Even though we are still in the depths of winter, shovelling out yet again here in Niagara, a wonderful diversion will be offered this weekend with the Niagara Symphony's presentation of their Pops! 3 concerts Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Titled "Hey Niagara, You've Got Talent!", Associate Conductor Laura Thomas leads the orchestra and a bevy of guest artists through an eclectic mix of music both well-known and unfamiliar.
Over the course of several months, Maestro Thomas auditioned a number of aspiring artists, all hoping to show what they can do onstage this weekend with the Niagara Symphony. The results will be showcased in a diverse programme featuring music by such composers as Offenbach, Bernstein, Berlin and Copeland, as well as the rarely-heard Piano Concerto by Leroy Anderson. Also on the programme are a comic duet from Mozart's opera "The Magic Flute" and a so-called "Fiddle Summit" finale bringing together five Celtic fiddlers plus the full symphony orchestra. The fiddlers include Brennan and Conner Doherty, Amanda Botts, and several members of the Symphony's violin section: Gail Poulsen, Michael van Dongen and Mary Beth Doherty. Other guest artists include pianist Brian Barber; baritone Jonathon Dick; Jocelyn Fralick, soprano; as well as recording artist Tara Hart and local jazz guitar legend Warren Stirtzinger. All in all, it sounds like a great programme!
On Sunday afternoon, local lawyer and businessman Patrick Little gets his wish to conduct the Symphony himself in a performance of the familiar "Can-Can" from Offenbach's "Tales of Hoffmann." Back in November, you may remember, the Symphony held their annual silent auction in the lobby, and one of the hotly-contested auction items that day was the opportunity to be a Maestro for a Moment, and conduct the Niagara Symphony. I considered bidding on that prize myself, but thought better of it before actually signing on the dotted line. I think this will be much more relaxing, watching Mr. Little do his thing while I sit in the audience! Good luck, Patrick!
As always, I will be in the lobby before, at intermission and after the show both this evening and Sunday afternoon with a table laden full of great musical treasures just looking for a new home. In addition, I'll have copies of the Simple Gifts CD Gail Poulsen recorded with musical friends at Christ Church McNabb a few years ago, with proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity Niagara. It is a wonderful disc, and if you don't have one yet, I'll have lots on display for you to purchase this weekend.
The Niagara Symphony has been having fun lately, now the pressure of auditioning new Music Directors is over and done with, so this should be a great musical party this weekend. If you don't have your tickets yet, you can get yours either at the door or through the Brock box office at 905-688-5550, ext. 3257. Best choice of seats I would imagine will be Saturday evening, but you can try your luck on Sunday afternoon if that works out better for you.
See you at the Symphony!
February 26th, 2011.
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