Red Deer’s own professional orchestra opens its exciting 2012-13 season with an all-Tchaikovsky program on Oct. 6th at the Red Deer College Arts Centre.
The performance starts at 8 p.m.
Edmonton pianist Tong Wang will perform the highly recognizable Piano Concerto No. 1, one of the most popular of Tchaikovsky’s works, and among the best known in Piano Concerti repertoire.
Tong first performed with the Edmonton Symphony at age 15, and has recently finished her Grade 12 studies in Edmonton.
This fall she will be starting her music studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.
The program will open with a short work by Tchaikovsky, the Andante based on the second movement of his String Quartet No. 1, inspired by a folk song he heard a house painter whistle while working on a villa in the Ukraine where Tchaikovsky was spending his holidays.
The opening Main Series concert will end with a performance of his popular Symphony No. 5, a stunning example of his gift for composing unforgettable melodies.
In an effort to allow more folks the chance to enjoy performances by the RDSO, the popular Education Dress Rehearsal Program will run in conjunction with the concert, starting at 1:40 p.m. on Oct. 6th at the Red Deer College Arts Centre.
Those wishing to attend this free program must register with the RDSO office at 403-340-2948, and they will receive a study guide before the rehearsal.
Attendees can also enjoy a presentation in the lobby by RDSO musicians, followed by the dress rehearsal, giving them the opportunity to observe an orchestra at work.
Next up for the RDSO is Christmas From the British Isles, which runs Dec. 8th at Gaetz Memorial United Church.
Guest artists include the Calgary Boys Choir under the direction of Paul Grindlay.
This concert will include a wide variety of Christmas music from across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales while featuring the wonderful sounds of the Calgary Boys Choir, currently celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Musical highlights include Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, Davies’ Veni Creator Spiritu and Holst’s In the Bleak Winter Snow.
Looking to the New Year, things kick off with Crooner Mania! Featuring guest vocalist Michael Hope on Jan. 19 on the Arts Centre mainstage.
Fans of Michael Buble, Tony Bennett or the ‘Rat Pack’, will love this selection of material marking the best of The Great American Songbook.
Meanwhile, single tickets for RDSO performances are available through the Black Knight Ticket Centre, with a few subscriptions still available as well.
For more information about tickets or the program in general, call 403-755-6626 or 1-800-661-8793 or visit www.bkticketcentre.ca.
-Weber
