January's Featured Member
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
For over 60 years the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra has delighted audiences with its innovative programming and musical excellence. The WSO has become the celebrated hub of Winnipeg’s rich cultural life and has gained international recognition for the International New Music Festival. Under the guidance of Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate the WSO’s 2008-2009 concert performances feature world renown guest conductors and artists, celebrates music from the great composers to the crowd-pleasing Pops, and showcases the incredible talent of the musicians that make up our orchestra.
Upcoming Concerts
Beethoven 8 – Masterworks A series – Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17 at 8pm
The WSO and Principal Tuba Chris Lee present the world premiere of Winnipeg-born composer Victor Davies’ Concerto for Tubameister and Orchestra. Accompanying the tuba concerto will be three works that are sure to be uplifting on a bitter winter evening: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, Spring’s Promise by Canadian composer John Estacio and Gran duo concertante for violin and double bass by Giovannni Bottesini.
Carnival of the Animals – Great-West Life Sundays with the Family series – Sunday, January 18 at 2pm
The Canadian Tenors – WSO Pops series – Friday, January 23 at 8pm; Saturday, January 24 at 8pm and Sunday, January 25 at 8pm
With charm, stunning vocal talent and a crowd-pleasing repertoire, these four handsome voices unite to evoke the passion and virtuosity of great romantic music. The Canadian Tenors take their roots from Portugal, Ireland, Scotland and Malta, combining to reflect the cultural mosaic that is Canada. Each member of this thrilling new group is an accomplished soloist with a rich background in musical theatre and opera.
Rebellion Orchestrale – Masterworks B series – Saturday, January 31 at 8pm
WSO New Music Festival, sponsored by IMRIS – Saturday, January 31 to Friday, February 6
Passion, ecstasy and innovation are perfect words to describe this year’s NMF concerts, which will include several world premieres, fantastic Canadian and internationally-renowned talent such as cellist Matt Haimovitz, filmmaker Guy Maddin, pianist Pascal Gallet, and percussion group Scrap Arts Music and the use of newly invented and unusual instruments.
www.newmusicfestival.ca for full event information