1. Art and Diseño

WINTER /SPRING 2015 CONCERTS
BMW Nanaimo
bmwnanaimo.ca
The Ultimate
Driving Experience®
THE BMW 3 SERIES SEDAN
Designed for performance in every detail
STARTING AT
$38,285*
BMW Nanaimo A Division of the German Auto Import Network
2470 Kenworth Rd. | 250.585.6959 | bmwnanaimo.ca
BMW Nanaimo
@BMWNanaimo
European models shown for illustration purposes only. *Starting at price based on 2015 BMW 3 series with 6 speed manual transmission available at $35,990
which includes MSRP, Freight and PDI ($2,295). Doc ($395), admin ($495), PPSA (up to $44.26, if applicable), EHF tire ($25), environmental levies ($100),
registration, taxes, and licence extra. ©2015 BMW Canada Inc. “BMW”, the BMW logo, BMW model designations and all other BMW related marks, images and
symbols are the exclusive properties and/or trademarks of BMW AG, used under license. DL 10134 # 31303
Introducing the new
2015 B-Class.
Now available with 4MATICTM
All-Wheel Drive**
TOTAL PRICE1 $34,115*
Mercedes-Benz Nanaimo
A Division of the German Auto Import Network
2472 Kenworth Road | 250-585-8960 | mercedesnanaimo.com
Join our online community:
facebook.com/MercedesBenzNanaimo
© 2015 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. 2015 B 250 Sports Tourer shown above MSRP $31,300. *Total price of $34,115 includes MSRP of 2015 B 250 Sports Tourer $31,300, freight/
PDI of $2,295, dealer admin fee of $395, Environmental Levies ($100), and a $25 fee covering EHF tires. [1] PPSA up to $45.48 (if applicable), vehicle licence, insurance, registration
and taxes are extra. **2015 B 250 Sports Tourer 4MATICTM MSRP $33,500 . Dealer may sell for less. See Mercedes-Benz Nanaimo for full details. DL9808 #30818.
2015 Subaru
STARTING FROM
$27,230*
2015 Legacy 2.5i 6MT
Superior engineering for a
confidence-inspiring legacy
2014 SUBARU
Subaru of Nanaimo
A Division of the German Auto Import Network
Subaru of Nanaimo
2476 Kenworth Road | 250.585.3052 | subarunanaimo.ca
Well
Equipped
from
Lease/Finance
Vehicle shown is for illustration purposes only and may have additional options that are not available
in Canada.
*Starting from
based on
2015 Subaru Legacyfrom
2.5i and includes a MSRP of $25,635 and freight & PDI ($1,595). Environmental levies ($100), DOC ($395), tire levy ($25), PPSA (if applicable), license, taxes,
*
**
insurance and registration extra. See Subaru Nanaimo for more details. DL 1091 #31305
$
30,090
0.5%
Senior Living...
The Berwick Way
TM
Vibrant communities created by caring people,
where the individual needs of the resident always
comes first.
• Red Seal Chef Prepared Meals
• Complimentary Berwick About Town Car
• BRIO Care Suites & Assisted Living Support
• Engaging Lifestyle & Leisure Events
• 24 HR Care staff, Emergency Call Sensors, Fully Secured Premises
• Conveniently Located Close to Community Amenities
Find out more about The Berwick WayTM
Ask one of our Senior Living Experts today!
Visit BerwickRetirement.com
Or call 250-729-7995 to learn more.
Proud to be BC Owned & Operated.
3201 ROSS ROAD NANAIMO, BC V9T 6L9
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 3
TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S
Vancouver Island Symphony
Greetings from Pierre Simard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Artistic Director Pierre Simard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Members of the Orchestra. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
About the VI Symphony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Administrative Team. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
DECK OF PL AYING CARDS
T IMELESS TRE A SURES SERIES
Friendship: Ian & Beethoven. . January 31
Guest Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Music Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
A Miniature Art
Collection –
54 Unique
Cards!
Celebrate 20! years
Retrospective #2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Donors and Community Partners
Our Generous Supporters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Community Partners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
POPU L AR PLE A SURES SERIES
He Sings, She Sighs . . . . . . . February 14
Guest Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Limited Edition Prints
Wrapped Canvas Editions
Postcards
CRE ATED FOR THE DECK BY
Carey Anderson
Dan F Gray
Emily Bourke
Dirk Heydemann
John Hofman
POPU L AR PLE A SURES SERIES
Helen McIntosh
Tonight...Piaf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 21
Guest Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36, 39
About this show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Valerie Capewell
Gerda Hofman
Teresa Knight
Grant Leier
Marilyn Peeters
Fred Peters
Cecile Van Woensel
AVAIL ABLE AT
All Symphony Concerts
VI Symphony Office (60 Wharf St)
Nanaimo Museum (100 Museum Way)
Dog n Suds (2209 Wilgress Rd)
T IMELESS TRE A SURES SERIES
From Pierre with Love. . . . . . . . April 18
Guest Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Music Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Sing with the Symphony. . . . . . . . . . . 46
Women of Note. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Symphony Community Day . . . . . . . . 48
Join our Symphony Family
Make a Difference, Make an Impact . . . . 49
Turley’s Florist (60 Terminal Ave)
Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut
(Country Club Centre)
Nanaimo Visitor Centre
(Northfield Road at Parkway)
Woodgrove Centre
(Customer Service, Food Court)
Damsels Fashions
(413 Fitzwilliams St)
PL AY ON! NANAIMO SP ONSORS
PROGR AMS SUBJEC T TO CHANGE
PHOTO CREDIT
P H OTO G R A P H S O F V I S P E R S O N N E L A N D E V E N T S
O N PAG E S 1, 3 , 5 , 9 , 12 , 2 0 , 2 2 , 2 3 , 33 , 4 2 ( P. P lu m l e y),
47, 4 9 & 5 0 BY
H E Y D E M A N N A R T O F P H OTO G R A P H Y
Please help us save resources by
recycling your copy of encore!
4 encore!
January– April 2015
A project by the Vancouver Island Symphony
Celebrate 20 with us!
A Message from Pierre Simard
T
wenty years of great performances,
thrilling discoveries, refreshing creations,
sparked friendships, and a true, talented,
time-tested creative asset in our community...
This is who we are, this is what we do! Let
us celebrate an awesome 20th anniversary
season as your Vancouver Island Symphony!
Through this year-round musical party,
we remember our extraordinary symphonic
journey, with a special focus on the people
who have built this orchestra: musicians, composers, staff and board members, soloists,
and YOU, our faithful audience. Every concert
of this 20th edition features a special tribute
to the VIS history, through its people and
repertoire.
February
and March
celebrate
the human
voice, featured in both programs of our Popular Pleasures series. We’ve reunited two extraordinary
performers, former Cirque du Soleil artist
Nadya Blanchette and the island’s favourite
tenor, Ken Lavigne, for a tailor-made show
that’s all about love, seduction and charm,
on Valentine’s Evening! A tasteful and passionate selection of duets and songs from the
best of Broadway, Italy and light opera are on
the couples’ menu, with sugar and spice, perfect for a moving celebration of romance for
everyone to enjoy.
Then we team up with Nanaimo’ own
Joëlle Rabu in a premiere performance of
the orchestral version of her signature show
Tonight... Piaf. Recreating the celebrated
singer’s final 1961 New York performance,
the program showcases Joëlle’s consummate artistry in its full light, also featuring VIS-commissioned arrangements and
orchestrations.
We bring our celebratory season to a
close with some of my own preferred music,
with another world premiere — for cello and
orchestra — gorgeous choral music, riverinspired symphonic works and a magnificent,
time-tested festive piece as a rousing finisher!
The Vancouver Island Symphony is a true
gem on the Island. I am honoured and excited
to be part of it, and happy to further its being
a creative asset in our community, along with
our VIS team. Live symphony performances
are essential in enhancing our lives through
the universal and powerful language of music.
Thank you for your presence in our home,
here at the Port Theatre, and best wishes for
another enjoyable season together. Join our
Awesome party and with us—Celebrate 20!
We start our season’s second half with a
return appearance from audience favourite
Ian Parker, playing Mozart’s most dramatic
concerto... his 20th! We are also joined by
former VIS Composer-in-residence Jason Nett,
with a brand new piece of his, where composer doubles as performer. The program is
crowned with one of Beethoven’s most tuneful pieces—the Seventh Symphony.
Pierre Simard, Artistic Director
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 5
presents
ANDRÉ
LAPLANTE
Solo Piano
featuring works by
Schubert and Liszt
“glittering and incisive in virtuosity...
tender and confiding in lyricism.”
Globe and Mail
Sunday, March 15, 2015 @ 2:30 PM
Port Theatre
Adults $38; Students $25
www.musicnanaimo.com
Tickets: 250 754 8550
"THE DIVIDENDS OF AN INVESTMENT IN ART ARE HEALTHY
COMMUNITIES AND STRONG ECONOMIES"
Doug Routley, MLA Nanaimo~North Cowichan Box 269 | #1 – 16 High Street Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A2 Phone 250.245.9375 | Fax 250.245.8164 Unit 112 50 Tenth Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 6L1 Phone 250.716.5221 | Fax 250.716.5222 Email [email protected] | Website www.dougroutley.ca Classical Coffee Concert Series
with Sarah Hagen and Friends
Intimate Lobby Performances
Feb. 3 | Mar. 10 | Apr. 14
10:30am
Tickets: $27.50
Members: $24.50
Students: $15
Eyego: $5 (youth)
6 encore!
January– April 2015
Michael L. Warsh
Sabrina Yeudall
PROUD SUPPORTER
of the
VANCOUVER ISLAND
SYMPHONY
Rickwood’s
Menswear & Art Service
250-616-1158
derekrickwood.com
Derek Rickwood, BFA
Clothier / Artist
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 7
ARCT | ALCM | RMT
nanaimopianoteacher.com
250.816.0887
Nanaimo’s only hearing clinic owned
and staffed by an audiologist
110–2124 Bowen Road
250-760-0749
calvorihearing.com
Luigi Calvori, M.Sc., RAUD
R EGIST ER ED AU DIOLOGIST
8 encore!
January– April 2015
— BIOGR APHIES —
Pierre Simard
Artistic Director
A
cclaimed in Canada and internationally
by fellow musicians, critics and audience
members alike, Pierre Simard is a prominent
conductor and composer-arranger. Artistic
Director and Conductor with the Vancouver
Island Symphony and formerly Associate and
Resident Conductor with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (AB) and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Simard is versatile,
compelling and nuanced, performing every
masterwork with remarkable musicianship.
