Welcome to the 70 · Itzhak Perlman,and closes with a visit from WSO conductor laureate Bramwell Tovey and Brandon-born James Ehnes,who will join the Vancouver Symphony on Tour to

Welcome to the 70th anniversary season of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra!

For seventy years you have been our partners.The journey started in 1948when Walter Kaufmann launched the first regular season of the WSO atthe Winnipeg Auditorium.The years that followed were filled with onehigh note after another.Two tours to Carnegie Hall, international guestsincluding Pierre Monteux, John Barbirolli, Leon Fleisher and Jacqueline du Pré, the move to the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall, and the launchof the Winnipeg New Music Festival.

This season, we celebrate with nods to the past and a steady gaze to thefuture.The season opens with the preeminent violinist of our day,Itzhak Perlman, and closes with a visit from WSO conductorlaureate Bramwell Tovey and Brandon-born James Ehnes, whowill join the Vancouver Symphony on Tour to Winnipeg.We launch a new Movie Series with Harry Potter and ThePhilosopher’s Stone and The Wizard of Oz, and we will get inthe Christmas spirit with The Tenors in a great new show.

It is a season of exciting music that could only happenin a city that embraces its orchestra.Without you,we could not perform.Without you, we could notcreate.Thank you for your energy.Thank you foryour support.Thank you for your love of greatmusic! See you at the Concert Hall.

Alexander MickelthwateMusic Director

70TH ANNIVERSARYSPECIAL EVENTS

June 28, 201770th Anniversary Community Celebration

Sep 16, 2017Itzhak Perlman,The Asper Family Opening Night Gala Performance

Oct 13, 2017Happy 70th WSO! - See Page 6

Oct 27 - Nov 4, 2017Angels & Demons: WSO Autumn Festival

Apr 26, 2018WSO 70th Anniversary Spring Gala

May 23, 2018Bramwell Returns! with James Ehnes and the

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

wso.ca/seventy

204-949-3999 I wso.ca /1718season 32 2017 I 2018 Season

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*200 seats reserved throughout the hall for Soundcheck members. Available on first come-first serve basis.

SUBSCRIBER PREFERRED PRICES

$140 $120 $100 $80 $60*200 seats reserved throughout the hall for Soundcheck members. Available on first come-first serve basis.

SUBSCRIBER PREFERRED PRICES

$120 $100 $80 $60 $40

THE ASPER FAMILY OPENING NIGHT:

Itzhak PerlmanSep 16 I 7:30 pm

Itzhak Perlman, violinAlexander Mickelthwate, conductor

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F minorBeethoven: Violin Concerto in D major

wso.ca/perlman

Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoyssuperstar status rarely afforded a classical musician.The Winnipeg SymphonyOrchestra is excited to welcome this legendary violinist for The Asper FamilyOpening Night Gala Performance on September 16, 2017.

Celebrate Opening Night with a Gala Evening including VIP reception, premium seating, and an intimate dinner with Itzhak Perlman on the Piano Nobile. Tickets $1,000.Call 204-949-3973 to reserve your gala ticket.

May 23, 2018 I 8:00 pm

Bramwell Tovey, conductor

James Ehnes, violin

Tovey: The Inventor: Time TracksBrahms: Violin Concerto in D MajorElgar: Enigma Variations

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra comes tothe Centennial Concert Hall with two men whoneed no introduction to Winnipeg audiences.Brandon-born James Ehnes, renowned for hisbeautiful tone and exceptional control, performsthe romantic Brahms Violin Concerto.WSOconductor laureate Bramwell Tovey opens theconcert with one of his own compositions andcloses with the great crowd-pleaser, Elgar’sEnigma Variations.

wso.ca/vso

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Bruckner 9Mar 9/10

Alexander Mickelthwate, conductorGwen Hoebig and Karl Stobbe, violins

J. S. Bach: Concerto in D minor for Two ViolinsBruckner: Symphony No. 9 in D minor

Classics SERIES A

Adults / 6 ConcertsSee Page 18 SUBSCRIBE TODAY $558 $468 $378 $288 $186

Classics Series A Concert Times > FRI @ 8:00 pm / SAT @ 8:00 pm6

Happy 70th WSO!Oct 13/14

Alexander Mickelthwate, conductorVictor Feldbrill, special guest conductor*Yegor Dyachkov, cello

Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3*Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 1 in C majorBrahms: Symphony No. 2 in D major

CELEBRATION Victor Feldbrill,conductor of the WSO from 1958-1968, returns to open the70th season of the WSO alongsideMaestro Mickelthwate. Feldbrilltransformed the WSO into theprofessional orchestra we know today.For this special performance he haschosen Beethoven’s dramatic LeonoreOverture No. 3.

Brahms swore to carry on Beethoven’ssymphonic legacy, yet had such self-doubt it took twenty-one years towrite his angst-ridden first symphony.His Second went much faster,completed in a single summer, and itreflects the beauty of nature, flowers,and sunshine.

wso.ca/happy-70th

TRANSFORMATIONS To close the AutumnFestival, two tales of morality told through markedlydifferent voices. Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s SevenDeadly Sins crackles with superbly controlled frenzy.It is a satire of the petty bourgeois morals wherein the seven deadly sins transform into virtues in Weill’sunmistakable cabaret style.

