The Red Deer Symphony Orchestra is gearing up for its next performance ‘Classical Mood’ set to run Jan. 14th at the College Arts Centre.

Featuring Robert Uchida, the concert begins at 8 p.m.

Beethoven’s monumental violin concerto will be presented with Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s Concertmaster Robert Uchida as a soloist.

The RDSO will also keep the concert in a classical vein with music from Mozart and from one of Mozart’s teachers – Johann Christian Bach, better known as the ‘London Bach’.

According to the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s web site, Uchida is described as one of Canada’s leading violinists.

“He has been heard throughout North America and Europe as a soloist, chamber musician and concertmaster to great critical acclaim.”

Concertmaster of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Uchida previously held the same position with Symphony Nova Scotia and during the 05/06 season he performed as associate concertmaster of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.

“Engagements as a guest leader have included projects with the Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and he has worked with many of the world’s top conductors including Valery Gergiev, Kurt Masur and Pinchas Zukerman.”

Next up for the RDSO is ‘Great Canadian Songbook’ which runs Feb. 18th at the Memorial Centre.

“A mixture of old and new, light and serious, popular and classical awaits you to celebrate the sesquicentennial of our home and native land with an all-Canadian Program.”

‘Spring Potpourri’ is set for March 11th at the Arts Centre, featuring harpist Gianetta Baril.

The evening will feature a, “Healthy mix from France, Canada and Italy. An evening full of happy sounds to celebrate the imminent arrival of the spring season.

“Beat the winter blues by refreshing yourself with a colourful musical palate that includes the premiere of a work composed by the talented local Red Deerian Cheryl Cooney as part of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s project: ‘Canada Mosaic.’

And finally, ‘Firebird’ wraps up the season on May 20th at the Arts Centre featuring Caleb Johnson on violin.

The RDSO will end the season in, “Blockbuster fashion with Stravinsky’s colourful, exotic and beloved music from his Firebird ballet.”

Enjoy the mix of bombastic overture with young Central Alberta talent, as this concert features the Red Deer Festival of the Performing Arts RDSO Class Winner from 2016 Johnson. Other musical gems include Brahms’ Academic Festival.

Meanwhile, tickets are available through the Black Knight Ticket Centre by calling 403-755-6626 or visiting www.bkticketcentre.ca.

– Weber