Launching its 8th season, and its first of six concerts, Guelph Symphony Orchestra will perform Great Romantics on Sunday October 19, 2008, at 3 p.m. at the River Run Centre, the Orchestra’s home venue. Dvorak’s sparkling 8th Symphony is the centrepiece of this concert, in which the Orchestra also highlights the stars of tomorrow with the winner of its seventh annual Under-23 Concerto Competition, pianist Ben Chapman, playing Saint-Saens’ sparkling Piano Concerto No 2. Wagner’s melodious and rich Prelude to Die Meistersinger provides a lush, romantic start to this arresting opening concert.
“This program presents rich and exciting music.” says Simon Irving, Artistic Director. “We hope we can share our passion for it with the audience, who will find it uplifting and enriching.”
The Friends of Guelph Symphony, launched in the spring of 2007, continues to expand, so far attracting 90 members. F.O.G.S. membership is $25 a year for one person or $35 a couple, and yields several benefits including an attractive lapel pin, invitation to an annual pre-concert reception, and attendance at open rehearsals. Any donation over $25 will automatically entitle the donor to “Friends of the Guelph Symphony” membership and benefits. Friends can assist the orchestra in many ways such as volunteering and raising awareness of Guelph’s Own Orchestra. Guelph resident Catherine Downer was the winner of the annual F.O.G.S. prize draw for season tickets. F.O.G.S. brochures are available on request.
The Orchestra gratefully announces the receipt of a grant from the Musagetes Fund at the Guelph Community Foundation in support of the 2008-2009 season. Later season highlights include a repeat of Raymond Briggs’ well-loved animated feature, The Snowman, accompanied live by the orchestra, a family treat for children and grandchildren aged 3 to 103 during the Christmas season. The annual Dreams of Vienna New Years’ Concert will mark the return of Tenor and raconteur Mark Dubois. In February 2009, Popera! celebrates Guelph’s world-famous son, Edward Johnson on the 50th anniversary of his passing.
The GSO is a semi-professional classical orchestra, based in Guelph and using primarily Guelph-area players. The ensemble consists of 35 to 50 players, depending on the repertoire requirements. Founded in 2001 with Simon Irving as its Artistic Director, it has given 47 concerts to date, covering a broad repertoire of classical music. The orchestra also provides opportunities for young emerging professional performers from the community.
For details about Guelph’s Own Orchestra and becoming a Friend, please visit www.guelphorchestra.ca. Tickets for all concerts are available at River Run Centre (519) 763-3000.
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