Franz Liszt, a mystical dreamer, envisioned a “music ofthe future”that fused poetry and music. In the DanteSymphony he takes us through Hell to Paradise viaPurgatory and then to the Magnificat, the ultimate"Vision" of Paradise with a choir of angels singing ahymn to the Virgin.

wso.ca/seven-deadly-sins

MAJESTIC Bruckner, woefully unsure of himself, worried that hismusic was insufficient in the eyes of God. He needn’t have worried forhis towering symphonies envelop the soul in tapestries of sound.Thecolour, harmony, and rhythm stretch the limits of Romanticism.

The epic majesty of Bruckner is set against the detail and precision of aBach concerto featuring the WSO’s own Gwen Hoebig and Karl Stobbe– a perfect setting to hear two of our city’s most talented musicians.

wso.ca/bruckner-and-bach

Luca Buratto Plays ProkofievApr 6/7

Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductorLuca Buratto, piano

Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minorRachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2 in E minor

Schumann and BeethovenFeb 9/10

José Luis Gomez, conductorKatherine Chi, piano

Schumann: Manfred OvertureBeethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3

in C minorSchumann: Symphony No. 3

in E-flat major (Rhenish)

GENIUS Guest conductor José Luis Gomez, a graduate of the El Sistema program in Venezuela, guides us through the work of twomusical giants. Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 introduced a morepersonal style as the composer started to push the piano to itsexpressive limits. He didn’t bother completing the piano part for thepremiere, simply playing the work from memory.

As the new conductor of the Düsseldorf orchestra, Schumann wanted toimpress the proud Rhineland folk. His lovely Rhenish symphony was theresult: a journey from imposing brass to bucolic waltzes to magnificentcathedral impressions.The concert opens with Schumann’s take onManfred, the original Byronic hero.

wso.ca/schumann-and-beethoven

VIRTUOSIC The steely brilliance of Prokofiev’s PianoConcerto No. 2 comes alive with Honens Competition-winnerLuca Buratto. Prokofiev wrote four of his five piano concertosfor his own hefty virtuosity.The Second left one critic “frozenwith fright, hair standing on end.”

Rachmaninoff, another stunning pianist, kept his foot firmly inthe Romantic 19th century, filling his music with sweepingmelodies, lush orchestration, and ever-present emotion.

wso.ca/russian-passion


HALLELUJAH! An oratorio of triumph and joy. It was bornout of Handel’s struggle to stay at the forefront of 18th centuryEngland’s taste for opera. Running short on money, he had nochoice but to go the oratorio route, where Handel foundenduring success. Messiah is a masterpiece with drama to sparein every page of its score. It feels as fresh today as it did when firstpremiered in Dublin in 1742.This performance features the debutof the new WSO Chorus and an all-Manitoban cast of soloists.

wso.ca/messiah

MessiahDec 15/16Julian Pellicano, conductorTBD: sopranosDaniel Peasgood, countertenorPeter John Buchan, tenorKris Kornelsen, baritoneWinnipeg Symphony Orchestra

Chorus, John Wiens, director

Handel: Messiah

Seven Deadly SinsNov 3/4

Alexander Mickelthwate, conductorSarah Jo Kirsch, sopranoVocal quartet:

Peter John Buchan, tenorScott Reimer, tenorKris Kornelsen, baritoneDerek Morphy, bass

Canadian Mennonite University Chorus,Janet Brenneman, director

Kurt Weill: The Seven Deadly SinsLiszt: Dante Symphony


Classics Series B Concert Times > FRI @ 8:00 pm / SAT @ 8:00 pm6

A Night in SpainFeb 23/24

Yaron Traub, conductorGaëlle Solal, guitar

Albéniz: Suite españolaJosé Evangelista: Symphonie MinuteRodrigo: Concierto de AranjuezTurina: Danzas fantásticasFalla: El sombrero de tres picos

(Three-Cornered Hat): Suites 1&2

AUDACIOUS Critics don’t like your work.What to do? Compose a huge symphony full of self-quotations and cast yourself as the main character.That is what Richard Strauss did in Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life), “a monstrous act of egotism,”accordingto one reviewer. The result? A fabulous tone poemwhere every section of the orchestra works overtime.

An audience favourite at competitions around theworld, Bomsori Kim performs Shostakovich’s ViolinConcerto No. 1, an attack on Russian anti-Semitism,rich in Jewish melody and written for the great DavidOistrakh. Imam Habibi is a new voice on the Canadianscene, who has quickly garnered awards and praisefor his lush and lyrical style.

wso.ca/strauss-a-heros-life

IBERIAN DREAMS Guest conductor Yaron Traub, MusicDirector of the Orquesta de Valencia, directs a tour of Spain withguitar virtuoso Gaëlle Solal. Gypsy castanets, flamenco guitar,jota dance, Iberian sunshine…an antidote to February’s fury.Manuel de Falla was the soul of Spanish music for half a century.But the other composers on this program equally carried thetorch for their native country. Especially Joaquin Rodrigo, whoseConcierto de Aranjuez supplied a languid Adagio that becamethe most popular guitar piece of our time. “The guitar does notplay loud but far,” Igor Stravinsky once said. Let the virtuosity ofguest artist Gaëlle Solal carry you away.

