"We're very excited about our season," said music director Edwin Outwater, now entering his fourth season with the symphony. From operatic superstars to Lemony Snicket and violin virtuosos, the new season is designed to encourage everyone to attend, from folks who have never stepped foot inside a classical music venue, to kids and well just about anyone with a pulse. "No matter what type of music you like, there will be something for you," Outwater promised.
Here's a quick synopsis of what Outwater has planned: violin superstar James Ehnes for the gala opening; Measha Brueggergosman in a cabaret-style concert; prestigious 2009 Gilmore Artist-award-winner pianist Kirill Gerstein; a collaboration to create something new and unique with electronic master Daniel Deacon; and gothic children's novelist Daniel Handler, a.k.a. Lemony Snicket. There will be a return of the popular music and acrobatic combo, Cirque de la Symphonie and a night watching Bugs Bunny on a giant screen with the symphony playing the famous and, according to Outwater, brilliant musical scores.
Hawaiian conductor Matt Catingub will present a tribute to Frank Sinatra, and the Christmas show will feature Larry Larson and his Men with Horns. Of course there will also be comedy, when British conductor and comedian Rainer Hersch presents his unique take on music. On a more serious note, the Baroque and Beyond series returns under the direction of Stephen Sitarski when the symphony's concert master explores Bach and Brandenburg concertos in the intimate and acoustically lovely setting of local churches. Lastly, the symphony will present a series of concerts for tiny tykes and their slightly older counterparts, in a smaller, more intimate setting.
As in the past the season will be broken into series: Signature, with the gorgeous music of Mozart, Schubert, Elgar, Tchaikovsky and Holst's astoundingly powerful The Planets. The Pops Series includes more avant guard and experimental music, including a red-carpet Oscar party and classical comedy as well as violinist Frank Leahy in his performance A Fiddler's Take on the Symphony.
Intersections series brings Daniel Levitin's creation Beethoven and Your Brain, a look at what happens in the human brain while listening to the great master's music. Lemony Snicket shows up to narrate a performance called Frankenstein!
The Generations Series looks into a variety of music, spicing it up with the inclusion of the DaCapo Chamber Choir and the women of The Grand Philharmonic.
Outwater is most pleased that James Ehnes has agreed to perform Elegance & Fire at the symphony's season launch and gala fundraiser Sept. 18.
"He is Canada's foremost violinist and he has played with the symphony many times," Outwater said. "Since the last time he played, he's become an international superstar, winner of Grammys. As a friend of the symphony he has agreed to come back at the gala"
In a nod to modern technology, the symphony has also launched a social network where music lovers can connect and chat, see what's happening at the symphony (www.kwsocial.ca), have their say and find information such as local restaurants, directions, parking, etc.
The final word went to board chair Ron Craigen who said the symphony is "playing at the highest level they have in their history." He added that Outwater's music, education and outreach programs will ensure the symphony "finds its way into every corner of the community."
For information and tickets for upcoming performances visit www.kwsymphony.ca.
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