Conductor takes flight for Symphony’s Opening Night
Join us as we launch a ground breaking season unlike any other, featuring seven guest conductors, a new concertmaster, the addition of matinee shows, all taking flight with our opening concert, Arabian Nights. This vibrant performance takes place next Saturday, October 17 at The Port Theatre, showcasing a dynamic program that promises to captivate audiences and set the tone for an exciting musical season ahead.
Leading the performance is Maestro Jonathan Girard, the first guest conductor on the VIS season. Currently serving as the Director of Orchestras at the University of British Columbia, Girard is known for his generous musicianship and boundless enthusiasm on the podium. He also conducts the Athens Philharmonic, (Greece) and the Tokyo Opera Studio, (Japan). This marks his second appearance with the VIS, and he is excited to return to open the season. In a delightful twist, Girard, an avid commercial aviation enthusiast and pilot, plans to fly himself to Nanaimo for the performance!
We are so thrilled this performance will also feature our new Concertmaster, Joan Blackman, whose exceptional talent will help convey the enchanting narratives woven throughout the program.
Highlighting both Canadian talent and classical masterpieces, this concert is not only a celebration of music – it is a celebration of our community and the stories that unite us.
The programme will burst to life with Alexina Louie’s Music for a Celebration — a vibrant, rhythmic spark that sets the tone for the season ahead. Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn follows – a masterclass in imagination and craft, transforming a single theme into a sweeping musical journey. The concert culminates in Rimsky Korsakov’s beloved Scheherazade, inspired by the timeless tales of One Thousand and One Nights.
Though each of these composers represent different eras and styles in classical music, there are interesting correlations among them.
Cultural Influence: All three composers were influenced by their cultural contexts. Alexina Louie draws on her Canadian heritage and Eastern influences, which is evident in her vibrant and rhythmic compositions. Brahms, rooted in the Romantic tradition, often incorporated folk elements and classical forms, while Rimsky-Korsakov’s work is steeped in Russian nationalism and folk tales
Romantic Tradition: Brahms and Rimsky-Korsakov are both significant figures in the Romantic era, though they approached composition differently. Brahms is known for his structural rigor and emotional depth, while Rimsky-Korsakov is celebrated for his orchestral color and vivid storytelling. Louie, while contemporary, is influenced by the Romantic tradition in her expressive style, creating a bridge between past and present.
Orchestration and Innovation: All three composers are notable for their innovative orchestration. Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn showcases his mastery of orchestral writing, transforming a simple theme into a complex tapestry of sound. Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade is a prime example of his brilliant use of orchestral color, bringing the tales of One Thousand and One Nights to life. Louie’s work demonstrates a modern approach to orchestration, incorporating diverse musical elements and textures.
While there is no direct personal relationship among these composers due to the differences in their lifetimes – Brahms (1833-1897), Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908), and Louie (born 1949) – their works can be seen as part of a broader dialogue within classical music, reflecting the evolution of styles, themes, and cultural influences across generations.
Arabian Nights takes place on Saturday, October 17th at 7:30 pm at the Port Theatre with a pre-concert talk starting at 6:30 pm.