wso.ca/a-night-in-spain

Strauss: A Hero’s Life May 11/12

Alexander Mickelthwate, conductorBomsori Kim, violin

Imam Habibi: The Promised HandShostakovich: Violin Concerto

No. 1 in A minorRichard Strauss: Ein Heldenleben

Fauré & PoulencCelebrating the 200th Anniversary of St. Boniface Cathedral

Mar 23, 24, 25St. Boniface Cathedral

Alexander Mickelthwate, conductorYuri Klaz, conductor (March 25)

Lara Ciekiewicz, sopranoMatthew Pauls, baritoneWinnipeg Philharmonic Choir

Malcolm Forsyth: Three Métis songs from Saskatchewan

Poulenc: GloriaFauré: Requiem

MÉLODIE The exquisite Pie Jesu from Gabriel Fauré’s Requiemguaranteed the composer immortality. Fauré wrote: “everything Imanaged to entertain by way of religious illusion I put into myRequiem, which moreover is dominated from beginning to end by a very human feeling of faith in eternal rest.”Purity, objectivity, andbeautifully crafted vocal lines permeate Fauré’s greatest work.

The Requiem is paired with Francis Poulenc’s Gloria, almost Vivaldi-like in its elegance. Nonetheless, Poulenc’s fierce wit and fearlesslight-heartedness is still present. Forsyth’s Three Métis Songs groundus in our own history as the WSO performs in St. Boniface’s grandCathedral-within-ruins, celebrating its 200th anniversary.

wso.ca/faure-and-poulenc

Classics SERIES B

LYRICISM Between the breadth of Mahler and the purity of Sibeliusis the unique world of Nielsen, articulated in six splendid symphonies.His Third, subtitled the Sinfonia espansiva, opens with a Tchaikovsky-like waltz before moving to a tranquil Second movement thatwordlessly melds soprano and tenor in a hymn to man and nature.

Mozart’s Fifth and final Violin Concerto is delightful in the bright key ofA major, interpreted here by the young Canadian virtuoso AlexandreDa Costa. Harry Stafylakis’“dreamy yet rhythmic” (NY Times) style is onereason he was chosen WSO Composer-in-Residence. Expect a dramaticand emotional work in this world-premiere performance.

wso.ca/nielsen-and-mozart

IDEALS Richard Strauss couldn’t resist a story. In Deathand Transfiguration, a dying man, presumably Strausshimself, recalls the artistic ideals he didn’t achieve and as thefatal hour arrives, his soul takes leave. But now, the eternalcosmos presents a magnificent realization of the ideal.

In 1919, Ravel started work on a tribute to Vienna. But WorldWar I had ended with a “fatefully inescapable whirlpool.’’So, Ravel created a waltz that emerges from surreal mists,moves to the ballroom, only to end in a crash of orchestralcolour, its waltz time destroyed forever. Dvorák’s tragicallydevilish tale and Estacio’s sparkling new Trumpet Concertocomplete the evening.

wso.ca/strauss-and-ravel

ECSTASY AND DESPAIR… adversaries at the heart of the Autumn Festival. It starts withBeethoven’s colourful interpretation of the Prometheusmyth: humanity’s creation and its protector’s eternalpunishment.Then Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2,written in the passion and pangs of first love. Chopindedicated the Adagio to this love, creating a piece Lisztcalled “a perfection almost ideal.”

Górecki’s Symphony No. 3 is a lament so powerful ittranscends genre.The text comes from messagesscratched on the walls of a Gestapo prison.“I wanted to express a great sorrow,”Górecki said, a goal heachieved with profound beauty.

wso.ca/sorrowful-songs

Beethoven, Chopin and a Sorrowful SongOct 27/28

Daniel Raiskin, conductorNatasha Paremski, pianoNathalie Paulin, soprano

Beethoven: Creatures of Prometheus: OvertureChopin: Piano Concerto No. 2Henryk Górecki: Symphony No. 3

(Symphony of Sorrowful Songs)

Strauss, Ravel and MoreDec 1/2

Jun Märkl, conductorPaul Jeffrey, trumpet

Dvorák: The Water GoblinJohn Estacio: Trumpet ConcertoRichard Strauss: Death and TransfigurationRavel: La valse

Nielsen & Mozart

Jan 12/13

Alexandre Da Costa, violinTBD, conductor

Harry Stafylakis: New WorkMozart: Violin Concerto No. 5

in A major (Turkish)Nielsen: Symphony No. 3

(Sinfonia espansiva)


“It’s about time we respected his notes as we would Mahler’s.”