A guest conductor with major symphonies and ensembles, Pierre Simard is namely
invited throughout North America with the
Milwaukee Symphony (WI), the Tucson Symphony (AZ), for the Hot Springs Music Festival
(AR), the Toronto Symphony, at the Ottawa’s
Jazzfest and the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Lanaudière’s International Music Festival
(Qc), the Edmonton Symphony (AB), the Victoria Symphony (BC), Québec’s Les Violons du
Roy, Montréal’s Orchestre Métropolitain, and
also conducts in Europe and across Canada for
special events, tours and festivals.
Pierre Simard guest conducts performances with virtuosi and solo artists of all
genres, notably trumpet legend Chris Botti,
singers Colin James, Chantal Kreviazuk and
Nikki Yanofsky, Cirque du Soleil acts as well
as classical stars such as pianists Jan Lisiecki,
Angela Cheng, Benjamin Grosvenor and other
accomplished international soloists.
Amongst many distinctions in Canada
and the United States, Pierre Simard was
given an Award in Orchestral Conducting
from the Canada Council for the Arts, two
Opus Prizes from the Quebec Council of Music,
and many prizes recognizing his outstanding
artistic contribution. Pierre Simard holds a
Master’s Degree from Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute in Baltimore(MD) and 5
prizes from Montréal’s Conservatory of Music.
Pierre Simard’s warm personality on and off
stage combined with his unwavering commitment to music performance have drawn
concertgoers of all generations to celebrate a
large and diversified repertoire.
Woodgrove Chrysler
is pleased to be a concert sponsor of the
Vancouver Island Symphony.
A Symphony Sponsor since the beginning.
6800 Island Highway North
Nanaimo, BC
V9V 1A3
250-390-3030
www.woodgrovechrysler.com
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 9
Arts Community
in
the
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
NANAIMO NORTH TOWN CENTRE
Visit our website for
information about
current &
past events.
•
•
•
•
Festival of Trees
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Festival of Banners
Rotary Giant Used Book Sale
SEARS : TARGET : CANADIAN TIRE : LONDON DRUGS
FAIRWAY MARKET : G A L A X Y T H E A T R E S
Switch to the Bank that is
open earlier, open later,
even Sunday
4 great
locations
to serve you!
1150 Terminal Ave
T: 250-754-7731
F: 250-754-1930
9 Nicol St
T: 250-734-7590
F: 250-734-7591
5777 Turner Rd
T: 250-390-1248
F: 250-390-1296
1810 Dufferin Cres
T: 250-716-2600
F: 250-716-2610
On average versus any other Canadian Bank. Individual branch hours may vary.
10 encore!
January– April 2015
Vancouver Island Symphony
City of Nanaimo Winner, 2012 Excellence in Culture Award
First Violin
Calvin Dyck,
Concertmaster
Eveline O’Rourke
Honourary
Concertmaster Chair
Li Ling Liao†
Alana Lopez†
Erin Dorfer†
Susan Cosco
Jeremy Ferland
Sandy Fiddes
Yungjung Jung
Julia Lim
John Matthews
Jeremy Potts
Second Violin
Samuel Tsui*
James Mark†
Kathleen Hovey†
Marjorie Cullerne†
Ji In Kim
Christine Lin
Natalia Manolov
Zuzana Uskovitsova
Viola
Manti Poon*†
Guyonne Le Louarn†
Evan Hesketh
Ernest Kassian
Sarah Kwok
Barry Leung
Steven Lin
Cello
Ben Goheen
Nathan Jacklin
Shin Jung Nam
Helena Jung
Brendan Millbank
Silvina Samuel
Double Bass
Mark Beaty*†
Michael Vaughan†
Mark Haney
Alex Rempel
Trombone
Andrew Poirier*†
Shawn Wright†
Matt McConchie
Greg Passmore
Flute
Paolo Bortolussi*†
Emily Nagelbach†
Mark McGregor
Bass Trombone
Scott MacInnes*†
Oboe
Pippa Williams*†
Dr. Marjorie S.
Holmes Memorial
Chair
Geronimo Mendoza†
John Lee
Clarinet
Christopher Lee*†
Krystal Morrison
Kate Frobeen
Ken Lee
Gene Ramsbottom
Timpani
Nicole Arendt*†
* Principal
† Core Musician
Pippa Williams
Personnel Manager /
Librarian
Tuba
Eric Morton*†
Jim Kent
Technical Director
Harp
Lani Krantz*†
Esther Cannon
Musicians listed will perform
on one or more Vancouver
Island Symphony concerts
Percussion
Jonathan Bernard*†
Martin Fisk
Daniel Tones
Timothy Van Cleave
this season.
Bassoon
Anthony Averay*†
Olivia Martin†
Katrina Russell
French Horn
Andrew Clark*†
Keon Birney†
Karen Hough†
Heather Walker†
Nick Anderson
Trumpet
Stevan Paranosic*†
Mark D’Angelo†
Tim Quinlan
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 11
with your Board of Directors
Photo taken at German Auto Impor t Net work, Mercedes-Benz — Our 2014 –2015 Season Sponsor
Board of Directors: L– R , Marianne Turley, Judi Car ter, Gill Campbell, Mar y Magrega, Larr y Rumming, Joyce Clarke, Blake McGuf fie.
Missing: Tom Dorran, Michael Warsh Credit: HA Photography
Greetings from the Board
Mary Magrega, President
W
e are half way through our year-long
birthday party, and so far we have celebrated with Elgar and Tetsuumi Nagata,
Mozart and the Pacific Spirit Choir with Gerald
van Wyck, A Capella Plus and the Island Consort, and heralded Christmas with the Festive
Brass and our own Symphonic Choir and Symphonic Children’s Choir.
For the spring, we are looking forward
to welcoming Beethoven and Ian Parker, and
getting romantic with Nadya Blanchette and
Ken Lavigne on Valentine’s Day. March is
going to be especially exciting as we offer our
second annual Nanaimo Bar None showcasing 100 award-winning Nanaimo performers
AND Joelle Rabu’s fabulous Tonight... Piaf. Old
friends indeed. I remember drifting dreamily
out of the theatre the last time I saw Tonight...
Piaf, only to discover that my car had been
broken into. It didn’t spoil my enjoyment of
the show. To bring the year to a spectacular
close, From Pierre With Love will bring us some
of his favourite works, including the premiere
of a cello concerto with guest Ariel Barnes.
While we are enjoying seeing old friends,
we are also looking to the future with our
education show, My Symphony with Rick Scott.
All grade 4 students in Nanaimo and Comox
region will see this show on Friday, February
13 in Nanaimo. We are delighted that all the
seats are filled already, and we know that we
will be making new friends for our next 20
years and beyond.
Again, thank you on behalf of the musicians, volunteers, staff and Board for your
past and future support. Let’s keep music LIVE.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Mary Magrega | PAST PRESIDENT Tom Dorran
TREASURER Blake McGuffie | SECRETARY Joyce Clarke
DIRECTORS AT LARGE Judi Carter, Larry Rumming, Michael Warsh
VIS AMBASSADOR Marianne Turley | EX OFFICIO Margot Holmes, Pierre Simard
MUSICIANS’ REPRESENTATIVE Andrew Clark
12 encore!
January– April 2015
Gift Vouchers are available —
call 250.754.0177
For those 50 or better
Are you interested in
challenging your mind?
Saturday, March 21, 2015,
3:00 & 7:30 p.m.
Tonight… Piaf
GUEST ARTIST
Joëlle Rabu, Actor and Singer
Informal atmosphere • Inspiring instructors
Engaged students • Stimulating topics
Annual ElderCollege membership: $20
Course cost: $40 + tax
Locations in Nanaimo, Parksville,
Qualicum Beach
At last! Tonight… Piaf arrives on stage
with a full orchestra in this premiere
performance with music arranged by
Nico Rhodes. This highly acclaimed and
extensively toured hit show is co-written
by and stars Joëlle. It is a story about
embracing life without fear, an intimate
musical drama re-creating Edith Piaf’s
final New York concert in 1961 at the
Waldorf Astoria. Joëlle’s award-winning
portrayal of the legendary French
songbird will leave you breathless!
www.viu.ca/eldercollege
1.866.734.6252
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 13
— GUEST ARTIST —
M
agnetic, easy-going and delightfully articulate, Canadian pianist Ian Parker captivates audiences wherever he
goes. He has appeared as a recitalist and as guest soloist with
philharmonic, symphony and chamber orchestras across North
and South America, Asia and Europe. Recent highlights of his
career include appearances with the Eugene Symphony, Hong
Kong Sinfonietta and the Orquestra Filarmônica de Minas Gerais/
Brazil, in addition to performances at both the Britt Festival in
Jacksonville, Oregon and the Brott Festival in Ontario.
Ian collaborated with the internationally renowned Vogler
Quartet during its twentieth anniversary tour in 2005-06
throughout North America and has continued to tour with them regularly, including their
Vogler Springs Festival in Sligo, Ireland and the Kammermusik Festival in Hamburg, Germany.
Ian has appeared with the Attacca Quartet, and collaborated with German violinist Augustin
Hadelich in numerous North American venues.
Ian is an active recording artist with ‘Mozart: Concertos 1 piano, 2 pianos, 3 piano’ (CBC
Records), ‘Ian Parker with the London Symphony Orchestra’ and ‘Moonlight Fantasies’, both
with ATMA. Heard regularly on CBC Radio, Ian has also performed live on WQXR (hosted by
Robert Sherman) in New York.
Born in Vancouver to a family of pianists, Ian began his piano studies at age three with
his father, Edward Parker. He holds both the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from The
Juilliard School where he was a student of Yoheved Kaplinsky; recipient of the Canada Council
for the Arts ‘Sylva Gelber Career Grant’ which is given annually to the ‘most talented Canadian
artist’; was the First Prize winner at the 2001 CBC National Radio Competition, and recipient of
the 2002 William Petschek Piano Debut Award. www.ianparker.ca
J
ason Nett is a composer, performer, conductor, producer/
engineer and educator. Jason’s versatility and command
within many different styles and genres all stem from his desire
to share his deep passion for music. He has composed works ranging from opera and symphonic pieces for full orchestra, chamber
orchestra, to dance and trio/duo/solo works, and choir pieces.
