There are all kinds of delightful musical treats in store at the spring concert of the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra on May 28 at the Chilliwack Alliance.
The CSO program promises a joyful ride, with Mozart, a little jazz, piano concertos, saxophone, even the Moody Blues song, Nights in White Satin.
First consider the upcoming debuts of young Chilliwack musicians, soprano Nina Payne and pianist Janelle Van Maren, who will be the very essence of youthful exuberance when they take the stage as winners of the Young Artist Solo Competition.
“It’s the first time any of these up-and-coming young musicians have played with a full orchestra behind them,” said CSO principal conductor Clyde Mitchell.
The first movement of Mozart’s, eighth piano concerto, Concerto in C Major is the piece van Maren has chosen to perform.
“For Janelle, at 20 to play a movement of Mozart will be seven minutes of glory. It’s a tremendous honour. And for Nina at 16 also to sing both some Mozart and Lehár is a pretty major debut.”
Payne will be singing Zerlina’s aria: “Batti, batti o bel Masetto” from Don Giovanni K. 527 – an opera in two acts with music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and with an Italian libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte.
The concert promises to be a lyrical and happy one, ideal for a spring concert in May, said Mitchell.
“These will be very familiar songs to many people.”
Resident conductor Paula De Witt-Krause agreed.
“We’ve chosen songs everyone will love.”
Expect a preview of a brand-new ensemble.
“We’re introducing our new resident woodwind quintet, which are preparing for their launch this fall.”
The Shostakovich Jazz Suite is one for those who love the sound of the saxophone, an instrument rarely spotlighted in orchestral music. The orchestra will be playing the March and the Waltz, featuring Adam van Loo and Christine Miller on the alto and tenor saxophones.
Listen for the first movement of Mozart’s 25th Symphony as well as the famous Ballsirenen Watzer from Franz Lehar’s Operetta, the Merry Widow. The a cappella singers are ready to sing two simply gorgeous pieces, said DeWitt Krause.
“The show choir will be presenting gems Beethoven’s Figlio Perduto. Many will recall this from the recent movie the King’s Speech.”
Mitchell called that one “heart-wrenching.”
Many fans will revel in a 60s classic made famous by the Moody Blues, Nights in White Satin, with members of the Ladies’ Show Choir and Orchestra.
“I heard it sung before by Pandora’s Vox, and when I heard that arrangement, I wanted to do it immediately.”
They’ll also be singing a pretty piece featuring the CSO Harp, entitled; We’re Walking In The Air, from the movie, The Snowman.
The audience will hear the chorus singing the beloved Lacrymosa from Mozart’s Requiem. The young at heart will thrilled when they hear some tunes from Pirates. Once again a CSO program for everyone to savour.
The concert will end with the Chorus and Payne joining forces on the famous “Vilja Song” ‘Es lebt’ eine Vilja, ein Waldmägdelein’ from Franz Lehar’s Operetta, the Merry Widow.
• CSO Spring Concert, Saturday, May 28, at First Avenue Christian Assembly, 7:30 p.m. $25/ $20/ $15, at the Chilliwack Progress.
