The Kamloops Symphony’s 40th anniversary season is filled with exciting programs, guest artists and the search for a new music director.
In Salmon Arm, there is also a new venue, The Nexus at First United Church.
The symphony’s first performance there is “Schumann and Haydn” on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m.
The program features piano soloist Maxim Bernard playing Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, making good use of the grand piano that sits on stage at The Nexus.
The concerto was the only one written by Schumann, who was considered one of the greatest composers of the Romantic period. It premiered in 1846 with his wife Clara as the soloist.
Maxim Bernard was already 13 years old when he discovered his passion for music and the piano. His phenomenal development led to his first solo performance, with the Edmonton Symphony, five years later.
As he continued his studies, Maxim fell in love with the romantic style of interpretation.
His sensitivity, his personal touch, and the contagious spontaneity he brings to his interpretations combine to make him an exceptional pianist.
Other works on this program are Haydn’s Symphony #101 (The Clock) and Canadian composer Murray Adaskin’s Diversion for Orchestra.
This program also features guest conductor Mélanie Léonard, the first of four short-listed candidates who are seeking the opportunity to become music director of the Kamloops Symphony when Bruce Dunn retires next year.
Audiences are invited to have their say in the selection of the new music director/conductor by completing a survey each time one of the candidates appears over the course of the season.
The Salmon Arm Concert Series is supported by grants from the City of Salmon Arm and the Shuswap Community Foundation, and sponsored by the Observer and EZ Rock.
“Schumann and Haydn” is sponsored by Shuswap Lake Hospital Medical Staff.
Tickets can be purchased from Kamloops Live! Box Office at 1-866-374-5483 or www.kamloopslive.ca. In Salmon Arm, you can buy tickets at Wearabouts or at the door.
Tickets will also be available at the Salmon Arm Volunteer Committee’s Christmas Gift Bazaar fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at the Mall at Piccadilly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.