Kamloops Symphony returns to Salmon Arm to celebrate the New Year with The Magic of Vienna.
The program was designed after the famous New Year’s concert by the Wiener Philharmoniker. The first New Year’s performance there was on Dec. 31, 1939. It has become an annual tradition, now televised in more than 90 countries around the world.
Kamloops Symphony’s concert is programmed in much the same way, bringing the music from Vienna live to Salmon Arm with famous and recognizable music written by some of Vienna’s greatest composers – Offenbach, Weber, Mozart, Lanner and Strauss Junior.
Jacques Offenbach is known for his development of the operetta. He created a French comic opera and his work went on to influence composers like Lehar and the Strauss family.
Johann Strauss Junior was the first son of Johann Strauss Senior, the leader of the Strauss musical dynasty. He became more popular than his father, writing more than 500 musical compositions.
This Viennese music is described as nostalgic and uplifting. It has become a popular way to start the New Year. The light-hearted compositions provide a joyful atmosphere for celebrations around the world.
Kamloops Symphony rings in the New Year Viennese-style with an orchestra dressed for the party.
Ever wonder about the history behind the Viennese waltz? During this performance, director Rod Michell leads the audience through its evolution.
Sunday’s programme includes Offenbach’s Overture: La Belle Hélène, Weber’s Invitation to the Dance, Mozart’s Menuet and Ländler (from German Dances), Hofball-Tänze Waltz by Lanner, Johan Strauss Jr.’s Overture: Gypsy Baron and Orpheus in the Underworld by Offenbach.
Kamloops Symphony will have guest host, Rod Michell, bring clarity to the evolution of the Viennese waltz during the performance.
Born and raised in England, Michell came to Canada as a graduate student at the University of British Columbia. Now retired after teaching English language and literature at Thompson Rivers University for almost 40 years, literature and music have been two of his greatest passions.
This will be Michell’s fourth performance with Kamloops Symphony.
The Magic of Vienna performance takes place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17 at the Salmon Arm Recreation Centre.
Tickets can be purchased from Kamloops Live! Box Office at 1-866-374-5483 or www.kamloopslive.ca, at Wearabouts at 350 Alexander St. NE, or at the door.
