201 15620152016inauguralconcertseason

niagarasymphonyorchestra

bradleythachukmusicdirector

nso

pac20152016inauguralconcertseason

own the podium. own the stage.

Sixty-eight years in the making, the pivotal moment has arrived at last! On October 31st, 2015, the Niagara Symphony Orchestra confidently steps onto the stage to begin the next chapter of its illustrious history. Hear the NSO as never before in this splendid new concert venue; join us as we illuminate a revitalized cultural landscape.

To all who helped get us here, our heartfelt thanks. To everyone making this journey with the NSO: What glories await us!

Courtesy of FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

messagebradley’s

What an incredible time to be in Niagara! The moment we have waited for is upon us, and together, we move down the hill into the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. Years of anticipation are at an end; now we unveil the 2015/16 Niagara Symphony Orchestra season. It is a culmination of the growing stature of the NSO, our commitment to a culture of excellence, and the enthusiasm you, our treasured audience, have expressed towards our directions in programming.

The NSO’s 2015/16 season is unprecedented, with truly world-class artists gracing the stage of Partridge Hall as they do in great concert halls around the world. It is also the season in which we present the NSO’s first ever Artist-in-Residence. World-renowned Canadian pianist, and friend of the NSO, Stewart Goodyear, will light up our stages 4 times this season, appearing on both our Masterworks and Pops series, in addition to performing a recital. A historic presentation of ALL Beethoven Piano Concerti in one performance is one of the centerpieces of the season, and surely an event that will be talked of in Niagara for years!

Canada’s finest violin soloist, James Ehnes, joins the NSO to perform Lalo’s marvellous Symphonie espagnole. In 2015/16, we also feature the orchestra in Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, and soprano Erin Wall singing Strauss’ Four Last Songs. The season concludes with an exuberant celebration with our friends Chorus Niagara, one of the nation’s great choirs: Beethoven’s masterpiece Symphony No. 9, “Choral”.

This POPS! season is guaranteed to thrill, opening with the Classical Mystery Tour, an uncannily accurate tribute to the Beatles. We close with Artist-in-Residence Stewart Goodyear delighting Niagara with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, along with other fantastic songs from George Gershwin’s catalogue.

The Classical Family series also promises to continue our tradition of the highest quality music performances for kids of all ages as we present amazing story-telling backed by your Niagara Symphony Orchestra. The Twins and the Monster by Canadian composer John Estacio is a musical treasure with brilliant presentation — an absolute must see!

The excitement we all feel in anticipation of performing these wonderful concerts for you is only surpassed by the excitement of knowing just how much you will love every note of every program in these magnificent facilities. The wait is over — see you at the PAC!

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bradleythachuk

musicdirector

photo by Robert Nowell

MASTERWORkS 1: Beethoven Piano ConCerto Marathon

Masterworks 1 (only) will be presented in two glorious performances in Cairns Hall

SATuRdAY, OCTOBER 31, 2015, 6:00PM SuNdAY, NOvEMBER 1, 2015, 2:30PM

Stewart Goodyear, piano (Artist-in-Residence)

Bradley Thachuk, conductor

Beethoven Consecration of the House Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 4 Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 5, “Emperor” Stewart Goodyear, piano

Heart of an artist, hands of a virtuoso — and the stamina of an Olympian! Artist-in-Residence Stewart Goodyear gives his all, performing Beethoven’s five piano concerti in a breath-taking creative tour-de-force. Composed over 14 years, presented in one concert, this marathon showcases Beethoven’s enduring genius — and Goodyear’s inspiring endurance.

MASTERWORkS 2: BLaZe oF GLorY

SuNdAY, NOvEMBER 29, 2015, 2:30PM

James Ehnes, violinBradley Thachuk, conductor

Lau Heroes and Angels

Lalo Symphonie espagnole

Mussorgsky/ Pictures at an Exhibition Orch. Ravel

The NSO presents Canadian superstar violinist James Ehnes! Brace yourself for a bravura performance of Symphonie espagnole, a dazzling violin work written to showcase this glorious instrument. Ehnes, who performs on the 1715 “Marsick” Stradivarius violin, was hailed by the Guardian as “effusively lyrical and hair-raisingly virtuosic”. Evocative works Lau and Mussorgsky complete this splendid concert.

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stewart goodyear

james ehnes

MASTERWORkS 3: LiFe’S ProMiSe

SuNdAY, JANuARY 24, 2016, 2:30PM

Erin Wall, sopranoBradley Thachuk, conductor

Estacio Spring’s Promise

Strauss Four Last Songs Erin Wall, soprano

Rott Symphony in E major

Experience the rediscovered treasure of Hans Rott’s Symphony and the hope inherent in Spring’s Promise; bask in the calm acceptance of the Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss. This poignant music explores the joys and complexities of the human journey and celebrates life’s promise fulfilled.

