Mar 26, 27 • 8:00 pm, Mar 28 • 2:00 pm
Classic Movie Heroes and Villians
Innovative pops conductor Jeff Tyzik returns for a musical battle of good vs. evil, featuring the themes of some of your favourite pop culture heroes and villains, from Superman and James Bond to Darth Vader and King Kong.
Jeff Tyzik, conductor
May 7, 8 • 8:00 pm, May 9 • 2:00 pm
Classical Mystery Tour (Music of The Beatles)
The drawing power of the Beatles remains mammoth even after all these years: everyone from original fans to … youngsters trained by nostalgic parents and grandparents. Even the orchestra players seem to enjoy themselves … it’s as if they get to participate in a “fantasy” studio session.
—The Fresno Bee
Original members of the Broadway hit Beatlemania perform Beatles hits from every decade – Hard Day’s Night, Yellow Submarine, Come Together, Let it Be – played and sung exactly as they were written, enhanced by a full orchestra sound. It’s the live Beatles experience you have never heard before.
Richard Lee, conductor
Jim Owen, John Lennon; Tony Kishman, Paul McCartney; Tom Teely, George Harrison; Chris Camiller, Ringo Starr
Oct 2, 3 • 8:00 pm , Oct 4 • 2:00 pm
Cirque de la Symphonie (The Magic of Cirque at the Music Hall)
The clearest sign that “Cirque” was working was in the way the audience was just as absorbed by the stand-alone musical portions of the program as they were by the ones featuring the performers.
—Seattle Times
Some of the finest acrobats, aerial artists, jugglers and strongmen in the business join forces with our fabulous musicians to create, not just a circus act and not just a symphony performance, but a concert experience that perfectly synchronizes the two.
Richard Lee, conductor
Cirque de la Symphonie
Nov 6, 7 • 8:00 pm, Nov 8 • 2:00 pm
Music of Freedom
During times of conflict and uncertainty, music is a constant, there to lift spirits, reignite hope and offer comfort. CBC Radio veteran Ron Robinson hosts a program filled with the music of many generations inspired by freedom, including pieces by quintessential film composer John Williams.
Richard Lee, conductor
Ron Robinson, host
James Keelaghan, singer
Anna-Lisa Kirby, singer
Dec 11, 12 • 8:00 pm, Dec 13 • 2:00 pm
John McDermott’s Holiday Special
McDermott’s warm tenor voice is especially comforting at Christmas. Like a hot toddy in a big mug, it’s something to curl up with in front of the fireplace on a cold winter’s night.… He escapes the saccharin trap of sentimentality by choosing songs and carols that encapsulate the pure and sincere sentiments of the season.
—Waterloo Record (2006)
John McDermott’s performance of Celtic-inspired holiday music has fast become a Canadian tradition. An original member of the Irish Tenors, McDermott has recorded nine Scottish and Irish rooted albums.
Richard Lee, conductor
John McDermott, vocalist
Jan 15, 16 • 8:00 pm, Jan 17 • 2:00 pm
The Nylons with special guest conductor Charles Cozens
Pop groups are as impermanent as the weather, unless, like The Nylons, they know how to make old music sound fresh.… One of the world’s best known and most honoured a capella vocal quartets; they have been active for 28 years.
—Halifax Chronicle Herald (2006)
The Nylons are renowned for their dazzling harmonies, smooth arrangements and tight choreography in performing classics like The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Up on the Roof and Time of the Season. This four-member vocal group (with seven gold and six platinum recordings) is one of Canada’s greatest international success stories.
Charles Cozens, conductor
The Nylons
(Claude Morrison, tenor; Gavin Hope, baritone; Garth Mosbaugh, tenor; Tyrone Gabriel, bass)
Feb 26, 27 • 8:00 pm, Feb 28 • 2:00 pm
The Music of Queen with Jeans ‘n Classics
Fans of the WSO’s Classically Hip series will not want to miss the return of Jeans ‘n Classics, as they pay homage to Freddie Mercury and Queen! Michael Shotton teams with the orchestra to perform all the hits, including We Will Rock You, Under Pressure, Somebody to Love and Bohemian Rhapsody.
Richard Lee, conductor
Michael Shotton, lead vocals
Lis Soderberg, backup vocals
Don Paulton, backup vocals
Jean n’ Classics Band
(John Regan, keyboard; Adam Martin, guitar; Jeff Christmas, drums; Mitch Tyler, electric bass)