- Gramophone on Carl Nielsen


Air Canada Pops Concert Times > FRI & SAT @ 8:00 pm / SUN @ 2:00 pm6


POPS

Oct 20-22

Ashley MacIsaac, fiddler Julian Pellicano, conductor

Ashley MacIsaac has won international acclaim playing the fiddle ina hard-nosed, traditional Cape-Breton style, while mixing genres andupdating Celtic music for a new spectrum of fans.The enfant terribleof the fiddle, MacIsaac is one of the most dynamic fiddlers CapeBreton has ever produced.

wso.ca/ashley-macisaac

Jan 19-21

Kurt Browning, hostGeoffrey Tyler, vocalistLucas Waldin, conductor

World Champion, Olympian and Canadian icon Kurt Browning hosts an evening of figure skating’sgreatest hits, taking audiences on a behind-the-scenes journey into the figure skating world!

wso.ca/kurtbrowning

CHARLES CHAPLIN:

City Lights LiveFeb 16-18

Julian Pellicano, conductor

Universally praised as one of the greatest films ever made, thisis the timeless tale of a tramp who sets out on a quest to restorethe sight of the blind flower-seller he loves. Starring the greatCharlie Chaplin, City Lights is presented in full cinematic glory,with the WSO performing its superb soundtrack live.

wso.ca/chaplin-city-lights

MUSIC OF THE

MADMENERA

Dec 8/9

The TenorsAlexander Mickelthwate,

conductor

Since 2008,The Tenors havebeen thrilling audiencesaround the world with their powerful songs andoutstanding harmonies.Blending classical musicand contemporary pop,the award-winning andmulti-platinum selling bandhas achieved internationalsuccess.The Tenors join theWSO for a very specialChristmas concert.

wso.ca/the-tenors

Sep 22-24

Arrival from Sweden, vocal groupJulian Pellicano, conductor

This is by far the best ABBA show out there! Arrival has toured56 nations, sold out 35 US tours, and performed symphonyshows with over 60 orchestras around the world. ABBA is stillSweden’s biggest music export.Their passion and soundcontinues to live on through their fantastic music, fromgeneration to generation.Their legacy will live forever.

wso.ca/abba

Nov 10-12

Five By Design, vocal groupJulian Pellicano, conductor

Five By Design takes us back to theMad Men Era with the music of BobbyDarin, Peggy Lee,Wayne Newton,Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, and thesongs they made famous in excellentnew arrangements.

wso.ca/mad-men

Dec 10

Julian Pellicano, conductorAce Burpee, hostPlus amazing talent from across Manitoba

There’s almost no end to the fun you’ll find on our annual holiday classic show where favouriteseasonal music goes hand-in-handwith comedy, storytelling, sing-alongs,plenty of good cheer and of course, a visit from Santa!

wso.ca/christmas-celebration

or

Apr 27-29

Julian Pellicano, conductorCirque de la symphonie

An amazing cirque act shares the stagewith the WSO in a brand-new show.Theaudience is thrilled and bedazzled by aerialflyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers,jugglers, balancers, and strongmen.Theseaccomplished veterans include worldrecord holders, gold-medal winners ofinternational competitions, Olympians, andsome of the most original talent ever seen.

wso.ca/cirque-de-la-symphonie

“Seriously, how did they do that?”

- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Mar 16-18

Stars of Rainbow StageJulian Pellicano, conductor

The WSO and the stars of Rainbow Stageteam up again to bring you the Pulitzer Prizeand Tony-Award winning A Chorus Line.The story is a roller-coaster of emotions ascontenders audition for an unnamed musicalwith a series of vigorous dance numberswhile sharing their personal stories.We arethrilled to bring you the music and dramawith backing of the WSO.

wso.ca/a-chorus-line

Back by popular demand, Raymond Briggs’heartwarming holiday classic film The Snowman hasbrought our audience to its feet every time it has beenperformed. The Snowman tells of a little boy who wakesup to find that everything has turned snow-white. Herushes out to build a snowman who comes to life andtakes him on an amazing journey. Features the HowardBlake hit song Walking in the Air. Plus, the classic tale ofBrother Heinrich’s Christmas.

wso.ca/snowman© Snowman Enterprises Limited“The Snowman”by Raymond Briggs is published by Puffin image © Snowman Enterprises Ltd

Join Scheherazade, our storyteller heroine, and her cast of fabulous characters! Sail on Sinbad’sship; battle a dragon with the Kalandar Prince; discover Aladdin’s lamp and the surprises hiddeninside. Scheherazade takes her Sultan on a journey of self-discovery, experiencing the kindness ofstrangers, the triumph of good over evil, and the miracle of forgiveness and love. Set to evocativemusic of Rimsky-Korsakov, with stunning costumes, spellbinding magic and spectacular puppets.

wso.ca/scheherazade

Sinbad, Aladdin, and other magical tales fromThe Arabian NightsOct 15

Enchantment Theatre Company Julian Pellicano, conductor

Jan 14

Dandi ProductionsJulian Pellicano, conductor

Based on a traditional African folk tale, this triumphant storytravels through dark forests, vast plains and spooky swamps todeliver a thrilling tale of family unity and courage.The twinsuse their own song (in Swahili) to find each other just whenthings look hopeless.The story is complete with an excitingscore by John Estacio. Beautiful carved masks, costumes,singing, and movement create an exotic atmosphere, aspowerful music sweeps the young audience to a faraway land.

wso.ca/twins-and-monster

Dec 3

Julian Pellicano, conductorWinnipeg Boys Choir

Feb 25

Mark Cameron, entertainer Manny Tuba,WSO mascotJulian Pellicano, conductor

Your child’s imagination will soar as Mr. Mark and WSOmascot Manny Tuba find themselves mixed up in themost important gathering of birds from all over the world.

A twelfth-century Persian Sufi dreams he has beentransformed into a bird, a hoopoe, and travels to agathering to decide who will be the new king of birds.Mr. Mark and Manny Tuba land right in the middle of thismost curious gathering and find themselves tangled upin its mysterious outcome.

wso.ca/mr-mark-birds

Apr 8

Al Simmons, entertainer Julian Pellicano, conductor

JUNO Award-winner Al Simmons leads action-packed sing-a-longs and pits his bizarre,homemade instruments against the string,woodwind, brass, and percussion sections of theWSO. He manages to coax music out of tincans, soda straws, garden hoses, turkeybasters and doorstoppers. In the slapstickprocess, Al shows the science behind themusic by comparing his crude instrumentsto their more expensive counterparts.

wso.ca/al-simmons

"For those in search of the truly zany, the undisputed king is Al Simmons."

- Maclean's Magazine

"Riotously funny! Simmons‚ props and costumes are wildly inventive in concept and ingenious in execution"

- Winnipeg Free Press

Adults $100 Children 12 and Under $40 5 Concerts See Page 18


PRE-CONCERT ACTIVITIES

Come at 1:00 pm and visit the conductingstation, instrumentpetting zoo, rhythmensembles & more!

Oct 31

Alexander Mickelthwate, conductorTodd Martin, vocals

Mussorgsky: Night on Bald MountainSaint-Saëns: Danse macabreHeinz-Karl Gruber: Frankenstein!! A Pan-Demonium for Chansonnier &

Orchestra after children’s rhymes by H.C. Artmann

HALLOWEEN - H.K. Gruber’s wild and wacky satire takes on political monstersto reveal their true faces. Is Frankenstein the unfortunate scientist, orsomeone else whom we forget at our peril? Plus Mussorgsky’s Night on BaldMountain, etched in our memory for the image of winged ghouls wreakinghavoc in Walt Disney’s Fantasia. Don’t forget your costume!

wso.ca/frankenstein

Feb 14

Lisa Vroman, sopranoJulian Pellicano, conductor

An enchanting evening of Broadway love songs with classic hits from Porter, Sondheim, Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and more.Fall in love in the company of Lisa Vroman, best known for her record-breaking run as Christine in Phantom of the Opera.You will beswept away by the talent and stage presence of this music theatre star!

wso.ca/valentines

“Few ladies singing today possess the exquisite clarity and range of Lisa Vroman.”

- Harold PrinceConcerts for Kids Concert Times > SUN @ 2:00 pm6/ Pre-Concert Activities @ 1:00 pm

KIDS CONCERTS SUBSCRIPTIONS

PACKAGES


Apr 21 I 7:30 pm / Apr 22 I 2:00 pmJulian Pellicano, conductor

Seventy five years after The Wizard of Oz debuted on thebig screen, watch it again in all its glory, accompanied byyour WSO performing the Harold Arlen score. “Follow theYellow Brick Road”with the incomparable Judy Garlandas Dorothy and lovable Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion.You can even dress up as your favourite character!

wso.ca/wizard-of-oz

CHARLES CHAPLIN:

City Lights LiveFeb 16 / 17 I 8:00 pm / Feb 18 I 2:00 pm

Julian Pellicano, conductor

The timeless tale of a trampwho sets out on a quest torestore the sight of the blindflower-seller he loves. Starringthe great Charlie Chaplin, CityLights is presented in fullcinematic glory, with the WSOperforming its superbsoundtrack live.

wso.ca/chaplin-city-lights

Nov 25 I 7:30 pm / Nov 26 I 2:00 pmJustin Freer, conductor

Relive the film that started it all.Watch the wand choose the wizard, trollsrun amok and magic mirrors in high-definition while the WSO performsJohn Williams’ iconic score. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event asHarry, Ron, Hermione and all your favourite characters return to thescreen and bewitch the world all over again.

wso.ca/harry-potter

POPSNouveauFive shows featuring contemporary hits and Canadian Stars.

Arrival from Sweden:The Music of AbbaSep 22-24

Ashley MacIsaacOct 20-22

Music of the Icewith Kurt BrowningJan 19 -21

A Chorus LineMar 16 -18

Cirque de la symphonieApr 27-29

Adults / 5 Concerts See Page 10 & 11

SUBSCRIBE TODAY $533 $446 $360 $273 $174

Family PackThree great shows that kids, teenagers and the whole family will enjoy.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s StoneNov 25-26

Music of the Ice with Kurt BrowningJan 19-21

Cirque de la symphonieApr 27-29 SUBSCRIBE TODAY $270 $226 $183 $142 $98



OR

Platinum

Five classic pops shows that mix great music with acrobats, entertainers, film and more.

Music of the Mad Men EraNov 10 -12

The TenorsDec 8/9

A Christmas CelebrationDec 10

Charles Chaplin:City Lights LiveFeb 16 -18

A Chorus LineMar 16 -18

Cirque de la symphonieApr 27-29


SUBSCRIBE TODAY $533 $446 $360 $273 $174


CANZONA

Te Deum: The Grand MotetsNov 12, 2017

In their first concert under new Artistic Director KathleenAllan, Canzona presents a concert of exuberant music fromthe German and French Baroque. Grand motets from thecourt of Louis XIV are paired with German interpretations of the same texts by Bach and Schein.The programmeculminates in Charpentier’s monumental Te Deum.

