Float away to France and Spain with a performance by the Trinity Western University Orchestra and Concert Band. Presented by TWU’s School of the Arts, Media and Culture (SAMC), the two ensembles will perform together in Langley on November 16 and Abbotsford on November 17.
Highlights of this musical journey include Fantasia Español by John Higgins, the lively Latin sounds of Bobrowitz’s Sonidos de Sevilla, Washburn’s carefree island-inspired piece Martinique, and Offenbach’s rousing Ballet Parisien. But the heart of the concert is a story of Spain immortalized by a French composer—the suite from Bizet’s beloved opera Carmen.
“This fall our Concert Band has been exploring these evocative pieces with particular focus on presenting character and atmosphere,” says Allan Thorpe, DMA., the conductor. No stranger to the theatrical, Thorpe formed last season’s Klezmer Band, which accompanied SAMC’s spring hit Fiddler on the Roof. Thorpe was the show’s Musical Director.
Thorpe adds, “We are pleased to invite our audiences along on this European excursion, with appealing repertoire that showcases the talents of our student instrumentalists.” One such student is promising flute soloist Charmaine Tai. A third-year Music major who hails from Richmond, Tai will be featured in Cécile Chaminade’s Concertino.
Conducted by Jon Thompson, DMA, SAMC’s 40-piece orchestra will conclude the concert’s European journey with flourish. The orchestra, taking a cue from Mendelssohn, will take a side trip to Scotland with The Hebrides overture and Symphony No. 2 in A Minor, “Scottish.” Profoundly affected by the rugged beauty of the Hebrides Islands, Mendelssohn began drafting the music for this symphony and overture while on a tour through Scotland in 1829.
DETAILS:
Friday, November 16 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (20097 72nd Avenue, Langley)
Saturday, November 17 at Peace Lutheran Church (2029 Ware Street, Abbotsford).
Both concerts begin at 7:30pm with admission by donation ($5 suggested).
For more details, visit twu.ca/samc or phone the SAMC Music office at 604.513.2173.