Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra
announces an outstanding 2015/16 Season!
Thunder Bay, ON –The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO) is proud to announce the 2015/16 season led by Music Director Arthur Post. Subscriptions are now available at the Community Auditorium Box Office, offering substantial savings over single ticket prices.
2015/16 Season - Hear the music, Share the experience
Season Highlights
· Canadian Juno Winner Meaghan Smith
· Return of Violinist Yi-Jia Susanne Hou
· Best of Broadway with Brian Jackson
· Celebrate Sibelius with Music Director Arthur Post
· Women of Rock with Jeans ‘n Classics
· World Premiere - Christos Hatzis’ Ecstasy
· Cirque de la Symphonie
· Nikki Chooi performs Sibelius’ Violin Concerto
· Jim Witter’s Simon & Garfunkel
Overview
The entire TBSO season comprises classical, pops, and children’s concerts, amazing specials, fundraiser initiatives and concerts, education and outreach concerts, and two tours, East and West, throughout Northwestern Ontario. The regularly scheduled concerts are divided into five separate series – Masterworks, Pops, Classical Plus, Cabaret, and Family – as well as Special and Fundraiser Concerts.
Subscriptions are available for our individual series – Masterworks, Pops, Classical Plus, and Cabaret Series – as well as the complete season, which comprises tickets to all series concerts including Family, and our flexible Select 6 package, which provides 6 tickets that can be exchanged for any Series concert.
Why Subscribe to the TBSO?
· Subscriber benefits – Subscribers enjoy the best prices, the best seats, and the best benefits, including ticket exchange privileges and exclusive offers.
· Convenience – Subscribing is the best way for patrons to enjoy great music and guarantee their preferred seats.
· Affordability – Subscribers save up to 30% off single ticket prices with the purchase of a subscription.
· Subscribers enjoy incredible music performed by the world’s most outstanding artists, including classical masterpieces, exciting new works, spectacular pops entertainment and more.
· Subscribers experience great music – live!
Masterworks Series
Enjoy the renowned acoustics of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium where the TBSO and brilliant guest artists guide patrons on a journey through the world’s greatest music, past and present. All Masterworks concert ticket holders are invited to attend pre-concert chats before all Masterworks concerts beginning at 7:10 pm. Venue: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium (TBCA)
1. Violinist Yi-Jia Susanne Hou Returns
Thursday, October 22, 2015 / 8PM / TBCA
Arthur Post, conductor / Yi-Jia Susanne Hou, violin
Sibelius: Finlandia
Lalo: Symphonie espagnole
Sibelius: Symphony No. 2
Internationally celebrated Yi-Jia Susanne Hou returns to Thunder Bay for an awe-inspiring performance of Édouard Lalo’s dramatic Symphonie espagnole, and the TBSO celebrates Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ 150th birthday, with rousing performances of Finlandia and his Second Symphony.
2. Pianist Avan Yu performs Mozart
Thursday, November 12, 2015 / 8PM / TBCA
Arthur Post, conductor / Avan Yu, pianist
Kurka: The Good Soldier Schweik Suite, Op. 22 / Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 / Shostakovich: Symphony for Strings and Woodwinds, Op. 73a
A “pianistic force with an astonishing sensitivity far beyond his years”, Avan Yu, one of Canada’s most exciting young pianists, performs Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23, in his TBSO debut. In contrast to Mozart’s touching harmony, Dimitri Shostakovich’s Symphony and Robert Kurka’s Suite showcase the intense personal expression of artists working in the shadow of political strife.
3. Pianist Katherine Chi plays Grieg
Thursday, January 28, 2016 / 8PM / TBCA
Leslie Dala, conductor ● Katherine Chi, piano
Gluck: Overture to Alceste
Grieg: Piano Concerto, Op. 16
Schumann: Symphony No. 2
Guest conductor Leslie Dala makes his TBSO debut in a dynamic concert, featuring Overture to Alceste by Christoph Willibald Gluck and Robert Schumann’s Second Symphony. Pianist Katherine Chi returns to Thunder Bay to mesmerize in a captivating performance of composer Edvard Grieg’s beloved Piano Concerto.