canzonachoir.com

Membra Jesu NostriApr 22, 2018

Buxtehude’s Most holy limbs of our suffering Jesus is a cycle of seven cantatas, each dedicated to a different part ofChrist’s crucified body. Bringing this physicality to life incollaboration with some of Canada’s finest dancers, Canzonapresents Membra Jesu nostri for the first time in its history.

canzonachoir.com

VIRTUOSIVirtuosi Concerts presents

Artists of ManitobaDec 9, 2017 I 7:30 pmDec 10, 2017 I 3:00 pmEckhardt-Gramatté Hall at The University of Winnipeg

Lara Ciekiewicz, sopranoMadeline Hildebrand, pianoWinnipeg Symphony Orchestra String Ensemble

“Smiles of a summer night”Handel: L’Allegro, Il Penseroso ed Il Moderato (excerpts)Berlioz: Les nuits d’étés (arr. Max Knigge)TBA

Winnipeg soprano Lara Ciekiewicz is “… a versatile stagechameleon, able to crack viewers up one minute with her razor-sharp comic timing, before breaking their hearts the next with soulful characterizations.”

– Holly Harris, Winnipeg Free Press

“She possesses all the qualities of a future diva… an exceptional voice…and a great gift as an actress.”

– Pierre Meunier, La Liberté

virtuosi.mb.ca

204-786-9000 [email protected]

WINNIPEG PHILHARMONIC CHOIR

Songs of Darkness and LightOct 29, 2017 I 3:00 pmCrescent Fort Rouge United Church

Kicking off our 95th season, we look forward to once again performing in the WSO’sannual fall festival.With a theme like Angels & Demons,Winnipeg is in for a week ofdrama and contrasts! The Phil has embraced this vision with Songs of Darkness andLight, a concert featuring works by Verdi, Britten, Gluck, Lauridsen and Mozart that willtake us from the depths of the underworld to the sublime heights of eternal light.

Fauré’s Requiem & Poulenc’s GloriaMar 23 & 24, 2018 I 8:00 pm / Mar 25, 2018 I 3:00 pmSt. Boniface Cathedral

In honour of the 200th Anniversary of the Arch-Diocese of St. Boniface, we arethrilled to partner with the WSO for a three-concert extravaganza featuring world-renowned soloists and our own Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

thephil.ca

STEVE BELL

Christmastide- A journey through Advent, Nativity and EpiphanyDec 12, 2017 I 8:00 pm

Rei Hotoda, conductorSteve Bell, vocals & guitarMike Janzen, piano & arrangementsMalcolm Guite, poet & narrator

To attend one of Steve Bell's concerts any given evening is to see what it's like when the gifts of a poet and performer take centre stage.

wso.ca/stevebell

WOMEN’S MUSICAL CLUB OF WINNIPEGPresents in its 2017/2018 Concert Series

Pianist Luca Buratto in RecitalApr 8, 2018 I 2:00 pm

Winnipeg Art GalleryMuriel Richardson AuditoriumTickets $25. Students $5

The Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg is pleased to be partnering with theWinnipeg Symphony Orchestra in bringing pianist Luca Buratto to Winnipeg in the spring of 2018. This 2015 Canadian Honens Prize Laureate, is a pianist of "fieryimagination and finesse" (Musical America). His recital performance in Winnipegfollows his Wigmore Hall and Carnegie Hall debuts in 2017!

womensmusicalclubofwpg.ca

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

The Winnipeg New Music Festival returns for its 27th editionJanuary 27 to February 2, 2018. International guest artists meet Winnipeg, Manitoban and Canadian creators in a week that celebrates all things new with music, art, ideas, encounters,and of course great food!

SUBSCRIBERS – ADD A WNMF FESTIVAL PASS FOR JUST $79 WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE!

wnmf.ca

THE BEST WEEK OF THE YEAR

CELEBRATE OPENING NIGHT WITH A GALAEVENING INCLUDING VIP RECEPTION,PREMIUM SEATING, AND AN INTIMATEDINNER WITH ITZHAK PERLMAN ON THEPIANO NOBILE.TICKETS $1,000. SEATINGLIMITED. CALL 204-949-3973 TO RESERVE YOUR GALA TICKET.

Oct 27 – Nov 4ECSTASY AND DESPAIR, ying and yang, the duality of the human spirit… For this year’s Autumn Festival,the WSO dives into musical visions of our highestaspirations and darkest conceits. Liszt’s massive tonepoem inspired by Dante’s Inferno. Kurt Weill’s ground-breaking musical Seven Deadly Sins. Henryk Górecki’smasterpiece Symphony of Sorrowful Songs.Visionaryworks of art inspired by powerful themes.

wso.ca/autumn-festival

Oct 27/28 Beethoven, Chopin and a Sorrowful Song (WSO)

Oct 29 Songs of Darkness and Light (Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir)

Oct 30 Natasha Paremski in recitalOct 31 Frankenstein!! (WSO)Nov 1 Winnipeg Chamber Music SocietyNov 3/4 Kurt Weill’s Seven Deadly Sins (WSO)

Kurt Weill • Liszt • Górecki • Beethoven

AU T U M N F E S T I VA L


Matinee Brahms’ 2ndOct 13

Alexander Mickelthwate, conductorJohannes Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D major

Symphony of Sorrowful SongsOct 27Daniel Raiskin, conductor Nathalie Paulin, sopranoHenryk Mikolaj Górecki: Symphony No. 3

