Hamilton, ON – The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra is proud to announce details for its 2015-16 Season. In addition to great symphonic works by Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and Mozart, the mainstage season features a number of great Canadian compositions including the works of Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte, Kelly-Marie Murphy and the premiere of Ian Thomas’s music with orchestra.
The HPO introduces new Music Director Gemma New to the community as she conducts epic 20th century Russian works of Prokofiev and Shostakovich in Gemma Conducts Shostakovich. She returns to the FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) stage for Cirque de la Symphonie, a visual and musical spectacle for the entire family.
The season also brings great opera back to Hamilton in An Evening at the Opera with Maestro Daniel Lipton, and the Canadian Brass return to their home turf in Home for the Holidays with the Canadian Brass.
The HPO’s annual tribute to our community’s military personnel and families also marks the 70th year since the end of the Second World War and premieres Abigail Richardson-Schulte’s Song of the Poets on the mainstage along with the rousing 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky.
“This season was designed specifically to highlight the essence of Hamilton and the vastness of Canada’s music scene and artists, in one artistic vision,” says Executive Director Carol Kehoe. “We have curated a year of concerts where exceptional Canadian talent will delight Hamilton, as well as introduce our new Music Director to the strong artistic presence of our community—both local and national.”
The HPO is pleased to highlight principal musicians as soloists this year as Concertmaster Stephen Sitarski and Principal Violist Chau Luk perform together in Totally Mozart and Principal Trumpet Michael Fedyshyn performs the world premiere of a new trumpet concerto in the season closing concert.
2015-16 SEASON CONCERT DETAILS
Opening Night: Chopin & Beethoven
September 19, 2015
Concerto No. 1 – Chopin Symphony No. 4 – Beethoven
Bernhard Gueller, conductor Janina Fialkowska, piano
This rich and lyrical season opener features Canadian gem Janina Fialkowska performing the music she’s best known for, Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Enjoy Beethoven’s idyllic Fourth Symphony conducted by Symphony Nova Scotia’s Music Director Bernhard Gueller.
A Life in Song: Ian Thomas and the HPO
October 17, 2015
Darcy Hepner, conductor Ian Thomas and band, guest artist
Experience the music of Canadian icon and Hamilton native Ian Thomas in this premiere of his work with live orchestra. Featuring hits like Painted Ladies, Long Long Way, Pilot, Hold On and Right Before your Eyes, this concert offers audiences a rich cross section of Thomas’s life as a singer-songwriter from the 1970s until today.
In Remembrance: Songs of Courage and Honour
November 7, 2015
1812 Overture – Tchaikovsky Song of the Poets – Abigail Richardson-Schulte Medley of Second World War Favourites
To mark 70 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe, this evening of music honours our community’s military personnel and families. Featuring songs from the Second World War along with triumphant orchestral works such as Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and the moving Song of the Poets by Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte, this evocative performance of hope and courage is a community tribute not to be missed.
Totally Mozart
November 28, 2015
Overture to Abduction from the Seraglio – Mozart Sinfonia Concertante – Mozart Symphony No. 40 – Mozart
Ivars Taurins, conductor Stephen Sitarski, violin Chau Luk, viola
It’s Mozart mania in this all-Mozart program of classics by the great master! Enjoy three distinct styles of this ubiquitous classical composer—an overture, a symphony and a concerto—each one exuding Mozart’s unique brand of genius. HPO Concertmaster Stephen Sitarski and Principal Violist Chau Luk team up to perform Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola.
Home for the Holidays with the Canadian Brass
December 19, 2015
Scott Terrell, conductor Canadian Brass, special guests
The world renowned Canadian Brass revisit their home turf in this Hamilton holiday tradition for the entire family. Coming back to the stage where they got their start, Canadian Brass and HPO perform popular holiday hits sure to get Hamilton in the spirit!
Special tribute to Larry and Marnie Paikin.
An Evening at the Opera
January 16, 2016
Daniel Lipton, conductor
Maestro Lipton returns to Hamilton with the best opera arias and overtures for the HPO stage. Enjoy the romance and drama of this great musical form, as your HPO brings opera back to Hamilton.
Gemma Conducts Shostakovich
February 6, 2016
Symphony No. 1 – Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 3 – Prokofiev A Thousand Natural Shocks – Kelly-Anne Murphy
Gemma New, conductor Katherine Chi, piano
In her premiere as Music Director of the HPO, Gemma New conducts a concert of epic Russian works from the 20th century. Gemma also leads your HPO through the electrifying Canadian piece A Thousand Natural Shocks.
Cirque de la Symphonie
March 12, 2016
Gemma New, conductor
Cirque returns to perform daring and extraordinary feats of artistry! Acrobats, aerialists, contortionists and strongmen grace the stage and move to the beautiful sounds of well known classical masterpieces conducted by new Music Director Gemma New.
Tchaikovsky’s Fourth
April 16, 2016
Serenade for Strings – Elgar Symphony No. 4 – Tchaikovsky World premiere Trumpet Concerto – Abigail Richardson-Schulte
Eric Paetkau, conductor Michael Fedyshyn, trumpet
Tchaikovsky’s emotional Symphony No. 4 offers audiences the truest expression of his artistic voice, while the reflective and heartfelt Serenade for Strings gives concertgoers insight into the mind of Elgar. A new commission for Principal Trumpet Michael Fedyshyn rounds out the 2015-16 Season.
Ticket Information
Subscriptions to the 2015-16 Season can be purchased in 9-, 7-, 5- or 3-concert packages. Patrons can save up to 20% by purchasing a subscription. Subscriptions start at as little as $68 (plus HST) for a 3-concert package. Subscriptions can be purchased by calling 905.526.7756.
Single tickets for the 2015-16 Season go on sale July 1 and will be 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.
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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.