site, Toronto, Canada
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» Saturday, January 19, 2008 «
The Schedule of Events:
- 12:30 to 1:00pm - Arrival and Check-in
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1:00 to 2:00pm -- Presentation by Professor Manuela Marujo, Associate Chair, The Department of Spain and Portugal at the University of Toronto: Wellington’s Victory Invigorates the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance
- 2:00 to 2:15pm -- Break, with refreshments
- 2:15 to 3:30pm -- English Country Dance Workshop – learn authentic 18th & 19th Century dances with Dancingmistress Melanie Garrison.
- 3:30 – 4:30 pm -- Port Tasting with Chef Tonia Wilson
- 4:30 – 5:30 pm -- Break (Changing Rooms will be provided for those wishing to dress up for the evening).
- 5:30 – 7:00 pm -- Georgian Buffet Supper - “A Profusion of Every Delicacy” including examples of early 19th century English recipes with Portuguese influences.
- 7:00 – 10:00 pm -- “An Elegant Ball” - Period costumes are encouraged, period music under the direction of Ken Purvis.
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About Queen Charlotte's Guests:
- Manuela Marujo is a faculty member of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, since 1985, and presently its Associate Chair. She graduated from the Universidade Clássica de Lisboa and has a PhD from the University of Toronto. She has taught Portuguese Language and Culture in several countries and has given numerous lectures all over the world. She has been involved as a volunteer in the Portuguese community in various capacities and she is committed to improving the access of educational and cultural programs for children at risk. Manuela has organized many conferences and published in the fields of education, language and immigration, particularly in issues related to women. One of her recent research topics is: Grandparents’ roles and influence in the lives of their grandchildren.
- Tonia Wilson Recently returned from Italy where for four years she held the position of Head Chef at the Canadian Embassy in Rome. Amongst her most memorable highlights was her preparation of a gala dinner for the Queen of England and the Italian President Ciampi.
- Ken Purvis, is a Programme Officer at Fort York and member of the musical group Gin Lane. He will lead a group of talented musicians playing authentic period instruments.
- Melanie Garrison, Program Assistant at Fort York will lead the dance workshop and evening ball.
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The Food
“A profusion of every delicacy” was the phrase used to describe the midnight supper served at one Queen’s Birthday ball in York (Toronto) in January of 1817. In creating the supper for Queen Charlotte’s Birthday Ball, Programme Officer Bridget Wranich and Fort York’s Volunteer Historic Cooks have specifically chosen and tested foods, their methods of preparation and the manner in which they are served, to reflect the Georgian culinary style. Vegetarian selections will be available, please inform us when registering.
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The Music and the Dances
We will end our day with an elegant ball. The music and the dances are all taken from original source publications of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Some of the featured dances have been chosen because they are mentioned by name in diaries and newspaper accounts from the time. Others are chosen for their simplicity and ease in execution. As usual, some of the dances will reflect this year’s theme of Portugal and the Peninsular War in their titles. Registrants are reminded that at Fort York, dances will be danced in longways sets in the early nineteenth century style, and not in the modern “take hands four from the top” style. [here are some photos from previous balls -- third annual, second annual, first annual]
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