Both the Suncoast Concert Band and the Symphony Orchestra, part of the larger Sunshine Coast Community Orchestra Association (SCCOA), have attracted two new leaders this season, Edette Gagné and Francis Koh.
The Symphony Orchestra's new artistic director, Edette Gagné, has built a reputation of excellence in musical performance through her work as a conductor and singer. She comes with an impressive set of qualifications: a master of music degree in conducting from the University of Calgary, bachelor degrees in arts and education from the University of Alberta, as well as associate performance diplomas in piano and voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
She has worked with many choirs, ensembles and orchestras in Alberta and B.C. and is currently the resident conductor for Opera Appassionata and associate conductor for the B.C. Boys Choir.
Gordon Catherwood of the Community Orchestra hopes you will join them this season - either in the audience or in the orchestra - and see why they are so excited about having Gagné as the new conductor. Without giving away all the surprises, fans can look forward to a spring concert dedicated to German composer Felix Mendelssohn, in honour of the 200th anniversary of his birth.
The Suncoast Concert Band, based in Roberts Creek, has 20 to 25 members who cover most of the conventional band instruments, including full percussion and a five-piece timpani set. Since their previous conductor Joe Hatherill is now off on a world tour, they needed a replacement. François Koh fits the bill. Koh was born in Seoul, Korea, and received a bachelor of music with a major in classical guitar and musicology at Kyung Won University where he won a top award in a national music contest. After graduation, he entered the Conservatoire National de Dijon where he studied conducting, harmony, counterpoint and classical guitar. Since moving to Vancouver in 2006, he has given solo guitar concerts and private guitar lessons and conducted various ensembles including the Gilbert and Sullivan opera Patience for the North Shore Light Opera Company.
The SCCOA has been active for 15 years providing group learning and performing opportunities. Besides the various orchestras, the association is also trying to restart the Youth Orchestra with Kathleen Hovey at the helm. The Tuesday Chamber Players will also continue with Janice Brunson conducting.
If you are interested in joining the orchestra, attend tomorrow's (Sept. 6) registration day from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Roberts Creek School, or you can contact president Val Anderson at 604-885-6756 or [email protected]. New players are welcome in every section of the orchestra, particularly in the string section.