Jason’s music has been performed by such ensembles as the Vancouver and Vancouver Island symphonies, The Aventa Ensemble,
Napa Valley Symphony Players, Vertical Orchestra, Plastic Acid
Orchestra, Gros Morne Summer Music Festival, British Columbia
Boys Choir, Vancouver Guitar Quartet, The Napa Valley Choral
Society, and Michael Strutt.
Jason was the Composer in Residence for the Vancouver Island Symphony from 2005-2009,
and had the same title with the Gros Morne Summer Music Festival from 2010-2012. He held the
position of Associate Conductor of the Napa Valley Choral Society for their 2011-2012 season
where he helped to re-envision the organization, and conducted the Napa Valley Dance Company’s production of The Nutcracker.
Jason is an avid performer and skilled multi-instrumentalist. He has held several positions
as a professional bass/baritone soloist, and has toured around the world many times as a guitarist and music director. He is presently lead guitarist and artistic director for the Ontario group
Night Shift. Jason is also a very seasoned “studio rat” and has worked with artists such as Limp
Bizkit, and multi-platinum producers David Kershenbaum (Tori Amos, Duran Duran), Scott
Church (Black Sabbath, Cher, Motley Crue), Dave Schiffman (Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Audioslave,
System Of A Down), and Chris Potter (Brian Adams, Sarah Mclachlan).
14 encore!
January– April 2015
SEASON SPONSORS
TIMELESS TRE A SURES #4
PROGR AMME
Friendship: Ian & Beethoven
Conductor: Pierre Simard
Guest artist: Ian Parker, piano
Jason Nett (b. 1975)
Mix Tape*
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, KV466
i. Allegro
ii. Romanze
iii. Allegro assai
Intermission
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92
i. Poco sostenuto—Vivace
ii. Allegretto
iii. Presto—Assai meno presto (Trio)
iv. Allegro con brio
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
7:30 PM
PRE-CONCERT TALK 6:30 PM
IN THE THEATRE
PERFORMANCE SPONSOR
TIMELESS TREASURES SERIES SPONSOR
*World Premiere, Commissioned for VIS
You’re richer
than you think.®
The Arts inspire us to pursue our passions, proving us with new perspectives
and experiences that enrich our lives. That’s why we support the Arts in
Canadian communities as part of our Bright Future program.
Scotiabank is a proud sponsor of The Vancouver Island Symphony.
®
Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia.
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 15
250 729 5444 www.heydemannphoto.com
16 encore!
January– April 2015
— M USI C N OT ES —
TIMELESS TREASURES SERIES #4
Friendship: Ian & Beethoven
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Mix Tape—Jason Nett (b. 1975)
“A ‘mix tape’ is a form that allows the
creator to express ideas and sentiments (usually romantic) with someone else through the
re-recording of songs in a specific order on
a blank cassette tape. For the most part, the
music was unrelated in origin, yet because of
the ordering and choice of music one was able
to say ‘I’m sorry,’ or profess a hidden crush.
Technology has now seen the playlist make
the mix tape extinct.
“My ‘Mix Tape’ is a collection of three
short pieces with the intent of taking the listener on a journey. From slightly challenging
to anthemic, I wish to share with the listener
and inspire them to fall just as much in love
with the sounds that I have!” —Jason Nett
Piano Concerto no. 20 in D minor, KV 466—
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
Although Mozart wrote many concertos
for other instruments, they don’t approach
the sophistication of this mature piano concerto. From its opening dark and pulsing
chords, in seems to open a path from the
Classical into the Romantic era. Beethoven
admired it and performed it frequently.
A ‘concerto’ is a work in which a solo
instrument is contrasted and blended with
the orchestra. They are usually written in
three movements. The ‘cadenzas’ are the solo
parts that allow the soloist to display his technical ability—usually written by the composer.
Mozart wrote no cadenzas for this work, with
good reason. The premiere was so rushed that
the copyist was still working on the orchestral parts when the audience arrived. Mozart
improvised them on the spot!
The writing for both the soloist and the
orchestra is powerful and dramatic. The first
movement starts off in a dark key with strings
quietly building before being taken over by
the piano soloist. The slow, tender second
movement (Romanze) is lyrical and passionate, creating harmony between the piano and
the orchestra and is followed by a turbulent
by Eveline O’Rourke
theme which contrasts the peaceful mood.
The last movement (Allegro) begins with the
solo piano rippling upward before the full
orchestra replies with an agitated section.
Several irregular modulations lead to a happy
melody, taken up by the winds. The solo piano
repeats the theme before a full orchestra
develops the passage and rounds up the concerto with a triumphant finale.
The intensity of this work leaves an indelible mark on the listener—and is a good example of how Mozart’s music deeply touches
human emotions.
Symphony no. 7 in A major, op.92—
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Beethoven was not a well man. For much
of his life he was tormented by headaches,
abdominal disorders, tinnitus and other problems. He also suffered bouts of depression—
possibly caused by his ill health and deafness.
He robustly rose above his tribulations and
with each recovery, gained new strength for
composition. That was the case with his Seventh Symphony when, on the recommendation of his doctor, Beethoven spent some time
in the peaceful Bohemian Spa town of Teplitz.
It was the summer of 1812, and the town
was considered neutral territory during the
Napoleonic wars. He went home completely
rejuvenated and immediately began writing
the Seventh. He was so filled with creative
energy that he also began work on his Eighth
Symphony.
The premiere of the Seventh Symphony
was performed in Vienna at a benefit concert for soldiers wounded in recent battles. It
was the most successful premiere of his life.
Along with the symphony, Beethoven presented a concerto and his popular “Wellington’s Victory.” In his address to the audience,
Beethoven said, ”We are moved by nothing but
pure patriotism and the joyful sacrifice of our
powers for those who have sacrificed so much
for us.” It was extremely well received. The
second movement had to be encored and the
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 17
Uniquely Eclectic
Home & Garden
250 591-3230 | [email protected]
208 Wallace Street, Nanaimo
between Bliss Gowns & Events and The Bee’s Knees
Wills, Estates & Trusts
ICBC Claims
#112 - 99 Chapel Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H3
www.huntsmanlaw.ca
*Timothy J. Huntsman Law Corporation | Tel: (778) 441-2888
Leonard Krog, M.L.A.
(Nanaimo)
Proud
Supporter
of the
Room 201
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Phone: 250 953-4698
Facsimile: 250 387-4680
Vancouver
Island
Symphony
18 encore!
4-77 Victoria Crescent
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B9
Telephone: 250 714-0630
Facsimile: 250 714-0859
e-mail: [email protected]
web: www.leonardkrog-mla.ca
January– April 2015
concert was repeated three times that week
due to its success. Applause rose to the point
of ecstasy. The ambition of the first movement,
the beauty of the second, the breathlessness of
the scherzo and energy of the finale impressed
his audiences—(newspaper quote).
The Symphony opens with the longest
introduction of Beethoven’s career. There
seems to be a dance-like quality about the first
movement with its sprightly dotted rhythm ( a
pronounced long note followed by two short
ones) which dominates the movement and
reappears in the second movement as well as
the finale. The second movement is magical
and is one that made an impression on young
Schubert who used its slow and weightless
beat in several of his later works. The Presto
springs to life and is interrupted twice by a
slower Trio section. The Finale is a frenzy of
rhythm (long-short-short), with pounding
energy and excitement culminating in two
huge climaxes—triple forte (very, very loud)!
For a man who endured so much suffering and loss, it is gratifying to think of
Beethoven’s exuberant Symphony in A major
as a musical translation of his happiness.
250.753.6766 | www.mannkirk.com
430 Wentworth Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 3E1
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 19
Celebrate 20! years of fantastic music
All in the Family: Retrospective #2 by Rosemary Phillips (VI Symphony writer for 15 of those 20 years)
WHILE RETROSPECTIVE #1 in mentioned to me that playing with the VIS
last fall’s encore! focussed mostly on the
has been and is like a holiday, having fun
history of the Vancouver Island Symand being with family. While re-reading
phony and its rise to maturity, it seems
some of the Happy Notes on the VIS web
only right that Retrospective #2 should
site, I see that in answer to why our musivisit the amazing musicians who have
cians like playing in Nanaimo, Jonathan
been part of that history and had a most
Bernard, percussion, says, “…because of
important role in creating the music and the wonderful family of talented, dediuniqueness that is this jewel of a ‘family’ cated musicians and administrators; and a
orchestra.
devoted, appreciative audience to perform
While I’m writing I’ve cranked up
for.” Keon Birney, French horn, says,
Pops in the Harbour, the VI Symphony’s
“Coming over to Nanaimo is like going on
CD produced in 2002. Flooding in
a mini-vacation. For a brief period of time I
are memories of that Symphony in the
am away from the phone, e-mail, and reguHarbour concert, the extra unplanned
lar responsibilities. I am allowed the luxury
pyrotechnic cannon that went off in the
of concentrating ONLY on playing great
“1812 Overture” (a surprise for conductor music for an appreciative audience.” Says
Marlin Wolfe), a huge party at the Acme
concertmaster Calvin Dyck, “…it’s such a
afterwards, and the hours of recording in positive group of people to play with and
the Port Theatre that weekend.
a very responsive audience.” Parksville
resident Marjorie Cullerne, second violin,
ALL IN THE VIS FAMILY A
answers, “…because I feel so appreciated
family orchestra you may ask? Well, many by my fellow players, the volunteers in the
of the musicians over the years have
green room, and the audience.”
20 encore!
January– April 2015
THE PORT THEATRE Nanaimo
resident Pippa Williams, oboe, puts it
this way: “I love the Port Theatre, the
orchestra members and the exciting programmes we get to play.” So yes, there’s
another major reason for the VIS being a
great orchestra with such fantastic performances; Scott MacInnes, bass trombone,
sums it up; “It’s the best hall on Vancouver Island.”
