HAMILTON, ON – The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) transforms FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) on Saturday, March 21 with Sci-Fi Spectacular at 7:30pm. The program features timeless movie music from famous science fiction films such as Star Trek, Twilight Zone, Planet of the Apes, E.T., Star Wars, Close Encounters and more.

Conductor, trombone soloist and host David Martin is one of Canada’s most multi-faceted musicians and is joined by renowned trumpet player and co-host Larry Larson.  Martin has served as Resident Conductor and Principal Trombone for Orchestra London Canada, performed with the Montreal Symphony, and, in 2012, was appointed associate professor and head of brass at Universite de Montreal.  As an arranger, Martin has written for the Montreal Symphony, National Arts Centre Orchestra and Quebec’s major singers including Robert Charlebois, Isabelle Boulay and Lara Fabian.  Co-host and trumpet soloist Larry Larson has been Principal Trumpet of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony since 1993 and is in high demand by Toronto recording studios for his work on motion picture soundtracks and commercial jingles.  You can hear him every night fanfaring Lisa LaFlamme onto the CTV National News.  Martin and Larson have conducted symphonic pops programs throughout Canada and the US.  Guest of the HPO might also recall this dynamic duo from their most recent HPO appearance in For the Love of The Screen in the 2013-14 season.

The evening’s program features great orchestral music from the big and small screen by esteemed composers such as John Williams and James Horner among others.  Guests can enjoy recognizable themes from science fiction film and television shows such as E.T., Close Encounters, Star Wars and The Twilight Zone, in addition to a couple surprise space-themed works by classical masters.

This concert takes audiences back to the classic silver screen era, for a nostalgic musical journey through space and time. Guests are invited to dress as their favourite science-fiction character, whether it’s a storm trooper, alien, Jedi Master or anything in between. Live long and prosper and join the HPO for this incredible experience.

Sci-Fi Spectacular appears at FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) (1 Summers Lane) on Saturday, March 21 at 7:30pm.

Ticket Information

Single tickets for Sci-Fi Spectacular are $23 to $67 (plus applicable taxes and fees) and are available online at staginghpo.wpengine.com, by calling 905.526.7756 or in person at the HPO Box Office in FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) at 10 MacNab Street South or FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) Box Office the evening of the concert.

Special hpoGO tickets for the under 35 crowd are $17 (plus applicable taxes and fees) and can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person.  To receive special discounts and invitations to special events, under 35 patrons can sign up online at staginghpo.wpengine.com.

HPO at the Library

In partnership with the Hamilton Public Library, this FREE program features HPO musicians and guest artists in an intimate community setting.

Friday, March 20, 12:45 to 1:30pm
Central Branch, Hamilton Public Library (55 York Blvd.)
Lunch and Learn with conductor and host David Martin on the magic of movie music.
Reserve your Table before the Concert

Reserve your Table before the Concert

The HPO’s Dinner and a Concert program offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy a three-course, prix fixe meal at a partnering restaurant within half a kilometre of FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place).  Each package includes a meal at partnering restaurants and a ticket to the performance.  Call the HPO Box Office at 905.526.7756 to reserve your table.

Sláinte Irish Pub – $49
33 Bowen St.

Incognito Restaurant & Wine Bar – $59
93 John St. S.

The Hamilton Club – $79
6 Main St. E

Media Contact:
Diana Weir, Director, Communications and Development | Tel: 905.526.1677 x230 | Email: dweir@hpo.org
The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1884 as The Hamilton Orchestral Society and grew to become one of Canada’s major professional orchestras. Today, the HPO is a leader in Hamilton’s robust arts community where it provides professional orchestral services and music education programs to address the needs of the community. The HPO continues to commission and premiere works and is one of the artistic jewels of the Hamilton area. The combined musical talents of its artists continue to enrich the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents.