Prince George classical music stars are coming home next year.
The PGSO has announced its new season, and the emphasis is squarely on homegrown talent.
The band plays its first show of the 2019-20 campaign starting Sept. 8 when they host the annual and ever-popular Pops In The Park afternoon event at the bandshell in Lheidi T'enneh Memorial Park.
Twenty days later at Vanier Hall, one of this city's most noted piano products comes back to showcase his international reputation. David Louie will be in the solo spotlight that night.
"We begin our season with Carl Maria von Weber's beautiful Der Freischutz and Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and are proud to present Mozart's Piano Concerto in D Minor, featuring Prince George native David Louie as our guest pianist," said the orchestra's artistic direction team led by conductor Michael Hall. "David began studying piano at the age of five with Loretta Zral and continued his studies with Linda Stobbe. He first performed with the PGSO at the age of 13. David is currently on the faculty of the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto where he is piano department coordinator."
Their second date with a big Prince George circle around it is Nov. 2 at Vanier Hall when a vocal star of local extraction comes back to sing. That show's title is We Remember as it falls in the lead-up to Remembrance Day.
"Canadian composer Glen Buhr's 1989 composition Akasha (Sky) starts off this unique program followed by Jean Sebelius' Pelleas and Melisande," said Hall. "After intermission, the beautiful sound of John Rutter's Requiem will pay tribute to those who have lost their lives fighting for our country. Performing with us will be a select mixed choir prepared by Lyn Vernon and soprano soloist Dr. Veera Khare-Asher. Prince George born and raised Veera Khare-Asher began her vocal training under Kay Lim whom she continues to hold as her mentor today. Veera holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in voice performance from the University of Nevada."
The third prominent guest from Prince George now out wowing the world is a violin star. The title of this concert is simply Jonathan Crow Comes Home, happening Feb. 29 at Vanier Hall.
"This concert begins with award winning Canadian composer Marjan Mozetich's Postcards from the Sky, followed by two pieces by Franz Schubert: Symphony No. 8 Unfinished and Entr'acte from Rosamunde," Hall said. "The highlight of the evening will no doubt be Jonathan Crow's performance of Max Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26. Born and raised in Prince George, Jonathan Crow is a product of School District 57's String Program and the Prince George Music School. Jonathan is currently Associate Professor of Violin at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music. He has been concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony since 2011."
There are many more highlights to the upcoming season, spread across 16 major performances.
Three of those shows are at the Ramada Hotel Ballroom and represent a new series entitled Light Classics On A Friday Evening. It is billed as "easy listening in a casual setting - a perfect date night" with chamber ensembles comprised of PGSO's professional talent.
Three of those shows are, like the last few seasons have provided, especially for children. The popular Kinderconcerts will be back at the P.G. Playhouse.
Four of those shows represent major special events.
One is the aforementioned Pops In The Park concert that always kicks off the PGSO year. One is entitled Chamber, Baroque & Tea scheduled for Nov. 17 at the Ramada.
One is the Jan. 25 annual fundraiser that brings out plaid tidings in us all, the Scottish flourish of Robbie Burns Night gala dinner and auction, with some music provided by the professional PGSO core of musicians.
And one is not actually one at all. It is an event in five sittings as the PGSO takes up its biennial position as the live orchestra for Judy Russell's presentation of The Nutcracker. On Dec. 20-22, the city's ballet appetite gets whetted by this traditional delight.
"Once again, the PGSO and Judy Russell's Enchainement Dance Centre team up to present this holiday classic - a favorite of one and all, year after year," Hall said.
Tickets can be purchased a number of ways: mainstage series, light classical series, kinderconcerts, flex pass, individual shows, etc.
There are price points for adults, for seniors, and free for students, youth and children.
To get in on subscriptions, or for any information, log onto the PGSO website where you can also make online purchases exactly to your classical music desires. That can also be done in person at the PGSO office (2880 15th Ave.) or by phone at 250-562-0800.