ABOVE AND BEYOND THE
CALL OF DUTY Over the 20
years, VIS musicians have stepped forward and assisted in public relations and
awareness, visited schools, taken time
to pose for photo-shoots in all kinds of
locations, patiently undergone interviews
by this writer, been active in all kinds of
fun promotional activities, and helped
out with campaigns, like “I Love My
Symphony” in 2005 when the musicians
donated their services to help pull the
organization out of a financial slump
and keep it going—because they really
did and do LOVE their symphony! They
have been and are musicians with big
hearts! So, while you watch them on stage
tonight, scrubbing their bows or blowing
their horns, oboes, flutes and bassoons
or adding rhythm and percussion, know
there’s a lot more behind each and every
one of them! (And I’m being reminded
to mention, Eric ‘Tuba’ Morton, often
forgotten as he puffs his whole notes in
the back row on the far right.) There’s a
lot of love on that stage!
Emotion is getting the best of me as I
think of everyone! I feel it in my heart. It
must be the music!
REFLECTIONS All that love and
camaraderie is reflected in how this
young orchestra, under the direction
and programming of Maestro Marlin
Wolfe, grew rapidly in artistic excellence
to become one of British Columbia’s
premiere professional regional orchestras. When Marlin Wolfe retired in 2008,
Maestro Pierre Simard took up the reins
and today continues that direction of
excellence and exceptional programming
—and family.
...wonderful family of
talented, dedicated musicians and administrators;
and a devoted, appreciative
audience to perform for...”
And through it all, this writer has had
the privilege of being able to interview
many of the musicians, guest artists and
the conductors, hang out in the ‘Green
Room’ during performances, connect
with musicians and Port Theatre crew
backstage during rehearsals, sometimes
helped out with refreshments and NoteworthyKids, participated in social functions, and frequently joined the musicians
after the show at a local pub or restaurant.
continued on page 22
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 21
continued from page 21
GUEST ARTISTS Many of the
orchestra’s own outstanding musicians
like Calvin Dyck, Paolo Bortolussi, Jonathan Bernard, Pippa Williams, Anthony
Averay, Brendan Millbank, Susan
Bullock, Jeff Brancato, Joel Stobbe, and
more recently Andrew Clark and Stevan
Paranosic, have been brought to centre
stage as soloists.
Artists of the highest calibre, like a
who’s who of the North American and
international music scene, have enjoyed
performing with the VIS—like Ian
Parker, Ken Lavigne, Tetsuumi Nagata,
Daniel Bolshoy, Michael Kim, Libby
Yu, Mike Herriott, Jeff Christmas, Peter
Kurpita, Valdy, Neil Miskey, Iveta and
Rinaldo Fornero, Michael Hope, Dee
Daniels, Jöelle Rabu, Romanza, Fraser
Walters, and the British Columbia
Boys Choir. Marlin Wolfe also brought
Marcus Groh from Germany, Juliette
Kang from Philadelphia,
Tommy Banks from Edmonton, Lara
St. John, Denise Djokic, Natalie Choquette, Eugene Fodor, Gary Karr, Jane
Coop, Tina Guo, Angela Cheng, Corey
Cerovsek, Dickran Atamian, and Hu Kun.
Top-notch entertainers like Norman
Foote and Dandi Productions came
for children’s shows, and the VIS commissioned Legends, composed by Jason
Nett, former composer-in-residence, and
scripted by Eliza Gardiner.
Pierre Simard has continued that
high calibre of guest artist by inviting Alexandre Da Costa, Cirque de la
Symphonie, The Jeans’N Classics Band,
Martin Chalifour, Elizabeth and Marcel
Bergmann, Guy Few, The Canadian
Tenors (now The Tenors), Sara Davis
Buechner, Nadya Blanchette, Ariel
Barnes, Jasper Wood, Quartetto Gelato,
Maureen Thomas, Phil Hansen, Alexander Serdar, and the brilliant children’s
production, My Symphony with Rick
Scott, arranged by Nico Rhodes.
IN ADDITION We
must not forget the contributions of Gerald van Wyck,
former assistant conductor; Delores Vann, former
concertmaster; guest
conductors Carlo Palleschi, Ivars Taurins, Fusao
Kajima; choral conductor
Patricia Plumley; commissioned composers Dorothy
Chang, Jocelyn Morlock and
22 encore!
January– April 2015
Emily Doolittle; and former education
coordinator and often guest clown,
Bobbi Kurtz (Aunti Bobbi).
Without the conductors, musicians,
guest artists and composers there would
be no music.
Without ticket buyers and an audience,
there would be no concerts.
Without sponsors, donors and government support there would be no Vancouver
Island Symphony.
Without staff, board of directors and
volunteers there would be no organization.
Holding everything together is
executive director Margot Holmes; a
small energetic staff that over the years
has come and gone but now includes Jae
Valentine, Kate Hynes, Dino Tsembellis
and Monique St. Pierre in the office, and
Jim Kent as technical director; freelancers like myself in BC’s Interior, and the
amazing graphic designer Nikki Attwell
in Kelowna; dynamic boards of directors
and a fleet of volunteers—all who have
contributed hours and hours of passion to
keep music LIVE in Nanaimo.
during intermission
and after the concert,
come and meet the
musicians and
everyone associated with the
VI Symphony, chat
with them,
and then
take a look
at the many
historical
binders filled
with articles, programs, flyers, reviews…
they say it all. And maybe take home a
few CDs. My toes are still tapping away
to Pops in the Harbour!
DEDICATION I dedicate this article to the
memory of John Forrest, bassist and huge supporter
of the VIS in their formative years; to the late Norma
Czerny, patron, my spy in the audience; to the musicians of those formative years who have since moved
on; and to Maestro Marlin Wolfe who helped create
the orchestra and was oh-so patient with this writer’s
lack of classical-music understanding.
A TOAST TO THE VIS
FAMILY It’s time to pop open the
champagne and raise a glass in gratitude
to you all, and to many more years of
fantastic LIVE music!
Oh my, I’ve run out of space and I
haven’t got to the choirs and vocalists,
and many people I have not mentioned.
What I do suggest is that in the lobby
(P.S. I am becoming a senior and retiring as
publicist this season. However, you can read articles
on many of the musicians mentioned here by vising
my website at www.quillsquotesandnotes.com.)
TO VISIT ALL THE EXCITING EVENTS OF
THOSE 20 YEARS, FEAST YOUR EYES ON
THE MANY HISTORICAL BINDERS
DISPLAYED IN THE LOBBY
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 23
— OU R SU PP ORT ER S —
­
T
he Vancouver Island Symphony gratefully acknowledges the support of the following
donors for their contribution to our annual operations. Names listed for gifts made since May 2014.
A+ indicates supporter of VIS Education Programs. % indicates VIS musician/staff
MAESTRO CIRCLE ($2000+)
Kathleen Arthur
Bob Bevis & Marie Emery
Lori Broadfoot
Chris & Gill Campbell
Craig & Joyce Clarke
Les Dickason
Tom Dorran & Tony Theirault
Ross Fraser
Allan & Diana Gould
Margot Holmes %
Randle & Fran Jones
Stephen & Debbie Neil
Dick & Eveline O’Rourke
Dietmar & Sharon Seibt
Pierre Simard %
Janet Taylor
Jim & Marianne Turley
CONCERTMASTER CIRCLE
($1000+)
Tony & Wilma Arruda A+
Richard & Lynne Bowen
Calvin Dyck %
Jim & Bettyanne English
Kate Hynes %
Ilona Lebourgeois
Mary Magrega
Peter McIntyre
Jock McKeen
John & Viva Pappel
Merilyn Pearson
Jean Smythe
Scott & Sheila Thomson
Rosemarie Sherban & Carl Saarinen Jae Valentine %
Michael L. & Cheryl Warsh
John & Christine Whitelaw
Dorothy Woodhouse
ENCORE CIRCLE ($600–$975)
Nikki Attwell %
Clifford (Tip) Bertram
Judi Carter
Timothy & Patricia Huntsman
Bob & Marg Sorochan
Monique St. Pierre %
Joy Vikstrom
Joyce Watson
OVATION CIRCLE
($375–$575)
John & Gladys Gorosh
David & Pam Helem
Arlene Juby
Larry & Alfonsa Rumming
Aileen Scott
David Whitaker
Doreen & Keith Ketchen
D. Joy Schroder
BRAVO CIRCLE ($175–$350)
24 encore!
Anonymous (2)
Louise Allix
Ken Baker
Paolo & Dorothy Bortolussi %
Gwen Boyd
John & Shirley Charnetski
Bill & Diane Cornish
Tony & Phyllis Feigel
Barbara & Jerry Hardy
Tatjana Hayes A+
Buz & Margaret Heath
Bill & Joyce Hedges
Barbara Hourston
Bill & Jackie Katerenchuk
Peter Kistler & Cindy Shantz
Heinz & Christel Kolke
Lynn Lepin A+
R.G. & Paula Madziya
Emmy Matte
William & Frances McColl
Ken & Pam McCready
Joan Nolting
Wolfgang & Ursula Riedel
Roy Sage A+
Betty St. Jean
Roger Taylor
Walter & Joan Worth
Christine Yeomans
APPLAUSE CIRCLE
($50–$150)
Anonymous (10)
Ken & Gail Armstrong
Barb Boagey
John & France Carpendale
Ralph Christensen
Margaret Corlett
Bruce & Solveig Farquharson
Sara Frisch
Alan & Marlene Gustafson
Tatjana Hayes
Adelheid Heller
Anne Henderson
Grant Hepburn
Suzanne Hough
M. Joyce Howarth
Elizabeth Isaac
Bill & Sheila Joss
Kathryn Karr
Julianne Koenig
Mary Laanela
Peter Law
Constance Legallee
Joseph & Lee Lukian
Ken & Margaret Mann
Helmut & Mary Mark
Frances McGowan
Beatrice Meston
Arla Jean Murch A+
Llona O’Gorman
Clifford & Mabel Pearson
Margaret M. Pierce
Maisie & Michael Priestly
January– April 2015
Bill Sands & Minh-Lac Bui
Teri Smith
Richard & Rosemary Spratt
Dieuwke Steenstra
Michael Stevens
Patricia Radcliffe
Don & Marilyn Ranta
Robert & Barbara Waters
Joris Wiggers
Pippa Williams %
John & Kathleen Whyte
Jean Wing
Peter Wong
Edna Woolfenden
Dennis & Leslie Wrightson
IN MEMORIAM
Bettie Andrews
Norma Czerny
Pat Dickason
Roger Emery
Judy Fraser
Jim Greig
James Smythe
Francois Wagstaff
WOMEN OF NOTE
Suzanne Andre
Patricia Blakney Huntsman
Dianne Bohn, Piano Studio
Karen Boudreau, Country Club
Centre
Lynne Bowen
Julia Browning
Gill Campbell, Certified Financial
Planner
Reta Chlan
Joyce Clarke
Maureen Cunningham
Linda Dier
Lindy Edgett, Whiteaker Roden &
Associates, Accountants
Bettyanne English
Joan Ethier
Katie Fielden, Alliance Business
Solutions Inc.