(Symphony of Sorrowful Songs)

Strauss & RavelDec 1

Jun Markl, conductorRichard Strauss: Tod und Verklärung

(Death and Transfiguration)Maurice Ravel: La valse, poème chorégraphique

Schumann’s 3rdFeb 9

José Luis Gomez, conductor Robert Schumann: Symphony No. 3

in E-flat major (Rhenish)

Rachmaninoff ’s 2nd Apr 6

Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2

in E minor

Strauss: Ein Heldenleben May 11

Alexander Mickelthwate, conductorRichard Strauss: Ein Heldenleben

Travel behind the scenes at a Fridaymorning matinee with an openrehearsal and concert performance.Hear the conductor’s introduction to the music, a complete performanceof the work, and participate in a Q+A - All in one hour!

wso.ca/matinee

Enjoy a journey of gourmet food andbeautiful music in partnership withBergmann’s on Lombard all in onelocation at the Centennial Concert Hall,Piano Nobile level. Each three-course mealis themed to a specific WSO concert,offering patrons a unique opportunity toexplore cuisine from around the globe.

wso.ca/dinner

Dinner & Symphony with

MATINEE SUBSCRIPTIONSAll 6 Concerts $80 Individual Concerts $20

Matinee > FRI @ 10:30 am

All 4 Dinner &Symphony Events

for only $378

Single EveningStarting from

$109

3-COURSE DINNERStarts @ 5:30 pm / Saturdays

Add Dinner for only $75

Kurt Weill’s The Seven Deadly Sins

Nov 4

A Southern BBQ

A Night in SpainFeb 24

Spanish Cuisine

SEATING SECTION

Loge 1 2 3 4 SAVE

Classics A $558 $468 $378 $288 $186 25%

Classics B $558 $468 $378 $288 $186 25%

Autumn Festival Add-on $109 $89 $76 $69 $59

The Ultimate Classics $1044 $876 $708 $540 $348 30%

Full Pops $696 $584 $472 $360 $232 30%

Platinum Pops $533 $446 $360 $273 $174 15%

Pops Nouveau $533 $446 $360 $273 $174 15%

Kids Concerts

Adults $100 28%

Children 12 and Under $40 44%

NEW Movie Series $270 $226 $183 $142 $98 27%

Family Pack $270 $226 $183 $142 $98 27%

Youth 14 and Under $36

Symphony Super Pass $1500 $1250 $1025 $775 $500 40%

New Music Festival Add-on $79

Flex 4 Pack $448 $374 $302 $230 $146 10%

Flex 6 Pack $639 $537 $432 $330 $210 15%

Flex 8 Pack $792 $672 $540 $412 $264 20%

Flex 12 Pack $1116 $936 $756 $576 $372 25%

*Includes all taxes and box office fees. Does not include CCH sustaining fee.

Centennial Concert Hall Seating

Seating Map for:

CLASSICS POPS

MOVIES

KIDS CONCERTSand

MATINEE SERIESare general admission

Please be advised that line of sight issues exist for some balcony and orchestra level seats.

Seating map is for reference purposes only.

Subscriber benefits:• Free ticket exchanges and replacement tickets. Season ticket holders avoid

a $5.00 box office exchange fee and replacement fee for lost tickets.

• 20% off additional ticket purchases. See a concert you'd like to attendoutside your subscription? Automatically save 20%.

• Front of Line Priority Seating. Subscribers have first access to the best seats.

• Extended Payment Plan.You can pay in six easy monthly installments.

• Additional special offers throughout the season.

Harry Potter and thePhilosopher’s Stone In Concert

Nov 25

Magical Feast!

Luca Buratto Plays Prokofiev

Apr 7

Russian Revelry

PACKAGE PRICING

Important dates:April 9 Air Canada Draw

May 15 Opening Night with Itzhak Perlman on sale to public

May 28 Early Bird Deadline

June 18 Renewal deadline to save your existing seats

June 19 Seats are released for sale to new ticket subscribers

Late August Season Tickets are mailed out

How to Order:Ordering your subscription is easy. Simply call the box office at 204-949-3999 or visit wso.ca/subscribe

WE TAKE PEOPLE PLACES.BUT IT’S MUSIC THAT TRULY MOVES THEM.Official airline of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

204-949-3999 I wso.ca /1718season 21

T H A N K YO U F O R

70 YEARS!

Your donations to the WSO over the past 70 years have made an impact by:· bringing live orchestral music to generations of Winnipeg audiences· supporting music education programs for children and young people· attracting tourism dollars to the city of Winnipeg· helping attract and retain people and families who want to live in a city with a vibrant arts community· collaborating with community service groups to provide musical experiences to underserved populations· contributing to the city’s creative capital through musicians, staff and volunteers· uniting individuals and cultures through shared artistic experiences.

The WSO is community funded. 33% of our operations come from donations.Your gift today helps to lay the foundation for the next 70 years. When you renew your subscription, please give generously.

To learn more contact Beth Proven at (204) 949-3989 or go online to wso.ca/donations.