4. Barber & Beethoven
Thursday, March 3, 2016 / 8PM / TBCA
Nathan Brock, conductor ● Thomas Cosbey, violin
Gougeon: Primus Tempus
Barber: Violin Concerto, Op. 14
Beethoven: Symphony No. 4, Op. 60
Guest conductor Nathan Brock returns to lead the TBSO in an unforgettable concert featuring Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony and Denis Gougeon’s Primus Tempus. TBSO’s Concertmaster, Thomas Cosbey, performs Samuel Barber’s melodic masterpiece, his Violin Concerto.
5. The Transcendent Spirit
Thursday, March 31, 2016 / 8PM / TBCA
Arthur Post, conductor ● Sarah Slean, vocals ● TBS Chorus
Mendelssohn: Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture
Hatzis: Ecstasy
Brahms: Schicksalslied “Song of Destiny,” Op. 54
Mahler: Adagietto from Symphony No. 5
Vaughan Williams: Toward the Unknown Region
Join the TBSO for the world premiere of Ecstasy by Canadian composer Christos Hatzis, performed by Canadian chanteuse Sarah Slean. Ecstasy is the companion piece to Lamento, which was enthusiastically received in the TBSO’s 2014/15 season. This commission is complemented by the radiant voices of the TBS Chorus in spiritual and transcendent works by Johannes Brahms and Ralph Vaughan Williams, and orchestral masterpieces by Felix Mendelssohn and Gustav Mahler.
6. Violinist Nikki Chooi performs Sibelius
Thursday, April 28, 2016 / 8PM / TBCA
Arthur Post, conductor ● Nikki Chooi, violin
Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3
Sibelius: Violin Concerto, Op. 47
Brahms: Symphony No.2
Concluding our celebration of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ 150th birthday, the TBSO ends the season with a captivating performance of his Violin Concerto showcasing Canadian violinist Nikki Chooi. Beethoven’s monumental Leonore Overture No. 3 and Brahms’ idyllic Symphony No. 2, round out the evening.
Pops Series
The TBSO presents an all-star line-up of guest artists and a wide range of popular music, from holiday classical to pop music rockers! Venue: Thunder Bay Community Auditorium (TBCA)
1. Meaghan Smith
Saturday, October 17, 2015 / 8PM / TBCA
Arthur Post, conductor / Meaghan Smith, vocals
Meaghan Smith, Canadian Juno Award winner, brings her honest, insightful songwriting, vintage sound, and smooth, evocative voice to the TBSO stage in brand new orchestral concert.
2. Best of Broadway
Saturday, November 28, 2015 / 8PM / TBCA
Brian Jackson, conductor
Thunder Bay favourite Brian Jackson reunites with the TBSO to present an evening of the Best of Broadway, with songs from some of Broadway’s hit shows including Wicked and Les Misérables.
3. Holiday Pops
Saturday, December 12, 2015 / 7PM / TBCA
Kevin Mallon, conductor / Cast of local Thunder Bay talent / Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus
A TBSO classic and Thunder Bay seasonal-must, the Holiday Pops is one of the most popular presentation of the year. Join guest conductor, Kevin Mallon, and local Thunder Bay talent as they bring wit and charm to this holiday classic featuring your favourites.
4. Women of Rock
Saturday, February 20, 2016 / 8PM / TBCA
Arthur Post, conductor / Jeans ‘n Classics
Rique Franks / Stephanie Martin / Kathryn Rose / Leah Salomaa
Jeans ‘n Classics and the TBSO present Women of Rock – a concert highlighting five decades of some of the most dynamic and influential women in rock and pop music, including Martha and the Vandellas, Heart, Annie Lennox and the Eurythmics, Sinead O’Connor, Alicia Keys, Adele, and many more. You’ll hear many hits including Dancin’ In The Streets, Barracuda, Sweet Dreams, Firework, and Skyfall.
5. Cirque de la Symphonie
Saturday, March 19, 2016 / 8PM / TBCA
Giuseppe Pietraroia, conductor / Cirque de la Symphonie
Guest conductor Giuseppe Pietraroia makes his TBSO debut to bring the world-famous Cirque de la Symphonie to Thunder Bay for the first time! Don’t miss this visual and aural spectacle featuring some of the world’s best circus artists – including aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen – in exceptional performances choreographed to classical masterpieces and popular contemporary music performed by the TBSO.