Zinda Fitzgerald, Aspengrove
School
Barbara Grubb, Origin at
Longwood
Melanie Johnson, Origin at
Longwood
Bobbi Kurtz, Aunti Bobbi the Clown
Barb Krause
Karen Lubin
Tatjana Hayes
Felicity Hardwick, Holly Tree Dental
Corinne Hermus-Buys
Gerda Hofman, Artist
Janet Humes, Hayes McNeill &
Partners Ltd
Susan Jimmo, Serious Coffee
cont’d on p. 25
— O U R CO M M U N I T Y PA R T N E R S —
T
he Vancouver Island Symphony gratefully acknowledges the support of the following
Community Partners for their contributions to the Symphony's operations.
SEASON SPONSOR
German Auto Import Network
SERIES SPONSORS
Timeless Treasures
Coast Bastion Hotel
Popular Pleasures
Windsor Plywood
PERFORMANCE
SPONSORS
Business Leaders Circle Members
Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut
Island Farms
Origin at Longwood
Scotiabank
The 7 Musical Smiles
Vancouver Island University
Woodgrove Chrysler INSTRUMENT FUND
Timpani Anonymous
SYMPHONY COMMUNITY
DAYS
Title Sponsor Thrifty Foods
Long & McQuade Musical
Instruments
Vancouver Island University
SYMPHONIC CHOIRS
Title Sponsor TD
Nanaimo Port Authority
SEND A SYMPHONY
MUSICIAN TO SCHOOL
Vancouver Foundation
MY SYMPHONY
EDUCATION SHOWS
CIBC Wood Gundy
Hamber Foundation
London Drugs
RBC Foundation
School Districts 68, 71 & 72
Women of Note (WON)
SYMPHONY OF ROSES
DAY
Turley’s Florist
WOMEN OF NOTE cont’d from p. 24
Melanie Johnson, Origin at
Longwood
Diana Johnstone, City Councillor
Jackie Katerenchuk
Maureen Lloyd
Nikki MacCallum, NikkiDesign
Yvonne MacIntyre, 5th Avenue
Jewellery
Christine McAuley, Chocolaterie
Bernard Callebaut
Kimberly Miller, HarbourLiving.ca
Suzannah Mills, ELEMENTS
Wellness Centre
Susan Murphy
Eveline O’Rourke
Louise Otto
Heather Pastro, VIU
Betty Reynolds
Stella Robinson
Andrea Rosato Taylor, Nanaimo
Daily News
Rosemarie Sherban
Wendy Smitka, Theatre One
Judy Stephan, Nanaimo Magazine Cynthia Spencer
Valerie Steves
Marianne Turley, Turley’s Florist
Joy Vikstrom
Naomi Wakan
Cheryl Warsh, VIU
Beverley Wells
Christine Whitelaw
Deborah Zorkin
SYMPHONY BY THE SEA
Windsor Plywood
Columbia Kitchen Cabinets –
Hans Kruger
BC Ferries
Country Grocer
Rotary Club on Nanaimo North
Derek Rickwood
United Floors – Parksville
NANAIMO BAR NONE
SHOWCASE
Title Sponsor Thrifty Foods
Performance Sponsor Island Farms
BUSINESS LEADERS
CIRCLE
CIBC Wood Gundy-Thornton
Harding Investment Grp.
Dog n’ Suds Pet Services Ltd.
Long & McQuade Musical
Instruments
Manning & Kirkhope Lawyers
Michael L. Warsh Law Corp
Nanaimo Honda
Origin at Longwood
St. Jean’s Cannery & Smokehouse
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
ArtsVest™
Budget Car & Truck Rental
Canadian Tire
Coal Tyee Elementary School
Country Club Centre
Country Grocer
Cyrenne, Seal, Moore & Co. Certified General Accountants
DTZ Barnicke Nanaimo
Hydemann Art of Photography
Long & McQuade
Nanaimo Airport Authority
Sands Funeral Chapel
Turley’s Florist
FOUNDATIONS
DK Brown Foundation
Windsor Plywood Foundation
MEDIA & PRINT PARTNERS
Harbourliving.ca
Nanaimo News Bulletin
Kwik Kopy Printing
Nanaimo Daily News / Harbour
City Star
Nanaimo Magazine
Nisa Internet Technologies
The Wave/The Wolf
What’s On Digest
PLAY ON! NANAIMO
PARTNERS
Coast Bastion Hotel
Coastal Community Credit Union
Dog n’Suds Pet Services
Downtown Nananimo Business
Improvement Association
HarbourLiving.ca
Nanaimo Airport YCD
Nanaimo Clippers
Port Theatre
Tourism Nanaimo
Turley’s Florist
Woodgrove Centre
PUBLIC INVESTMENT
Service Canada
HOTEL PARTNERS
Coast Bastion Hotel
Howard Johnson Harbourside
All information collected by the VI Symphony
is confidential and will not be disclosed.
#11905 0813 RR0001.
Tax receipts issued for donations over $20.
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 25
I’ll help you compose the kind
of retirement you envision
You can count on my experience to create a
financial security plan to help you achieve your dream
of a comfortable retirement. Please contact me today.
Robert George (R.G.) Madziya, B.A., M.A., EPC
Financial Security Advisor | Elder Planning Counselor
30-1150 Terminal Ave., Nanaimo, BC V9S 5LS
250-753-9955, ext. 513 | Toll Free: 1-888-238-0465
[email protected]
Freedom 55 Financial and design are trademarks of London Life Insurance Company.
PROUD SUPPORTER
OF THE
VANCOUVER
ISLAND
SPONSOR
AND DIRECTOR
OF THE
VANCOUVER
ISLANDSYMPHONY
SYMPHONY
Vancouver Island Symphony
is proudly supported by
Customer Service: 1.800.667.8280 • thriftyfoods.com
26 encore!
January– April 2015
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 27
— GUEST ARTISTS —
A
cclaimed for her warm creamy voice and charismatic
stage presence, soprano Nadya Blanchette sings worldwide. Her repertoire ranges from great opera roles to
cabaret, symphony masterworks, contemporary music, songs
in various languages, as well as movie and Broadway favourites.
She has performed throughout Europe, USA, Canada, South
Africa, China and Japan for music festivals, concerts and prestigious international events, also for the Vancouver and Vancouver
Island symphonies, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, CBC radio
& television, and national anthems for the Montreal Canadians.
With Cirque du Soleil, Nadya sang operatically during nearly 500
shows in Germany and Monaco. At Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s State Funeral she gave a compelling
performance of Gounod’s Ave Maria, which was broadcast on radio and television networks.
She has also toured with a symphony orchestra across Canada as part of Les Rendez-vous de
la Francophonie and she has sung with the Orchestre Métropolitain, I Musici de Montréal and
choirs in Belgium, Canada, Romania and France.
Her achievements include media, film and teaching projects. She has created seven shows
and released four CD recordings which include Le Maestro, Sa Muse…, famous opera arias in
original arrangements for voice and chamber orchestra, and Nostalgia, a collection of beloved
melodies for voice, violin and piano.
Nadya received numerous awards while obtaining her Master’s Degree in Voice at the
Université de Montréal, notably the Prize for Best Performance of a Canadian Work in the
Montreal Symphony Orchestra Competition. www.nadyablanchette.com
S
inger Ken Lavigne has charmed his way into the
hearts of concert goers across North America with his
exciting blend of classical tenor sound and modern style.
He was recognized early in his career for the outstanding timbre
of his lyric tenor voice as well as the ease and agility with which
he sings. He is a singer, composer, communicator and consummate entertainer who takes his audience on a riveting and
enchanting journey with spectacular songs and hilariously entertaining stories.
In 2004, Ken was a founding member of The Canadian
Tenors, and in 2006 he co-founded the successful tenor trio,
ROMANZA, which toured throughout North America and performed hundreds of concerts. In
2007, Ken shifted his focus to independently produced solo performances with his own group
of musicians, and engagements with symphony orchestras, musical theatre and opera companies across North America.
His CD recordings include On the Street Where You Live, Believe, O Night Divine, Keep
Holding On, Showtime and his latest release, Comfort and Joy.
On New Year’s Day 2008 he had an epiphany and decided to follow his dream of performing at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. Accompanied by the New York Pops Orchestra, he made
his New York Debut twelve months later on January 22, 2009. After three standing ovations for
his performance this debut led to engagements across North America, which include exclusives
with famed LA producer David Foster, and His Majesty, Prince Charles.
Ken has another dream—to perform at the Sydney Opera House in Australia in 2015.
www.kenlavigne.com
28 encore!
January– April 2015
SEASON SPONSORS
P O P U L A R P L E A S U R E S #2
PROGR AMME
He Sings, She Sighs–
A Romantic Comedy
QUALICUM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
7:30 PM
Conductor: Pierre Simard
Guest artists: Nadya Blanchette, soprano
Ken Lavigne, tenor
Leonard Bernstein: Tonight (from West Side Story)
NANAIMO
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
7:30 PM
Leonard Bernstein: I feel pretty (from West Side Story)
Leonard Bernstein: Maria (from West Side Story)
Cole Porter / arr. S. Rosenhaus: Night and Day
Francesco Paolo Tosti / arr. Chiaramello: Ideale
Luigi Arditi: ll bacio
Enrico Toselli: Serenata (Rimpianto)
Ernesto De Curtis / orch. Chiaramello: Surrender (Torna a Surriento)
Harold Arlen / arr. P. Simard: Over the Rainbow
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: La ci darem la mano (from Don Giovanni)
Intermission
Duke Ellington: In a Sentimental Mood
Jerry Bock: She Loves Me
C. Carson Parks / arr. P. Simard: Somethin’ Stupid
PERFORMANCE SPONSORS
Jacob Gade / arr. P. Simard: Jalousie (Tango Tzigane)
Michel Legrand / arr. P. Simard: Les Parapluies de Cherbourg
Ken Lavigne: I’m Coming Home
Jacques Brel / arr. G. Bellemare: Ne me quitte pas
Francis Lai / arr. P. Simard: Love Story
POPULAR PLEASURES SERIES SPONSOR
Richard Rodgers: Some Enchanted Evening (from South Pacific)
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 29
Vancouver Island Symphony 2014–2015
Dining Guide
Please support the businesses that support YOUR symphony!
