The 54th season of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra (OSO) launches Sunday with some of the most well-known music of all time, the William Tell Overture (known to many as The Lone Ranger), Symphony No. 9 in B minor and Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra.
“The Okanagan is rich with artistic talent and I have discovered many wonderful musicians that I have been privileged to share the stage with as members of the orchestra and as guest artists,” said Rosemary Thomson, OSO music director. “We strive to present a season of rich and diverse concert experiences that mix the tried and true repertoire with fresh new voices.”
Outreach and education programs, a major part of the OSO, will see continued growth this year. This year will include a celebration of the Youth Symphony of the Okanagan’s 25th anniversary with a Birthday Bash in November, as well as family matinée of Amahl and the Night Visitors in December. And the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a sing-along. The December Masterworks Messiah will include an afternoon performance with a sing-along guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
In April, the OSO brings its annual school showcase to the stage with Carnaval of the Animals. Schools looking to book should contact Andrea at the Okanagan Symphony office as spaces are almost gone for all shows.
“The Okanagan Symphony’s 54th season will be as exciting as it is ambitious in scope,” said Scott Wilson, OSO general manager. “A star-studded cast of guest artists: Dale Baltrop, Joseph Johnson, Stephanie Nakagawa, Lynne McMurtry, Gordon Bintner, Jason Ragan, Chelsea Rus, Taylor Pardell, Martin Sadd, Aaron Durand, Jan Lisiecki, Guy Few, Nadina Mackie Jackson, Susanne Hou and local favourites Colleen Venables and Shane Koyczan will all offer something for everyone in a cornucopia of musical delights.”
This Sunday’s performance of Noble Grandeur takes place in the Vernon Performing Arts Centre at 7 p.m. A pre-concert talk by Thomson will start one hour before the performance.
Tickets and subscriptions for the symphony’s season in the Vernon Performing Arts Centre are available at the Ticket Seller box office. Call 250-549-7469 or visit www.ticketseller.ca.