6. Jim Witter’s “Feelin’ Groovy” Simon & Garfunkel
Saturday, April 23, 2016 / 8PM / TBCA
Arthur Post, conductor / Jim Witter
Jim Witter returns after a sold out debut to present “Feelin’ Groovy” Simon & Garfunkel with the TBSO – a musical journey through the 60s and 70s featuring the timeless music of Simon & Garfunkel.
Classical + Series
The serene atmosphere of Hilldale Lutheran Church provides a brilliant and intimate backdrop to the unexpected alongside audience favourites. This season Classical + features music from around the world, and showcases the talents of TBSO musicians. Venue: Hilldale Lutheran Church (HLC)
1. A London Symphony
Wednesday, October 28, 2015 / 8PM / HLC
Arthur Post, conductor / Peter Shackleton, clarinet
Elgar: Chanson de matin
Finzi: Clarinet Concerto, Op. 83
Oesterle: Short Symphony
Haydn: Symphony No. 93
2. Midnight in Paris
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 / 8PM / HLC
Richard Lee, conductor / Colleen Kennedy, oboe
Korndorf: The Smile of Maud Lewis
Francaix: L’Horloge de flore
Faure: Masque et bergamasques
Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 2
3. Northern Lights
Wednesday, February 10, 2016 / 8PM / HLC
Arthur Post, conductor / Janelle Wiebe, horn
Sibelius: Valse triste Op.44, No. 1
Larsson: Horn Concertino No. 5, Op. 45
Walton: Façade Suite No. 2
Buhr: Jyotir (Brilliance)
Mozart: Symphony No. 36, “Linz”
4. Bohemian Rhapsody
Wednesday, April 13, 2016 / 8PM / HLC
Arthur Post, conductor / Jean-François Breton, marimba
Chatman: Over Thorns to Stars
Dvořák: Czech Suite, Op. 39
Séjourné: Concerto for Marimba & Strings
Martinu: Sinfonietta La Jolla
Cabaret Series
Cabaret blends the sounds of the TBSO with guest artists from Thunder Bay and Canada’s incredibly vibrant and diverse musical community. Venue: Italian Cultural Centre (ICC)
1. Tracy K
Friday, November 6 & Saturday, November 7, 2015 / 8PM / ICC
Arthur Post, conductor / Tracy K, vocals & harmonica
Canadian blues and roots artist, Tracy K, returns to the TBSO stage bringing her versatility, energy and charisma to a unique harmonica-driven symphony concert.
2. In the Spotlight
Friday, February 5 & Saturday, February 6, 2016 / 8PM / ICC
Arthur Post, conductor / Thunder Bay’s young vocalists
Thunder Bay’s talent knows no bounds – come and discover some of the city’s best young vocalists in an evening of rock with the TBSO.
2. A World of Dance with Dahab Novoa
Friday, April 8 & Saturday, April 9, 2016 / 8PM / ICC
Arthur Post, conductor / Dahab Novoa
Join the TBSO and Thunder Bay’s World Dance Centre founder Dahab Novoa as we tour through some of the world’s most intriguing and exciting dance from around the globe, including Bollywood, the Middle East and Latin America!
Family Series
The TBSO brings the joy of music to the family. Created especially for children ages 4 and up, these concerts will delight and captivate. Venue: Grassroots Church (GRC)
1. Peter & the Wolf
Sunday, November 1, 2015 / 3:30PM / GRC
Who’s afraid of the big, bad wolf? The classic tale of Peter and the Wolf is a great way to introduce a child to the wonderful world of the symphony orchestra, as each character is brought to life by a different instrument.
2. The Hockey Sweater
Sunday, January 26, 2016 / 3:30PM / GRC
Experience the Canadian classic The Hockey Sweater as never before – brought to life by the sounds of the TBSO. This iconic story is inspired by the writers Roch Carrier’s own childhood, which tells the tale of a boy growing up in Sainte-Justine, Quebec, where everyone is a fan of the Montreal Canadians. When he is mistakenly sent a Toronto Maple Leafs sweater, Carrier faces persecution of his peers and his coach prevents him from playing.