Lunch
Tuesday–Friday
11:30am–2:30pm
Dinner
Tuesday–Saturday
Re-opens at 5:00pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
Reservations are recommended
3-course
Dinner
Special
$30
(250) 753-2866 • [email protected]
2367 Arbot Rd, Nanaimo
Certificate of Excellence
2014 Winner
powerhouseliving.ca
COMMERCIAL
250-591-7873
200 Commercial St.
METRAL
250-933-3733
6560 Metral Dr.
POWER HOUSE is your destination for healthy & delicious raw, plant based foods,
prepared daily with love, from fresh, organic and local ingredients, whenever possible.
Our creations are vegan, dairy & guten free, with no additives or preservatives.
Do you shop at Thrifty’s?
If you do, please consider using a Smile card from the Symphony.
You load the card and they send 5% of what you spend to the
Vancouver Island Symphony. It costs you nothing, but supports
our Education Programs.
Get your card at the VIS table in the middle of the lobby.
30 encore!
January– April 2015
Innovative thinking. Practical results.
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
Structural Restoration
Structural Engineering
Fall Protection
Depreciation Reports
Building Condition Assessments
Roofing and Waterproofing
For more information please contact:
Jason Kinch, P.Eng.
t: (250) 716-1550
e: [email protected]
Celebrating 15 years in Nanaimo
rjc.ca
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 31
DESIGN
BALANCE
HARMONY
MUSIC!
Congratulations to
Pierre, Calvin, et al
Brian Rodonets MAIBC
Jan Lamont
INteriors
www.coastalarchitects.net
[email protected]
250.758.5849
32 encore!
January– April 2015
NANAIMO BAR NONE
Calvin Dyck, Producer
2N D A N N UA L
SATURDAY
MARCH 14
7:30 PM
Nanaimo Bar None is an
entertaining variety show
featuring the best of
Nanaimo talent.
From Miss Nanaimo—a
superb tap dancer, to
Connor Stewart —a
teenage Jazz phenome just
recently returned from 7
weeks in New Orleans, this
concert will have you
singing along with the
Malaspina Choir, tapping
your toes along with the
award winning dancers
from Tempo Dance
Academy, and enjoying tasty
Nanaimo Bar Treats in the lobby.
The program will feature the
VIS Quartet performing
“Take me out to the Ball Game”
complete with costumes, batting
practice and even an altercation between
the “umpire” and one of the “players”.
In addition, the eclectic program will feature
poetry by Nanaimo’s own poet laureate
Naomi Beth Walkan, solos by clarinetist
Christopher Lee, a recent graduate from
the Julliard School, and music from Classical,
Broadway, Folk and Jazz traditions.
showcasing supreme,
scrumptious TALENT
Come celebrate the best of Nanaimo
at the Port Theatre on March 14!
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 33
Proud partner of the
Vancouver Island Symphony’s
20th Anniversary Season
4585 Uplands Drive
250-585-8045
34 encore!
January– April 2015
NED & O
P
LOCA
Si
ds
nce 1969
m
D
ATE
in
w
At Windsor Plywood,
we are proud to continue
sponsoring the Vancouver
Island Symphony and the
Arts throughout BC.
Serving communities
in BC since 1969.
Y
OW
ER
LL
A Proud Sponsor of the
Vancouver Island Symphony
o r p l y w o o d. c
o
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 35
P O P U L A R P L E A S U R E S #3
P R—
OG
BR
IO
AG
MRM
AEP H Y —
SEASON SPONSORS
Tonight... Piaf
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Conductor:
Pierre Simard
PERFORMANCE SPONSOR
Guest artists:
Joëlle Rabu, Actor and Singer
Nico Rhodes, Pianist and Arranger
POPULAR PLEASURES SERIES SPONSOR
J
oëlle Rabu as Edith Piaf The concept of time, venue
and circumstance in which this play takes place is real. This
concert actually happened and Edith Piaf was, in fact, in very
poor health. However the many people who saw Piaf in her final
years all state that her last shows were the most poignant, dramatic,
emotional and honest ever. Therefore the reason for choosing this
concept as a dramatization of Piaf’s life became clear.
Joëlle Rabu’s portrayal of Edith Piaf is not an impersonation.
Joëlle believes there was only one Piaf and considers it a privilege to
perform her songs and be accepted by the public who knew Edith.
Joëlle was brought up “la française,” with a lust for life and joie de vivre that can only be
understood by living it. The songs of Piaf were engraved in her heart at a very early age and
the stories from Joëlle’s gypsy-like parents only enhanced her curiosity of that very special era.
Joëlle was born in Winnipeg shortly after her parents emigrated from Brittany, France. She
spent her adolescence in Courtenay and at the age of 16 left home for three years to work her
way around the world. Her stage debut was in 1983 in the Vancouver City Stage musical hit, PIAF,
Her Songs Her Loves, for which she won two JESSIE Awards after a one-year run of the show.
Over the past three decades, Joëlle and her longtime musicians have toured five continents
with both Joëlle Rabu in Concert, and her musical drama, Tonight... Piaf, which she co-wrote in
1989 while pregnant with her son. Joëlle has numerous theatre credits to her name and she has
performed her pops concert with major symphony orchestras across Canada and in the States.
Joëlle was nominated for JUNO Award for her album, Passport. She recorded the cast
album of Tonight... Piaf with her quartet in 1990 and has recently released Full Circle, a musical
collaboration with her son.
This is the premiere performance of the orchestra version of Tonight... Piaf, which was
orchestrated by her son, Nico, and is dedicated to Les Guys, Dusty and Ray. www.joellerabu.com
Tonight... Piaf ©
Starring Joëlle Rabu | Script by Joëlle Rabu and Ted Galay
Orchestral Arrangements & Music Direction by Nico Rhodes
Stage Manager: Sue York | Lighting Design: Mike Bowen | Sound Design:
Voice of Jou Barrière: Jacques Baillaut | Voice of Waldorf Announcer: Richard Newman
Produced by RME Productions
The Original Cast & Crew of Tonight... Piaf ©
Tonight... Piaf premiered in 1989 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, Canada
Originally directed by Ray Michal | Originally music directed and arranged by J. Douglas Dodd
Musicians: J. Douglas Dodd, Charlie Knowles, Jack Stafford, Tom Neville
Original designers: Dusty Rhodes (Lights), Phil Posner (Sound), Heather Hansen (Wardrobe)
36 encore!
January– April 2015
— ABOUT THE SHOW —
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 37
Dr. John Carpendale
Dr. Jim English
Dr. Felicity Hardwick
Dr. Allan Pastro
Dr. Michael Rockwell
Dr. Paul Shaw-Wood
Dr. Robert S. Sorochan
38 encore!
January– April 2015
— BIOGR APHY —
P
ianist & Arranger Nico Rhodes has not stopped working since
his first professional theatre gig as a musician in the CTF production of Anything Goes at the age of 17. As an accomplished pianist,
woodwind player and arranger, Nico’s professional musical theatre direction credits include A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Some
Enchanted Evening, Frankie & Johnny in the Claire de Lune, All Shook
Up and It’s a Wonderful Life to name but a few. Nurtured by the rich
musical culture Nanaimo has to offer and experiencing life on the
road with his theatre parents from an early age, Nico considers these
elements of his life to be the reason behind his passion for music. He
has recently received his third Vancouver Ovation Award nomination
for Best Musical Direction and is looking forward to a fun summer, music directing Chemainus
Theatre’s musical, Twist and Shout. Nico’s debut in orchestral writing was for Rick Scott’s My
Symphony with the VIS in 2014. He then began work on orchestrating his mother’s long time hit,
Tonight... Piaf and discovered that he simply had to draw inspiration from the sounds that have
been with him since birth.
Join the VI Symphony Fan Sites on
facebook & twitter!
Find us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/vanislesymphony
Follow us on Twitter @vanislesymphony
250.754.6344
1.800.699.6344
marianne@turleysflorist.com
60 Terminal Avenue
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5C3
Voted Nanaimo’s #1 florist
turleysflorist.com
Best selection of fresh flowers, plants & all floral services
Supporting the Arts in Nanaimo
Michelle Stilwell
MLA Parksville-Qualicum
Government Caucus Chair
EMAIL
PHONE
[email protected]
250-248-2625
CONSTITUENCY OFFICE
2B-1209 Island Highway East, Parksville V9P 1R5
Proud Supporter of the Vancouver Island Symphony
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 39
Vancouver Island’s
Premier Active
Lifestyle Destination
ACTIVE LIFESTYLE COMMUNITY
250-751-7755
www.originlongwood.ca
Longwood
Station
Brannen Lake
fo
rd
Ro
ad
Uplands Drive
th
Nor
ive
Metral Dr
y
Hw
nd
Isla
full service rental suites
assisted living suites
long-term care suites
trial stays available
Nanaimo Parkway
Try our new
music program –
Hammond Bay Road
Turner Road
Woodgrove
Centre
Ru
th
er
ACTIVE LIFESTYLE COMMUNITY
6205 Oliver Road, Nanaimo
(At Uplands)
oad
er R
Oliv
Upla
nds
Driv
e
Nanaimo
North Town
Centre
Long Lake
Our best investment?
You and our community.
At CIBC Wood Gundy, we care about the communities where our clients and
employees live and work. That’s why we are happy to lend our
support to the Vancouver Island Symphony.
Nathan Thornton, CIM, FCSI, Vice-President, Portfolio Manager, Investment Advisor
250 753-4366 • 1 800 563-8281 • [email protected]
Thornton Harding Investment Group
CIBC Wood Gundy is a division of CIBC World Markets Inc., a subsidiary of CIBC and a Member of the Canadian
Investor Protection Fund and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.
40 encore!
January– April 2015
250
754 4611
Jean
Crowder
Member of Parliament
Nanaimo–Cowichan
Sign Up Now for Music Lessons and
Find Your Music!
