The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra is preparing for a full season of concerts, performed for live audiences, through 2021/2022, starting in October.
“It’s such a delight to be thinking and imagining having live audiences this season,” says Rosemary Thomson, who is starting her 15th season as the OSO’s Music Director and Conductor. “I’m so happy to share with you the concerts we have planned — eight diverse, wonderful concerts that we hope will reflect the times we are living in now, with hope, with renewal and with a new dawn.”
We are thrilled at the prospect of providing live symphonic music for our loyal patrons again.
Ticket sales for the fall will commence on Oct. 1.
Planned concerts are as follows:
(K = Kelowna Community Theatre; V = Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre (VDPAC); P = Cleland Community Theatre in Penticton; LS = available by livestreaming)
October 23 (K, LS); 24 (V)
A NEW DAWN
We open our season with music of hope for new beginnings. Csetkwe Fortier of the Syilx First Nation raises her voice and her drum to bring whispers of the mountain and we explore music of evocative imagery in works titled Sunken City and Tangerine Trees. Join us for an evening of reflection and renewal as we make a gentle return to the stage.
November 19 (K, LS); 20 (V); 21 (P)
BACH’S PLAYLIST
Renowned baroque specialist Ivars Taurins leads the OSO in an eclectic program that celebrates the music of this historic era. Performing music from Bach’s own fascinating library of scores as well as pieces he performed in Leipzig, Maestro Taurins of Tafelmusik fame will tie this music all together with an insightful and entertaining narrative.
December 17 (K, LS); 18 (V); 19 (P)
UKULELE YULETIDE
We celebrate the holidays with renowned ukulele maestro James Hill who “gives the ukulele its dignity back without ever taking himself too seriously.” Described as a “dazzling live performer,” Hill shows off his virtuosity in Vivaldi’s uplifting Violin Concerto in D. He, along with his wife, cellist Anne Janelle, will join the OSO performing brand new seasonal arrangements singing and strumming in the holiday season. Perfect for the whole family, this show will lift every spirit with joy!
January 21 (K); 22 (P); 23 (V)
ROMP & REPOSE
We welcome the new year juxtaposing music of fresh exuberance and quiet contemplation, shining the spotlight on our own OSO musicians. Enjoy this rare opportunity to hear our own Karmen Doucette as she shares the beauty of the bassoon, a most distinctive and enigmatic instrument. She is joined on the program by oboist Lauris Davis and trumpeter Audrey Patterson.
February 11 (K); 12 (P); 13 (V)
MUSICAL SIBLINGS
Making music with family members – both literal and honorary – is one of life’s great joys. Fanny Mendelssohn composed side by side with her brother Felix, while in his time, Joseph Bologne was venerated alongside his musical kin, Mozart. Recent OSYO grads Holly McCallum and Angela Zeng have played duets together since they started studying the cello. Our annual Side-by-Side with OSO and OSYO captures this same spirit of family music making.
March 4 (K); 5 (P); 6 (V)
THE SACRED & THE PROFANE
In his second piano concerto, performed by guest artist Lorraine Min, Saint-Saëns drew on Bach’s church organ improvisations and the wild Tarantelle showing how French composers have been equally inspired by music of the church and the cabaret. From Fauré’s gorgeous setting of the Requiem Mass (with the Okanagan Symphony Chorus), to plaintive Piaf (performed by chanteuse Judy Rose), to Offenbach’s kick up your heels Can Can, we dive into the rich tapestry of la musique française.
April 1 (K, LS); 2 (V)
ALEX CUBA & THE OSO
Singer-songwriter Alex Cuba is a Latin Grammy and Juno winner who is influenced by his Cuban roots, but not tied to tradition. His music has been described as “getting a coat of sunshine applied to your eardrums.” Come and immerse yourself in his guitar wizardry and soulful vocals as he shares his dynamic musical vision with us all.
May 13 (K); 14 (P); 15 (V)
BACK TO BEETHOVEN
With his ferocious third symphony “Eroica,” Beethoven kicked open the door of the romantic era and left the classical world behind. His violin concerto comes to life in the hands of Kerson Leong, described by the Toronto Star as “not just one of Canada’s greatest violinists, but one of the greatest violinists, period.” A towering close to a season of resurgence.
As of Sept. 22, ticket limit for the October concert is 50% of theatre capacity. The Box Office at the Rotary Centre for the Arts will be the ticket agent for Kelowna and Penticton performances; Vernon Ticket Seller remains the agent for performances at VDPAC. All programs and guest artists are subject to change. Concert details, and our digital season brochure, are all available at 2021/2022 Season | Okanagan Symphony Orchestra
While the pandemic is not over, as evidenced by audience capacity restrictions and mask mandates, the OSO continues to be committed to following all public health directives making it possible to present these concerts in a way that protects the safety of musicians, Symphony staff, and patrons. Ticket holders will be required to show their BC Vaccination card, as proof of vaccination to access the theatres.
