It's the start of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra's new season and since music director Les Dala left, the entire season will be dedicated to looking for his replacement.
Each major concert will feature a guest conductor that is interested in the position of music director of the PGSO.
First up is Martin MacDonald who will conduct the Jupiter Symphony at Vanier Hall Saturday at 7:30 p.m with guest artist Jordan Kwan, who is a local pianist.
This is MacDonald's first trip to British Columbia. He has performed as a cellist with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra and has served as resident conductor of Symphony Nova Scotia.
"I've always heard great things about the Prince George Symphony and the work they have been doing over the past number of years," said MacDonald. "I've been an assistant conductor in two different positions and I just feel it's time to move into a music director's position. The idea of staying in Canada is incredibly appealing to me. There's not a lot of music directors in Canada that are Canadian."
During the 2010/11 Symphony Nova Scotia season, MacDonald debuted on the flagship Celebrity Classics Series with violinist Jonathan Crow and broadcast by CBC, as well as conducting the Canadian premiere of the Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada's production of Fidelio.
MacDonald holds a bachelor's degree in cello from Memorial University and a master's degree in orchestral conducting from McGill University. MacDonald said all his formal education has taken place in Canada.
"It gave a lot to me and I want to give back," said MacDonald. "I want to be able to build professional music in this country instead of going elsewhere to build it."
The job description of a music director for a symphony has changed drastically over the years. Gone are the days where the conductor would show up 30 seconds before rehearsal and leave a minute after, said MacDonald.
"The modern music director has to be leader in the community and it's a welcome part of the job for a lot of us conductors because we want to be part of the community and make music thrive because it makes our experience richer and makes the musicians experience richer," said MacDonald. "I have done some research on Prince George before I came here because I want to make connections and build bridges with different art forms as well."
Prince George's own Jordan Kwan performs Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 2. The classic evening is paired with Mozart's last composition, the Jupiter Symphony No. 41 in honour of the PGOS's 41st season. Also on the program, the rousing Fanfare for the Common Man by Copland and Ridout's Music for a Young Prince.
Tickets Available at Studio 2880 Ticket Centre and at the door. Adults $29, seniors $25, under 25 years $15.
