January 11, 2024 – The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) is excited to present The Music of Queen at 7:30pm on Saturday January 20 at FirstOntario Concert Hall. We are thrilled to have conductor Daniel Black, Jeans nâ Classics members including grammy-award winner, David Blamires as lead vocalist, and selected singers from McMaster University Choirs joining us under the direction of Melanie Tellez.
In an interview with Hamilton Spectator columnist Leonard Turnevicius, conductor Daniel Black said âQueenâs music always has a certain grandiosity, lots of layers, interesting harmonies, unusual song forms â think âBohemian Rhapsody. After all, Freddie Mercury was classically trained. So, that kind of music lends itself very well to orchestra because you can expand on it, you can make a truly epic sound while still staying pretty true to the original chart.â
See full article here.
HPO musicians will be sharing the stage with grammy award winning vocalist David Blamires and Jeans nâ Classics musicians Stephanie Martin and Andrea Koziol on vocals, Adam Martin on guitar, Mitch Tyler on bass, John Regan on piano, and Steve Heathcote on drums. Also joining this roster of incredible musicians are selected singers from McMaster University Choirs led by Artistic Director, Melanie Tellez, who will bring choral magic to these timeless hits.
For this rockinâ concert, we welcome back guest conductor Daniel Black. Montreal-based American conductor Daniel Black has earned a reputation as a conductor capable of delivering “vital and engaging” performances, particularly of newer works and staples of the Russian repertoire. He completed a highly successful four-year tenure as Resident Conductor of the Florida Orchestra in 2022,
where he conducted over 150 performances including the world premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts’ new triple concerto, Contact with the acclaimed trio Time for Three. Daniel’s recent guest-conducting engagements have included the West Virginia Symphony, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, the Dallas Basically Beethoven Festival, the San Antonio Symphony, the Savannah Philharmonic, the Texarkana Symphony and more.
The Music of QueenÂ
January 20, 2024 at 7:30pmÂ
Daniel Black, ConductorÂ
David Blamires, Lead Vocalist
McMaster University Choirs, Guest Artists
Melanie Tellez, Artistic Director for McMaster University Choirs
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About Jeans nâ Classics: Peter Brennan’s Jeans ‘n Classics has established a remarkable legacy over 27 years. Jeans ‘n Classics comprises a collective of accomplished musicians well-versed in the intricacies of orchestra culture and dedicated to nurturing and cultivating broad and devoted audiences for symphonies across North America. The performers associated with Jeans ‘n Classics are of the highest calibre, exemplifying professionalism, levity, and finesse. Their adeptness in rehearsal and live show environments ensures an exceptional experience.
About McMaster University Choirs: McMaster University Choirs unite singers from the campus community with a mission to learn and perform choral music with embodiment, technique and artistry. Directed by Melanie Tellez, our auditioned choirs span diverse academic fields, including Life Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Music Cognition and Performance, and more! We also welcome staff and faculty singers. Notably, their treble choir, Cantemus Vocal Ensemble, won the 2015 National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs organized by Choral Canada, showcasing our commitment to excellence. Throughout the year, both treble and mixed choirs engage in collaborative performances.
About the HPO: For over a century, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has presented orchestral music and education programs with a mission to enrich the wellbeing of the greater Hamilton region. Music Director Gemma New and the professional musicians of the HPO present dynamic orchestral performances ranging from standard classical repertoire to popular music and world premieres by living composers. As one of Canadaâs leading professional orchestras, the HPO has proudly contributed to the shaping of Hamiltonâs cultural landscape and continues to uphold values of high calibre, inclusive and accessible orchestral music and education for all.
HPO Media Contacts:
| Varinder Nandhra Marketing and Communications Manager Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra 905.526.1677 x 205 vnandhra@hpo.org Sarah Chadwick Marketing and Communications Coordinator Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra 905.526.1677 x 211 vnandhra@hpo.org | |