With 40 conductors to choose from, the task of whittling them down to the lucky seven who will audition as part of the new season at the Prince George Symphony Orchestra was quite a challenge, said PGSO's general manager, Ruth Langner.
"I was thrilled to see so many people apply for the position and the calibre of talent is remarkable," said Langner. "We would be lucky to have any one of the candidates as our new artistic director/conductor."
The response to the call for a symphony orchestra conductor was so great in answer because it's a rare opportunity, she added. There's not that many orchestras in Canada and fewer still looking for a conductor.
"This year will be important for the future of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra," said Langner. "Our patrons and musicians have the opportunity to shape the future by expressing their opinion of the auditioning guest conductors."
Shape the Future is the appropriate name of the PGSO's new season.
Audience members can provide feedback at the performances and online, while the musicians can offer opinions on technique, ability and how the conductor relates to the musicians and the audience.
A profile of each conductor will appear on the PGSO website within the next few weeks so those interested can find out more about each conductor as they come to audition.
WHAT'S ON THIS SEASON
The season begins with Pops in the Park Sept. 11 in Fort George Park at 2 p.m. People are invited to come hear the familiar favourites, bring lawn chairs and a picnic.
If the weather does not co-operate, the Pops in the Pews will be held at St. Michael's All Angels Anglican Church at Victoria and Fifth Avenue.
Guest conductor is Tim Huebert, who will be conducting but not auditioning for the position of conductor for the PGSO.
Jupiter will be presented September 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Vanier Hall, where Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 2 in D Minor and Mozart's Jupiter Symphony No. 41 in C Major will be performed.
Guest conductor is Martin MacDonald.
Simply Classical featuring Mendelssohn and Mozart will be presented Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Vanier Hall. Guest conductor is Jonathan Govias.
Special event is Judy Russell's Nutcracker Dec. 16 to 18 at Vanier Hall. Guest Conductor is Kevin Zakresky.
Tonight at the Proms will include pieces from Elgar, Wood and Parry Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Vanier Hall. Guest conductor is Calvin Dyck.
The Emperor will feature an evening of Beethoven Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Vanier Hall. Guest conductor is John Van Deursen.
One of the highlights of the PGSO season will be The Red Violin concert at Vanier Hall March 31 where the original Red Mendelssohn Stradivarious violin will be played by its owner, celebrated violin virtuoso, Elizabeth Pitcairn. Guest conductor is Evan Mitchell.
But first, the audience needs a reference point so the PGSO is offering a showing of the movie The Red Violin March 25 at 3 p.m. at the UNBC Canfor Theatre.
The Silk Road will include music from around the world including pieces representing Italy, Croatia, Georgia and China on April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Vanier Hall. Guest conductor is Miran Vaupotich from Croatia.
Other events include Tea & Symphony at Westwood Mennonite Church on Mother's Day, May 13 at 3 p.m. where Haydn will be performed.
The Elmer Iseler Singers will perform March 15 at Westwood Mennonite Church at 7:30 p.m. This group is Canada's foremost professional chamber ensemble.
Each guest conductor auditioning for the permanent position as conductor will be asked to choose a piece of Canadian music to present during the concert. The task is to choose music appropriate for the local symphony which is unique unto itself.
Langner said she would like to see the newly appointed conductor move to Prince George.
"That might not be possible as conducting the symphony is not a full time job and they may need to augment their salary," Langner said. "We're very excited about the upcoming season and look forward to patrons' input as we choose the new artistic director/conductor."
For more information visit www.pgso.com.