Professional, qualified instructors
Caring and nurturing environment
Centrally located
We offer:
Suzuki Program
Individual Lessons
Ensemble Classes
RCM Exam Preparation
Summer Jazz Intensive
Theory and Musicianship
Award Winning Youth Choir
Spring Break Musical Theatre
Kindermusik for Babies and Toddlers
DUNCAN: 126 Ingram St
NANAIMO: 77 Victoria Cres
1-866-609-9998 | [email protected]
www.jeancrowder.ca
Promoting healthy communities
for a stronger tomorrow
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 41
— GUEST ARTISTS —
P
raised for “…his luscious tone and technical prowess…” (Vancouver Sun), Ariel Barnes is one of Canada’s acclaimed cellists. He
enjoys a diverse career performing as a soloist, chamber, and orchestral
musician. As an avid chamber musician, Ariel is a former member of the
Borealis String Quartet, Trio Accord and has collaborated with many
fine artists such as The St. Lawrence String Quartet, Musica Intima,
Trio Verlaine, Jonathan Crow, Dale Barltrop, Barry Schiffman, Andrew
Dawes, Martin Chalifor, Arthur Rowe, Ian Parker and Daniel Bolshoy.
He is the cellist for Couloir, a new duo project with harpist Heidi Krutzen.
In addition to his solo and chamber music performances, Ariel is principal cellist of the
Vancouver Opera Orchestra, a member of the Turning Point Ensemble, on faculty at the Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific and the Courtenay Youth Music Camp.
Equally comfortable in musical languages from the Baroque to music of our modern times,
Ariel’s performances range from evenings of period style interpretations of Baroque classics to
World Premieres of contemporary art music.
His recordings, which have received critical acclaim and been nominated for a Juno Award
and two Western Canadian Music Awards, can be heard on Atma Classiques, Skylark Records,
Universal Music and Centrediscs. Ariel was selected by CBC as one of six cellists across the nation
to recorded J.S. Bach’s d minor suite for their new online streaming project, The Portal. He has
recorded for Atma, Centrediscs, Espace Musique, Integrity Music, Za Discs, Disney Films, CBC
Television, Funktopus Records, extensively for CBC Radio, and with singer-songwriters such as
Brian Adams and Michael Bublé. (www.trioaccord.ca/about/ariel_barnes.php)
T
he music of composer Dorothy Chang has been described
as “evocative and kaleidoscopic” (Seattle Times) and praised for
its colourful scoring and range of dramatic expression. Her music is
rooted in the Western art music tradition but often reflects the eclectic mix of musical influences from her youth, ranging from marching
band to traditional Chinese music. Dorothy’s catalog includes over fifty works for solo, chamber
and large ensembles as well as collaborations involving theatre, dance
and video. She has several works written for Chinese and Western instruments in combination, a recent and developing interest in her music. Her compositions have been featured in
concerts and festivals across North America and abroad, with performances by the Albany
Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Civic Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba
Chamber Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Queens Symphony Orchestra, Saint Paul
Chamber Orchestra, Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra, as well as by chamber ensembles including eighth blackbird,
the Smith Quartet, the Chicago Saxophone Quartet, Collage New Music and Music from China,
among others. From 2005-2008 she was a Music Alive composer-in-residence with the Albany
Symphony Orchestra.
Born in Winfield, Illinois, Dorothy began studying piano and clarinet at a young age. She
received degrees in composition from the University of Michigan (B.M., M.A.) and Indiana University (D.M.). In 2003, Dorothy joined the music faculty at the University of British Columbia where she currently serves as an Associate
Professor of Music. (www.dorothychang.com)
A
t age five, Patricia Plumley (Director, VIS Symphonic Choir)
wanted nothing but to sing and dance and has been enjoying
the thrill of music ever since. She has been on faculty at the School
of Music at Vancouver Community College
continued on page 46
42 encore!
January– April 2015
TIMELESS TRE A SURES #5
SEASON SPONSORS
PROGR AMME
From Pierre with Love
Conductor: Pierre Simard
Guest artists:
Ariel Barnes, cello
VIS Symphonic Choir (Patricia Plumley, director)
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
7:30 PM
PRE-CONCERT TALK 6:30 PM
IN THE THEATRE
Bedrich Smetana (1824–1884)
The Moldau (from Ma Vlast)
TIMELESS TREASURES SERIES SPONSOR
Richard Wagner (1813–1883) / arr. E. Humperdinck
Siegfried’s Rhine Journey (from Götterdämmerung)
Dorothy Chang (b. 1970)
Invisible Distance for Cello and Orchestra*
VIS SYMPHONIC CHOIR SPONSORED BY
Intermission
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
Ave verum corpus, KV 618
Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901)
Va, pensiero (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, from Aida)
Alexander Borodin (1833–1887)
Polovtsian Dances (from Prince Igor)
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)
Overture 1812, op. 49
*VIS commission, World Premiere
Invisible Distance for Cello and Orchestra by Dorothy Chang was commissioned with funds
from the Canada Council for the Arts.
A grant from the Socan Foundation supports Dorothy Chang’s composer residency with the VIS.
BC Arts Council is gratefully acknowledged for an Innovations Grant.
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 43
— M USI C N OT ES —
TIMELESS TREASURES SERIES #5
From Pierre with Love
Saturday, April 18, 2015
by Eveline O’Rourke
The Moldau (from Ma Vlast)—
Bedrich Smetana (1824–1884)
Patriotic Czech composer Smetana
decided in 1874 to deal with his growing deafness. He resigned as music director of the
Prague Symphony and began to work on a
project started two years prior—the composition of a series of symphonic poems entitled
Ma Vlast (My Fatherland). Each movement
stands alone with its own story. The Moldau is
the second movement and describes the flow
of the Vitava River or, in German, the Moldau.
Smetana’s program: “Two springs pour
forth in the shade of the bohemian forest, one
warm and gushing, the other cold and peaceful. Coming through Bohemian’s valleys, they
grow into a mighty stream. Through the thick
woods it flows as the merry sounds of a hunt
and the notes of the hunter’s horn are heard
ever closer. It flows through grass-grown pastures and lowlands where a wedding feast
is being celebrated with song and dance. At
night, wood and water nymphs revel in its
sparkling waves. Reflected on its surface are
fortresses and castles—witnesses of bygone
days of knightly splendor and the vanished
glory of martial times. The Moldau swirls
through the St. John Rapids, finally flowing
on in majestic peace toward Prague to be welcomed by (the historic castle), Vysehrad, (once
the seat of power for Bohemian kings). Then it
vanishes far beyond the poet’s gaze.”
The work comes to a close with two
forceful chords.
Unfortunately, before he finished it,
Smetana’s deafness took over and he never
heard it in its entirety. It established his place
in music history.
Ring of the Niberlungen—based on Scandinavian saga involving gods and mortals. Wagner
began with the story of Siegfried’s death and
expanded the tale backward as ‘Siegfried’s
Death’, ‘The Young Siegfried’ and finally ‘The
Valkyrie’. Each demanded another opera to
provide background to the set. It is as a stage
festival for three days with a preliminary
evening. Siegfried’s Rhine Journey is a prelude to scene six of the opera. Siegfried and
Brunnhilde have found each other in godlike
love and devotion. When the scene opens, we
hear horn calls from afar, dark and deep in the
lower voices of the brass, sounding an awesome theme, Gradually it becomes brighter as
dawn gradually appears—the music swelling
with increasing power, telling of Brunnhilde
and her love for Siegfried. A horn call
announces full day. Siegfried rises armed with
the wisdom which Brunnhilde has bestowed
upon him. The music increases in intensity
and emotion, reaching a towering climax and
a change in tonality as various melodic themes
intertwine.
The music becomes calm—Siegfried goes
forth to his impending death.
Invisible Distance—
Dorothy Chang (b. 1970)
“This concerto is in many ways a meditation on the theme of isolation. Following the
tradition of a Romantic concerto, the soloist
serves as the protagonist. However, rather
than approaching the orchestra as either
a complementary or conflicting element, I
instead sought to create a sense of distance
between the two, as if the solo cello were
reaching toward something ever beyond
grasp.
Siegfried’s Rhine Journey (from
“In the opening movement, ‘Spheres,’
Gotterdammerung)—
the cello begins alone; orchestral colours and
Richard Wagner (1813–1883)
harmonies gradually emerge from, develop
Siegfried’s Death was the title of the and extend the cello’s material. The soloist
original sketch for an opera which took and orchestra, however, gradually diverge
Wagner 28 years to compose. It’s a compli- into separate musical planes throughout
cated tale, written as a four-opera cycle—The this increasingly turbulent movement. In
44 encore!
January– April 2015
— M USI C N OT ES —
the second movement, ‘In the slow time of
stars,’ the cello plays a wistful and introspective melody while the orchestra remains distant with soft, high shimmering chords. This
is a gentle movement, meant to capture the
stillness and spaciousness of a night sky filled
with silent stars. The third movement, entitled ‘Within darkness,’ begins with low, quiet
tension and skittish, angular fragments in
the cello. The rhythmically erratic gestures in
the cello become increasingly aggressive and
explosive, igniting the orchestra and building
to a climactic peak.”
Dorothy Chang
Invisible Distance was commissioned by
the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra
with funding generously provided by the
Canada Council for the Arts.
Ave verum corpus: K618—
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
Mozart wrote the Ave verum music
to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi in
Mozart’s native Austria—an important occasion at that time. The verse is from a 14th
century handwritten document penned by
an unknown author. and means, when translated, ‘Hail, true body’. The work was written
during a visit with his wife and son at Baden, a
spa near Vienna. It is one of his most famous
works and is still included in the liturgy of the
Roman Catholic church.
Va, pensioro (from Nabucco)—
Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901)
Verdi composed Nabucco at a difficult
time between 1838 and 1840, when his wife
and two children died.
He had just contracted with La Scala to
write another opera when the director forced
the libretto into his hands. Returning home,
he happened to open it at ‘Va, pensiero’—
and heard the words singing as soon as he saw
the phrase. At the first rehearsal, ‘stagehands
shouted their approval and beat the floor
with their tools to create an even noisier demonstration.’ Verdi felt that ‘this is the opera
with which my artistic career really begins
and though I have many difficulties to fight
against, it is certain that Nabucco was born
under a lucky star.’ When he died, by-standers on the streets along his funeral cortege
started spontaneous choruses of Va, pensioro.
