The Orchestra North summer learning programs might be based in Smithers but Prince George is tattooed all over its music development sessions. The Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO) is a full partner in the initiative, along with the Bulkley Valley Classical Strings Society, Bulkley Valley Arts Council and Northwest Community College.
"Encouraging collaboration and excellence of music, Orchestra North Summer Program aims to enrich the artistic life of communities and participants, while having fun at the same time," said co-director Sebastian Ostertag, former PGSO principal cellist and director of the PG Youth Orchestra. "The program features a professional faculty who have taught and performed throughout Canada and Europe. The festival will include up to five orchestras, chamber music groups, special projects and pop-up concerts in Smithers."
It is a chance for orchestral music players to get instruction, play with others in the chamber music and symphony music fields, and take part in performance opportunities.
Ostertag said the sessions would include "daily music instruction, public concerts, a concerto competition, and the performance of 'Huble Homestead' for solo clarinet, violin, cello and orchestra by Prince George composer and clarinetist Simon Cole."
Ostertag added that by bringing together musicians of all ages and abilities from across the north and beyond, Orchestra North celebrates collaboration and excellence in music, "with the goal of enriching the artistic life our northern communities. Musicians in rural Canada face unique challenges. Orchestra North focuses on bringing high-quality musical opportunities to rural areas."
Another co-director is Roxi Dykstra, the former principal violist with the PGSO and teacher at the PG Conservatory who is now based in Germany. She said "The talent is there, the creative desire is there - the challenge is geography. Many participants live many hundreds of kilometres from the nearest symphony orchestra, and rarely get to meet other musicians from the north."
Thanks to the support of northern-based individuals and businesses, tuition bursaries and billeting are available for many of the participants. The organizers have worked to include as many musicians as possible who want to advance their skills and enjoy their fellow orchestral musicians.
Instructor Chantal Lemire (she, too, has performed with the PGSO) added "Orchestra North is such a unique program. Where else in the north can you hear 12 different string quartets over lunch?"
The workshops and performances happen June 30 to July 5, for all ages and abilities. For more information or to register, send an email to [email protected] or visit their website at www.orchestranorth.com or look them up on Facebook.