MASTERWORkS 4: tiMe ChroniCLeS

SuNdAY, MARCH 20, 2016, 2:30PM

Aisslinn Nosky, guest conductor/violinBrian Baty, double bass

Haydn Symphony No. 49 “La Passione”

Conway Baker Contours Brian Baty, double bass

Bach violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor

Mendelssohn violin Concerto (posth.) in d minor

Guest conductor/violin soloist Aisslinn Nosky, an accomplished Baroque specialist, leads the NSO in an intriguing selection of works from the 17th to 20th centuries. drawn on a vast musical canvas, Time Chronicles highlights the depth of the orchestra’s extensive repertoire and proudly features Brian Baty, NSO Principal double Bass.

erin wall

aisslinn nosky

ENJOy THiS yEAR’S SiLENT AuCTiON iN THE LOBBy AT M3,a great way to choose valentine’s gifts while supporting the NSO.

Programme subject to change

masterworksseriesMASTERWORkS 5: Freude - JoY! a ChoraL SPeCtaCuLar

SuNdAY, MAY 15, 2016, 2:30PM

Stewart Goodyear, piano (Artist-in-Residence)

Chorus NiagaraBradley Thachuk, conductorRobert Cooper, chorus director

Goodyear World Premiere Commission

Beethoven Choral Fantasy Stewart Goodyear, piano Chorus Niagara

Symphony No. 9, “Choral” Chorus Niagara

Beethoven’s 9th Symphony: a triumphant conclusion to the NSO’s inaugural season in Partridge Hall. This transcendent concert captures all the grandeur, joy and passion of classical music. The NSO welcomes Chorus Niagara and Artist-in-Residence Stewart Goodyear, in Freude — Joy! A Choral Spectacular. How better to celebrate beginnings than with a premiere. The NSO proudly concludes its inaugural season in the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre with a commissioned work by Artist-in-Residence Stewart Goodyear.

CLASSICAL FAMILY 2: twinS and the MonSter

SuNdAY, FEBRuARY 7, 2016, 2:30PM

Twins and the Monster, John Estacio Bradley Thachuk, conductor

Musical storytelling at its finest, Twins and the Monster uses mask, movement and song to animate the saga of twins united against a monster threatening their shattered village. Based on a traditional African folktale and using Estacio’s evocative music, this thrilling story of courage and unity inspires and empowers.

CLASSICAL FAMILY 1: FroM neverLand to hoGwartS!

SuNdAY, dECEMBER 6, 2015, 2:30PM

Peter Pan & the Harry Potter Children’s Suite Bradley Thachuk, conductor

Peter and Tinkerbell; Harry and Hedwig; don’t forget Tiger Lily or Hagrid! Old friends and new come together for a bewitching afternoon of music and fantasy. Familiar melodies and classic tales evoke the wonder and allure of a make-believe world. From Neverland to Hogwarts — come fly with us!

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twins and the

monsterfrom neverland to hogwarts

CLASSICAL FAMILY 3: MoZart’S MaGniFiCent voYaGe

SuNdAY, APRIL 3, 2016, 2:30PM

Classical kidsMozart’s Magnificent voyage,

The dream Children are about to be cut from Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute! With the help of Mozart’s son karl, they travel back in time to understand the pressures facing a musical genius. Another in the acclaimed Classical kids series, Mozart’s Magnificent voyage features selections from 23 Mozart masterpieces.

suitedreams

stewart goodyear

SuITE dREAMS: tChaikovSkY’S the nutCraCker

FRIdAY, dECEMBER 4, 2015, 7:00PM

Reception in Robertson Hall, Performance in Cairns Hall

Please welcome Artist-in-Residence Stewart Goodyear! In this special event recital, Goodyear presents the sparkling, rarely-performed, piano rendition of Tchaikovsky’s entire score for The Nutcracker Ballet. This whimsical tale of enchanted toys and Clara’s visit to the Land of Sweets is the seasonal bon-bon. Join us for a delectable musical confection!

mozart’s magnificent voyage

POPS 1: Fun and FaB-u-LouS: the MuSiC oF the BeatLeS!

SATuRdAY, NOvEMBER 21, 2015, 7:30PM SuNdAY, NOvEMBER 22, 2015, 2:30PM

Classical Mystery Tour, the Music of the Beatles

Bradley Thachuk, conductor

It’s the Fab Four! the look, the sound and the music of the four lads from Liverpool. The Beatles defined a generation; now the NSO adds the power of a symphony so you experience the music as never before. Fun and FABulous — Classical Mystery Tour is a wonderful, wild ride!

POPS 2:

hoMe For the hoLidaYS with our PaL JoeY!

SATuRdAY, dECEMBER 19, 2015, 7:30PM SuNdAY, dECEMBER 20, 2015, 2:30PM

Joey DeBenedetto, Katie Kerr, vocals Bradley Thachuk, conductor

Like holly and mistletoe, children and snow angels, the NSO and Joey deBenedetto belong together for the holidays! Niagara’s favourite crooner returns by popular demand, bringing his charismatic blend of upbeat holiday songs and stylish seasonal classics. Come Home for the Holidays — the NSO, Joey and Anne of Green Gables star, katie kerr, ignite the festive spirit!