The opera Nabucco is based on historical events in the 6th century BC when after
a three year siege, the city of Jerusalem was
conquered and destroyed. The people of
Judah who lived there at that time were taken
captive and exiled to Babylon. They believed
their exile was punishment by Jehovah for the
sin of worshipping other deities. Only after
repentance were they allowed to return to
Jerusalem.
This opera established Verdi as a major
composer in the 19th century.
Polovtsian Dances (from Prince Igor)—
Alexander Borodin (1833–1887)
The dances are a sequence of choral and
orchestral pieces forming a ballet scene in
Act 2 of Borodin’s epic opera, Prince Igor. The
‘Polovtsy’ were nomadic invaders of Russia who,
in the opera, capture Igor. Although Borodin,
a professor of Chemistry, had worked sporadically on the work for more than a decade, the
work remained unfinished before his sudden
death in 1887. His friends Nicolai RimskyKorsakov and Alexander Glazonov prepared
a performing version for ballet and chorus in
1890. Filled with infectious and exotic melodies, the dances proved to be favourites in the
concert halls and helped to carry Borodin’s
fame beyond the borders of Russia. Through
the years, there have been many popular
adaptations of their themes.
Overture 1812, Op. 49—
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)
The Overture of 1812 was written in 1880
to commemorate Russia’s defense of Moscow
against Napoleon’s advancing troupes at
the Battle of Borodino in 1812. The Russian
army had fought bitterly as they were driven
out of the city. They were not to be easily
defeated and charged back, driving Napoleon
out—making a start of the long retreat that
destroyed the once proud ‘grande armee’.
Tchaikovsky was well chosen for this task
with his Russian sensitivity and temperament
and his great gift for melody, brilliant orchestral colour and strong emotional expression.
The overture is best known for its climactic
volley of cannon fire and ringing chimes.
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 45
GUEST ARTISTS continued from page 42
(VCC) for over 25 years and has taught class
piano, piano pedagogy keyboard literature,
voice and piano lessons, chamber collaboration, vocal coaching and yoga. She also
conducts the VCC Willan Choir and is co-conductor of the Concert Choir. After conducting with the BC Boys Choir Choristers and
Celeste Girls’ Choir in 1998, Patricia launched
and directed the Kids Sing Inner City Chorus
where she combined her love of movement,
art, drama and singing. She is the conductor
of the BC Boys Choir, Vancouver Island and
this past summer joined them for their 45th
Anniversary Cross-Canada Tour.
With the VI Symphony Patricia directed
the VIS Community Choir in 2011 for the Last
Night of the Proms concert, and the VIS Symphonic Choir for the Best of Elton John, the
Best of the Beatles and Nanaimo Bar None.
Patricia also conducts the VIS Children’s Choir
and Fabulous Fives. She enjoys the commitment to her private students of all ages, for
voice and piano, in Vancouver and Nanoose
Bay. Patricia has also combined yoga and
dance with music studies in her workshop
Body Awareness for Musicians that she has
presented at VCC, Douglas College and
Beethoven Studios in Hong Kong.
VI Symphonic Choir Patricia Plumley, director
Honya Androsoff-Ballard
Eleanor Bell
Linda Bevan
Elise Boulanger
France Bouthillette
Mary-Margaret Caldwell
Michael Craddock
Patricia Crane
Eileen Dykes
Phyllis Fanning
Inge Fleet
Bruce Forward
Deb Gatey
Suzanne Gregory
Betty-Anne Hamilton
Stephanie Hart
Bernice Heffring
Patricia Hofstrand
Heather Hoggarth
Frances Holubek
Marjorey Hope
Robin Horner
Jan Hurford
Nigel Hurford
Diana Johnstone
Sheila Joss
Mari Lyn Kelly
Noeline Kinloch
Jan Lamont-Rodonets
Wendy-Lynne MacKinnon
Emmy Matte
Penny Mitchell
Carolyn Ness
Eveline O’Rourke
Lesley Ozero
Deb Palmer
Phillippa Parker
Sydney Preston
Patricia Plumley
Carl Rathburn
Cheryl Rathburn
Jan Reinson
Charlotte Richardson
Stella Robinson
Rick Robson
Doug Roszmann
Alfonsa Rumming
Jocelyn Shipley
Cathy Shonwise
Linda Simpson
Hugh Sinnott
Carol Smith
Angela Spence
Dan Spence
Eleanor Thompson
Honey Van Den Bosch
Lindsey Woods
Janie Worel
Join us next year!
PATRICIA PLUMLEY, CHORAL CONDUCTOR
Fabulous Fives Choir
Open to any Grade 5 student in School District
#68. Rehearsals on Thursdays 5 – 6 p.m.
VI Symphony Children’s Choir
Open to students in Grades 6-8. ehearsals on
Thursdays 6 – 7 p.m.
Symphonic Choir
Open to singers ages 15 to 85! Check website
for rehearsal timetable.
Download registration forms at
vancouverislandsymphony.com INFO: 250-754-0177
46 encore!
January– April 2015
2015 EV ENTS
JOIN TODAY!
Thursday, February 5
Landscapes of the Back: an Evening with
Artist Gerda Hofman
Life Drawing: The act of drawing the human figure from a living model
Friday, February 13 “My Symphony”
Education Show
Friday, March 20 Tonight… Piaf We’ll Drink Wine
and Eat Chocolate
Networking &
Unique Artistic
Experiences
Notable Women
Who Support
Arts & Culture
in Nanaimo!
Thursday, April 30 Does Life Imitate Art or Art Imitate Life
Lead by Guest Artist and Speaker Nixie Barton
w w w.vancouverislandsymphony.com
*Women of Note donate $120 annually to the VIS Education Program, allowing all Grade 4 students to
see the Symphony. (Tax receipt issued.)
Did you know that
all area Grade 4
students will attend
the Symphony
this year?
Thank you to our sponsors that
make this possible!
TO DONATE, PLEASE CALL THE
VIS OFFICE AT 250.754.0177
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 47
w w w.va n co u v e r i s l a n d s y m p h o ny. c o m
Saturday April 18
For Ages 6 to 96!
Come enjoy 3 FREE musical activities
presented by the Vancouver Island
Symphony for YOU!
11:00 am – 12 noon
Try the instruments of the Orchestra at the
Musical Instrument Zoo.
(Ages 6 & UP!)
11:45 am – 12:15 pm Meet Conductor Pierre Simard
and Composer Dorothy Chang!
12:30 – 1:30 pm
Adults & children, come see
what happens at a Symphony Rehearsal:
Book your Complimentary Ticket
through the Port Theatre (250.754.8550)
SEASON SPONSORS Community Days proudly supported by
48 encore!
January– April 2015
— J O I N O—
U RB ISO
YG
MRPA
HPO
HN
YY—
FA M I LY —
Make a Difference
Make an Impact
As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary Season, we hope you will
consider an annual donation of support to your Symphony.
A professional orchestra has many working parts and all are needed to
keep the music live. We celebrate our talented musicians and we
toast you, our dedicated audience who buy tickets and attend our
performances. There are other very important groups that are necessary
to support an orchestra in Nanaimo—our donors, sponsors,
volunteers and community investors.
Ticket sales only cover 1/3 of the cost to run a symphony.
If you love your Symphony, we hope you will consider a gift
to celebrate the 20th Anniversary Season!
WAYS TO GIVE
INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Set amount monthly or annually by cheque, credit card, or online.
LEGACY GIVING Remember VIS in your will for a musical legacy.
SECURITIES Donate shares or publicly traded securities and be exempt from the capital gain tax. Tax receipt
for the shares’ value. MEMORIAL & HONOURARY GIVING Pay tribute to a special person or occasion. Tax receipt for your donation;
at your request, we will inform the honoree of the gift (amount kept confidential).
VOLUNTEER Your gift of time is valuable to our work!
All donations to VIS are tax deductible. Call our Patron Manager at 250.754.0177 to make your gift
arrangements today! Or donate online at vancouverislandsymphony.comCharitable Tax #11905 0813 RR0001
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 49
Vancouver Island Symphony
U
nder the artistic direction of our noted
conductor, Pierre Simard, the Vancouver
Island Symphony is a leading professional
Canadian orchestra. Now in its 20th year, the
VIS presents an 8-concert season of worldclass orchestral performances at the beautiful
harbour setting of Nanaimo’s Port Theatre.
By attracting professional musicians and soloists from across the country, offering special
education and community concerts and programming, and engaging active volunteers
and donors, the VIS serves as a creative asset
to the many communities of the growing Central Island area. Its wide-reaching audience
and commitment to education are helping to
Keep Music Live and foster the next generation of audiences and performers.
The VI Symphony values the continued
support it receives from its patrons through
tickets sales and donations. Buy a ticket, make
a donation and join us in Keeping Music Live
on the Island!
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Margot Holmes
ADMINISTRATOR & PATRON MANAGER
Toasting
20 years of music
with you
Jae Valentine
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Dino Tsembelis
SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER
Kate Hynes
Rosemary Phillips, Publicist | Mark Beaty,
Education Cordinator | Monique St. Pierre,
Bookkeeper | Deb Palmer, Symphonic Choir
Coordinator | Cathleen McMahon, Children’s Choir
Coordinator | Nikki Attwell, graphic design
250.754.0177 phone | 250.754.0165 fax
Box 661, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5L9
[email protected]
www.vancouverislandsymphony.com
All VIS tickets, unless otherwise stated,
are sold through
Photo taken at the Coast Bastion Hotel, Nanaimo —
The Port Theatre Ticket Centre
Our Timeless Treasures Series Sponsor
L– R Jae Valentine, Kate Hynes, Margot Holmes, Dino Tsembelis
250.754.8550 | www.porttheatre.com
Credit: HA Photography
125 Front Street, Nanaimo
The Administrative Team gratefully acknowledges our fabulous volunteers! Thank you.
Make a donation today and join our family of over 300 annual donors who have
made a difference on and off our Symphony stage. All gifts have a great impact,
whether you sponsor a performance, endow a seat, send a child to the Grade 4
Education Concert or Send a Musician to a School. Please know that a gift of
any amount ($10 a month) makes a difference and is gratefully received.
To donate please call 250.754.0177.
50 encore!
January– April 2015
ENJOY
THE
SHOW
rlr
RAMSAY LAMPMAN RHODES
Legal Excellence. Island Values.
LAWYERS
250-754-3321
www.rlr-law.com
[email protected]
www.vancouverislandsymphony.comencore! January– April 2015 51