Today's Coast Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is simply the best ever, remarked CSO librarian Terry Andrews.
He would be so thrilled, said Ann Kershaw, Tom Kershaw's widow. Kershaw (d.2005) founded the Orchestra with violinist Michelle Bruce in 1993 and was its first conductor.
It's just beginning too. The grand gala concert, is this Sunday, May 26 at 2:30 p.m. at the
Raven's Cry Theatre in Sechelt, heralds the next 20 years.
A reception with refreshments follows in the Sechelt Indian Band hall, a short walk from the theatre The Orchestra Association's Youth Orchestra and Concert Band celebrate with the CSO Early members, now professional musicians, return as soloists with the orchestra.
The remarkable Mark Andrews plays Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor (1868). This is in any top 10 of classical music. So is Rossini's Barber of Seville Overture (1815) the concert's scintillating opener.
First a fine violinist, soloist Elizabeth Currie-Buono soon turned to voice for primary musical expression. She sings two arias from Mozart's opera Don Giovanni (1787) and Leo Delilbes' ever popular Flower Duet from Lakmé (1883) joined by Edette Gagné, CSO's dynamite conductor and lyric soprano. Now in her fifth season, Gagné is highly esteemed by her orchestra. It's mutual.
An excellent and inspirational musician Gagné enthused over her players' commitment and work ethic. Her training includes Royal Conservatory of Music Associate diplomas in piano performance and voice, adding a master of music (conducting) from the University of Calgary in 2005.
Remaining tickets, $25 with reception, go on sale at the Theatre at 2 p.m. (students $15).