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katiekerr

classicalmysterytour

joeydebenedetto

POPS 4:

‘S wonderFuL, ‘S MarveLLouS!

SATuRdAY, APRIL 30, 2016, 7:30PM SuNdAY MAY 1, 2016, 2:30PM

Stewart Goodyear, piano (Artist-in-Residence)

Michael Vanhevel, vocalsBradley Thachuk, conductor

Broadway, concert hall, sound stage — the Gershwins were everywhere, writing for every genre. Stewart Goodyear and Michael vanhevel join the NSO to explore the Gershwins’ unique jazz-classical fusion, a hallmark of American music. Selections include An American in Paris, the Girl Crazy Overture, and Rhapsody in Blue — ‘S Wonderful!

POPS 3: oSCar’S SCore Book

SATuRdAY, FEBRuARY 20, 2016, 7:30PM SuNdAY, FEBRuARY 21, 2016, 2:30PM

with special guests Jeans ‘n Classics featuring Stephanie Martin and Gavin Hope

Bradley Thachuk, conductor

And the Oscar Goes To…! The NSO celebrates the movie scores awarded that much-coveted statue. John Williams, Henry Mancini, Erich korngold and Howard Shore wrote unforgettable music for some of the world’s greatest movies. The NSO plays favourites — and obscure long-shots — from Oscar’s Score Book!

gavinhope

stephaniemartin

michael vanhevel

Becoming a subscriber makes sense for a lot of reasons. First, ordering in advance with a subscription package guarantees your seats for all of those concerts — no danger of missing a concert you want to see because it sells out, or the seating you want is unavailable. Of course, a big reason for subscribing is savings: depending on which series package you order, you can save up to 25% over buying the same concerts individually. In most cases with a series of five or more concerts, your savings with a subscription package is at least equal to one concert, sometimes two, compared to single concert pricing.

• Guarantees you see the concerts you want in the seats you want

• No danger of missing a concert because it sells out

• Or, your favourite seats are not available

• Advance subscription sales for subsequent seasons

• Access to advanced single ticket sales to top up concerts with family and friends

• Advance Sneak Peak invitation of the upcoming season

• AND, first in line to pick yOuR seats in the new performing arts centre when you renew your subscription for 2015/16 season

aPriL 27 to MaY 17

MaY 19

auGuSt 17

Subscriptions go on sale to all current subscribers, guaranteed renewal

New subscriptions on sale

Single tickets on sale*

All tickets will be mailed the week of August 17, 2015

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* unless being purchased with a subscription renewal or new subscription and/or any upgrade.

Save up to 25% with a subscription!

NOTE:Box Seats are not available for purchase in the 2015-16 season

NOTE:Box Seats are not available for purchase in the 2015-16 season

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9-concerts: Music LoVers* 5 Masters & 4 POPs! EITHER Saturday evening OR Sunday matinee

adult (save 25%) $ 418.50

Senior (60+) $ 384.75

30 and under $ 202.50

5-concerts: MasterworKs*

adult (Save 20%) $ 248.00

Senior (60+) $ 228.00

30 and under $ 120.00

4-concerts: pops! EITHER Saturday evening OR Sunday matinee

adult (Save 20%) $ 198.40

Senior (60+) $ 182.40

30 and under $ 96.00

subscriptionseries4-concert saMpLer (pick any 4 regular concerts)

adult (Save 15%) $ 210.80

Senior (60+) $ 193.80

30 and under $ 102.00

3-concert sunday afternoon cLassicaL faMiLy seriesFamily Adult (Save 15%) $ 76.50

Family Child (Save 15%) $ 30.60

1-concert recitaL Dec 4, inclUDes recePtiOn w/any subscription

adult (Save 10%) $ 85.50

Senior (60+) $ 81.00

30 and under $ 75.60

201 156season

* Subscribers booking Music Lovers and Masterworks subscriptions may choose the date and seats in Cairns Halls for Masterworks 1. The remaining concerts, please reserve seats in Partridge Hall. Seat selection is on a first come first served basis.

NOTE:Masterworks and POPS! series presented in Partridge Hall | Classical Family series presented in Cairns Hall

singLe ticKet prices (plus taxes)

Adult (All seats) $ 64.00*

Senior (60 and over) $ 59.00*

30 and under $ 32.00*

Family Adult, Sunday afternoon $ 32.00*

Family Child, Sunday afternoon $ 12.00

PSST NSO (university & College w/valid Id) $ 14.00*

Child (15 and under) $ 12.00

eyego (High School w/valid Id) $ 5.00

Concert Recital & Reception (dec 4) $ 97.00*

* Includes $2 PAC Capital Improvement Fund

11 Bond St., Suite 207, St. Catharines On L2R 4Z4 T: 905.687.4993 E: info@niagarasymphony.orgCharitable Registration # BN 11924 7328RR0001

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uNTiL JuNE 30, 2015: AFTER JuLy 2, 2015:

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