Get ready for the arrival of spring expressed in vibrant musical colours by the members of Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and their special guests.
“The season finale is going to be an eclectic evening featuring beloved pieces,” says CSO music director Paula DeWit.
Three special guests will be gracing the main stage of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre with the members of the CSO and chorus on Saturday, May 26.
“We are very fortunate to have as our guest conductor, Maestro Les Dala, associate conductor of the Vancouver Opera.”
He will be leading the popular symphony through a mesmerizing musical evening of guest artists and a tribute to the Queen’s 60th jubilee.
The concert will open with three movements of the Pastoral Symphony, Beethoven’s 6th Symphony. It’s an ode to pastoral country life.
“Neophytes can’t help but love this gorgeous piece of music.”
Young Artist Contest winner Alexis VandeWeg will be performing her winning solo piece, the wonderful Beethoven Tempest Sonata (Op. 31 No. 2) third movement on piano, with the orchestra.
“Bernard Blary, our principal flute arranged an incredible orchestra part to complement the brilliant Beethoven Sonata,” DeWit says.
The second half will have a totally different feel to it.
“We will celebrate A Night at the Proms and will be joined by award-winning accordion virtuoso Jelena Milojevich.”
Milojevich is a celebrated solo accordion player who debuted at Carnegie hall and went on to perform with and collaborate some of the best the world over. Her performances have been described as “an explosion of cosmic sensuality” and she has been praised for her “brilliant virtuosity.”
The chorus members will also enjoy belting out a few rousing crowd-pleasers, like Rule Britannia, In a Monastery Garden, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory.
Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra and Chorus present Annual Spring Grand Concert
Saturday, May 26, 7:30 p.m. main theatre of the Cultural Centre, Tickets $25.
