Foundational composer Ludwig van Beethoven gets a special spotlight in the new season by the Northern Orchestra.
The Prince George-based development ensemble is looking back those 190 years to the mega-master of symphonic music, but also demonstrating other works to pair with his classic work for a modern context.
"The season's name Growing With Beethoven will feature a different movement of the 8th Symphony of the master each concert, with a complete performance on the year's finale," said Northern Orchestra founder and leader Gordon Lucas. He began the ensemble in 2002 and since 2010 they have been hosting an annual series.
"What makes the Northern Orchestra unique is its vision to ensure that learning more about classical music is something the entire community can enjoy," Lucas said. "It provides an opportunity for people to appreciate and take pleasure in symphonic music - whether as a musician or an audience member. The Northern Orchestra welcomes all musicians regardless of age or level of experience."
The new season launches on Oct. 28 starting with a concert at 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Prince George then Oct. 29 with a reprise concert at 2 p.m. in Vanderhoof at Nechako Valley secondary school.
"Our first concert features PGSO oboist Erica Skowron in a Vivaldi Concerto amongst other goodies, and regional soloist Rebecka Ens who will be performing the 1st Movement of the Haydn C Major Cello Concerto," Lucas said.
The following concert will be held on Nov. 17 at First Baptist Church in Prince George, then the next day at Vanderhoof Lutheran Church.
The orchestra is back in musical action Dec. 9 and 10 performing Messiah at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Prince George then at the Northside Church in Vanderhoof respectively.
They go into the 2018 side of the season on March 9 and 10 at First Baptist Church in Prince George then Vanderhoof Lutheran Church, in sequence.
Finally, the season closes on April 28/29 at First Baptist Church in Prince George then Nechako Valley secondary school in Venderhoof.
More information on each event's soloists and featured musical pieces will be discussed closer to each performance.