3. Orchestra Games
Sunday, April 17, 2016 / 3:30PM / GRC
Come out and cheer on your favourite instrument, section or piece of music at the Orchestra Games, a concert that will be sure to get you excited about symphonic music.
Specials
Subscribers can add the Special The Music of ABBA to their subscription to guarantee seating before single tickets go on sale.
1. The Music of ABBA
Saturday, March 5, 2016 / 8PM / TBCA
Lucas Waldin, conductor ● Rajaton
With a name that translates as “boundless,” Finnish vocal phenomenon Rajaton joins the TBSO for an unforgettable ABBA extravaganza that will have you singing along and dancing in the aisles to hits including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, and Take a Chance on Me. An international sensation, Rajaton's ABBA album with Lahti Symphony Orchestra climbed to No.1 in Finland, achieving platinum sales in a month.
2. Consortium Aurora Borealis
Saturday, December 5, 2015 / 8PM / St. Paul’s United Church
Mélanie Léonard, conductor
Join the TBSO and Consortium Aurora Borealis for a concert of delightful music from the 18th-century Mannheim School, including Carl Stamitz’s warmly lyrical Concerto for Clarinet and Violin with Peter Shackleton and Kathlyn Stevens, a lively Haydn symphony, plus Mozart’s noble Symphony No. 40.
Fundraiser Specials
From an evening of music, food and martinis to a casual drinks-and-music celebration, the TBSO is proud to present our exciting lineup of fundraising events.
Mozart & Martinis
Wednesday, November 25, 2015 / 7:30PM / Bight Restaurant & Bar
Join the TBSO for an evening of glitz and glamour at Mozart & Martinis. Sample an exquisite pairing of live symphonic music, delicious appetizers, and delectable martinis. The evening marries the music of renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by the TBSO, with four distinct courses, each featuring a signature martini and appetizer pairing created with Mozart in mind.
For more information contact: TBSO Office 807.474.2284 or visit www.tbso.ca.
Minimum age requirement: 19 years
Tickets available: October 2015
Brew & Beethoven
Saturday, April 2, 2016 / 8PM
Enjoy a tall cold one while listening to the TBSO perform works ranging from Beethoven to Williams. Presented in a unique casual atmosphere, B&B is your chance to hear the musicians up close and personal. Book before it’s too late, tickets sell out every year!
For more information contact: TBSO Office 807.474.2284 or visit www.tbso.ca.
Minimum age requirement: 19 years
Tickets available: January 2016
Gala Ball: The Great Gatsby
Saturday, April 30, 2016 / 6PM / Valhalla Inn
Don’t miss the social event of the year! Our annual Gala Ball fundraiser, in support of TBSO’s Youth and Education programs, guarantees an evening of gorgeous food, outstanding music and great silent auction prizes! Show us your best Charleston, Foxtrot and Lindy Hop as you dance the night away to the live symphony orchestra!
For more information contact: TBSO Office 807.474.2284 or visit www.tbso.ca.
Minimum age requirement: 19 years
Tickets available: October 2015
How to Subscribe
Subscribers enjoy significant benefits, including the best seats in the house, the best prices, exclusive offers, and ticket exchange privileges.
Subscribe at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Box Office:
· In person Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30a.m.–5:30p.m.
· By phone at 807.684.4444 or 1.800.463.8817, Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30a.m.–5:30p.m.
Single Tickets for TBSO Series concerts and Specials will go on sale September 16, 2015.
Special Offers
· Early Bird Deadline Subscriber Incentive - Subscribe before June 28 to guarantee seats and receive one free ticket voucher per subscription order.
· Select 6 – Build your own season with the flexible Select 6 ticket package.
· Season Pass – Save 30% off single ticket prices and enjoy all 22 series concerts.
· Priority Seating for Subscribers – The Music of ABBA!
Connect with the TBSO
· Find the TBSO on Facebook
· Follow the TBSO on Twitter: twitter.com/TBaySO
· Watch the TBSO on YouTube
· Connect with the TBSO via the e-newsletter for concert reminders, news, announcements, and special offers at tbso.ca/news/tbso-e-newsletter/
· Find out about all this and more by visiting www.tbso.ca or become a friend on Facebook
For additional information, visit the TBSO website at www.tbso.ca