22 2017 I 2018 Season

Bravo to our Sponsors

IN MEMORY OF PETER D. CURRY

Major Sponsors

Concert Series and Special Projects Sponsors

Media and Corporate Supporters

Government Support

Performance Sponsors

ARNOLD & MYRAFRIEMAN

CARMYN ALESHKA& GREG FETTES

DANIEL FRIEDMAN &ROB DALGLEISH

SANDI & RONMIELITZ

MARTY & MICHELLEWEINBERG FAMILY

Women’s Committee of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

JUN 3 7:30 pm ■ Lower Fort Garry: Stone Fort Sounds28 7:00 pm ■ 70th Anniversary Community Celebration30 7:30 pm ■ WSO in Kenora, Lucia Melnick Stage

JUL 1 10:00 pm ■ Canada Day at The Forks5 7:00 pm ■ Lyric Theatre, Assiniboine Park

SEP 16 7:30 pm ■ The Asper Family Opening Night: Itzhak Perlman22 8:00 pm ■ Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA23 8:00 pm ■ Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA24 2:00 pm ■ Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA

OCT 13 10:30 am ■ Brahms’ 2nd

Oct 13 8:00 pm ■ Happy 70th WSO!14 8:00 pm ■ Happy 70th WSO!15 2:00 pm ■ Scheherazade20 8:00 pm ■ Ashley MacIsaac21 8:00 pm ■ Ashley MacIsaac22 2:00 pm ■ Ashley MacIsaac27 10:30 am ■ Symphony of Sorrowful Songs27 8:00 pm ■ Beethoven, Chopin and a Sorrowful Song28 8:00 pm ■ Beethoven, Chopin and a Sorrowful SongOct 27 - Nov 4 ■■ Autumn Festival

NOV 3 8:00 pm ■ Seven Deadly Sins4 8:00 pm ■ Seven Deadly Sins10 8:00 pm ■ Music of the Mad Men Era 11 8:00 pm ■ Music of the Mad Men Era 12 2:00 pm ■ Music of the Mad Men Era 25 7:30 pm ■ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone26 2:00 pm ■ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

DEC 1 10:30 am ■ Strauss & Ravel1 8:00 pm ■ Strauss, Ravel and More2 8:00 pm ■ Strauss, Ravel and More3 2:00 pm ■ The Snowman 8 8:00 pm ■ The Tenors 9 8:00 pm ■ The Tenors10 2:00 pm ■ A Christmas Celebration12 8:00 pm ■ Steve Bell - Christmastide15 8:00 pm ■ The Messiah16 8:00 pm ■ The Messiah

JAN 12 8:00 pm ■ Nielsen & Mozart 13 8:00 pm ■ Nielsen & Mozart14 2:00 pm ■ The Twins and the Monster19 8:00 pm ■ Music of the Ice with Kurt Browning20 8:00 pm ■ Music of the Ice with Kurt Browning21 2:00 pm ■ Music of the Ice with Kurt BrowningJan 27 - Feb 2 ■ Winnipeg New Music Festival

FEB 9 10:30 am ■ Schumann’s 3rd

Oct 9 8:00 pm ■ Schumann and Beethoven 10 8:00 pm ■ Schumann and Beethoven 14 8:00 pm ■ Valentine’s Day: Broadway in Love16 8:00 pm ■■ Charles Chaplin: City Lights Live17 8:00 pm ■■ Charles Chaplin: City Lights Live18 2:00 pm ■■ Charles Chaplin: City Lights Live23 8:00 pm ■ A Night in Spain24 8:00 pm ■ A Night in Spain25 2:00 pm ■ Mr. Mark and Manny Tuba go to the Birds!

MAR 9 8:00 pm ■ Bruckner 910 8:00 pm ■ Bruckner 916 8:00 pm ■ A Chorus Line17 8:00 pm ■ A Chorus Line18 2:00 pm ■ A Chorus Line23 8:00 pm ■ Fauré & Poulenc24 8:00 pm ■ Fauré & Poulenc25 2:00 pm ■ Fauré & Poulenc

APR 6 10:30 am ■ Rachmaninoff’s 2nd

6 8:00 pm ■ Luca Buratto Plays Prokofiev 7 8:00 pm ■ Luca Buratto Plays Prokofiev8 2:00 pm ■ Al Simmons Symphonic Shenanigans 21 7:30 pm ■ The Wizard of Oz22 2:00 pm ■ The Wizard of Oz 27 8:00 pm ■ Cirque de la symphonie28 8:00 pm ■ Cirque de la symphonie29 2:00 pm ■ Cirque de la symphonie

MAY 11 10:30 am ■ Strauss: Ein Heldenleben11 8:00 pm ■ Strauss: A Hero’s Life12 8:00 pm ■ Strauss: A Hero’s Life23 8:00 pm ■ Vancouver Symphony on Tour

■ Classics A Series

■ Classics B Series■ Air Canada Pops

■ Movies■ Matinees

■ Great-West Life Kids Concerts■ Specials

■ Festivals■ Summer Concerts

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!Call 204-949-3999 or

visit wso.ca/1718seasonfacebook.com/winnipegsymphony

twitter.com/wpgsymphony

youtube.com/winnipegsymphony

instagram.com/wpgsymphony

2017/2018 SEASON CALENDAR

Documents

Welcome to the 70 · Itzhak Perlman,and closes with a visit from WSO conductor laureate Bramwell Tovey and Brandon-born James Ehnes,who will join the Vancouver Symphony on Tour to