Classical music-lovers can get their “fix” Friday Nov. 15 when the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra returns to Salmon Arm.
The symphony will perform a program comprised of music written by non-Spanish composers using the rhythms and harmonies commonly recognized as Spanish.
The title, Spanish Airs, is also the title of a piece for string orchestra by Spanish-born composer Jose Evangelista, who settled in Montreal in 1970.
His Spanish Airs consists of 15 folk melodies from Spain, including work songs, lullabies, entertainment songs and religious songs from a variety of regions.
American composer Aaron Copland’s El Salon Mexico is a musical depiction of a dance hall in Mexico City. It is based on four Mexican folk songs.
Ravel’s Bolero is a one-movement orchestral piece originally composed as a ballet. It is Ravel’s most famous composition.
Critically acclaimed violinist Marc Djokic joins the orchestra to perform Edouard Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole.
It was written for violinist Pablo de Sarasate (a Spaniard in France) and premiered in Paris in 1875.
The piece has Spanish motifs throughout and launched a period when Spanish-themed music came into vogue.
Praised for his dynamic and exciting performance style, Djokic is one of Canada’s most engaging concert musicians. He performs across the U.S. and Canada as a soloist and a collaborative musician.
He has performed as guest soloist with many Canadian orchestras, including those in Toronto, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Ottawa, New Brunswick and Niagara.
Guest conductor Gordon Gerrard has established a unique place in the new generation of Canadian musicians as one of its fastest rising stars.
Trained as a pianist and subsequently as a specialist in operatic repertoire, Gerrard brings a fresh perspective to the podium. It is his work in opera that has made him a recognized figure across the country. For four seasons, he held the positions of resident conductor and repetiteur for Calgary Opera. He conducted seven productions while in residence, including the Canadian premiere of Mark Adamo’s Little Women, which was recorded for national broadcast on CBC’s Saturday Afternoon at the Opera.
Gerrard was honoured with the Calgary Mayor’s Award for Emerging Artists for his contribution to the musical life of the city.
He currently works with Maestro Bramwell Tovey and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as assistant conductor.
The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Salmon Arm Rec Centre. Tickets are available at Kamloops Live! box office at 1-866-374-5483, at Wearabouts or at the door.
