Stratford

Party On Wayne!!! Party On Garth!!!

So I had my audition today for the Stratford Civic Orchestra and Jerry (the conductor) let me know that I'm in! Wahoo! Here's a cheesy letter by him telling all about the *fantastic* opportunity I'm about to take part in this year:

Dear fellow music lovers,

I invite you to join us for a season of fine symphonic music that is 'out of this world'! The 2007-08 programme for your Stratford Civic Orchestra are guaranteed to inspire, move and entertain you as never before. Our focus on the state of our planet (and its' neighbours within our solar system), will serve to metaphorically embrace the harmony of MUSIC OF THE SPHERES.

From the wonderful season-opener, we welcome two great 'stars' as soloists - violinist Scott St. John and violist Sharon Wei – to perform Mozart's sublime SINFONIA CONCERTANTE. As well, the first planet to be featured over the year will be Holst's jubilant JUPITER [N.B. You'll all know this one... the tune is used for "I Vow to Thee My Country" and was popularized by Charlotte Church a few years ago] from his PLANETS SUITE. The perennial symphonic favourite, THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY of Dvorak [N.B. My (Heather's) most ABSOLUTE, favourite symphonic work... this is the piece that inspired me to take a second look at classical music many, many moons ago... and I've never played it... I can't wait!!!!], will engage and transport you with its' fabulous melodies and grand climaxes which are second to none.

We offer a follow-up to last year's wildly successful CELTIC concert in January...followed by a great family-friendly concert ...FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART. This programme offers the dramatic MARS, the bringer of war, from Holst's PLANETS, as well as the entertaining story of PETER AND THE WOLF [N.B. The bassoon in this piece is the grandfather... most older folks' will have listened to this piece back in the day when schools had instrument programmes] and the narrated YOUNG PERSON'S GUIDE TO THE ORCHESTRA, which introduces each instrument to the audience. The young winner of our annual SCO Concerto Competition will also be featured at this varied and exciting concert....stand by to discover this new 'star' in our galaxy.
Our DREAMS FOR A PROTECTED PLANET will highlight an incredible new work which features the sound of various Arctic birds--CANTUS ARCTICUS, a Concerto for Birds and Orchestra by Rautavaara! A truly unique and engaging collection of sounds and colours! The planet to be performed at this event is the mysterious MERCURY, contrasted with the vitality of Rossini's THIEVING MAGPIE OVERTURE, music from JURASSIC PARK, and finally the most-loved piano concerto in the repertoire... PIANO CONCERTO in A MINOR, BY Edvard Grieg. Our distinguished soloist will be Stratford's own piano virtuoso, Sandra Mogensen.

We conclude this fantastic voyage with a visit to Earth's most comparable neighbour, VENUS. At our Grand Finale Concert, entitled MAJESTIC PIPES, we will welcome the return of our superb Stratford Concert Choir and soprano Jessica Lalonde in a performance of Poulenc's ethereal GLORIA. A rousing end to the season will be given in Saint Saens' glorious ORGAN SYMPHONY, featuring Ian Sadler at the console of Knox Presbyterian's superb pipe organ.

As always, we look forward to meeting you at the pre-concert chats or following each performance. This is truly a season not to be missed!

Your inter-galactic guide, Jerome Summers, Music Director and Conductor

Should be a fun year! If you're interested in purchasing tickets or learning more about the orchestra, you can visit their web-site at http://www.stratfordcivicorchestra.ca/.

Next stop: Symphony Hamilton