1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAMILTON, ON – On March 17 at 7:30pm at FirstOntario Concert Hall, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes Canadian violinist James Ehnes as guest artist for Beethoven & James Ehnes. Conducted by Music Director Gemma New, this concert features some of Beethoven’s most significant works.

Gramophone Magazine declares, “Ehnes’ playing is a marvel. The various extended trills in the first movement are so lightly and evenly articulated as to suggest a heart aflutter. He can whip up excitement, as he does with finely honed precision in the two Kreisler cadenzas.”

James Ehnes began violin studies at the age of four, became a protégé of the noted Canadian violinist Francis Chaplin aged nine, made his orchestral debut with Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal aged 13, and graduated from The Juilliard School in 1997, winning the Peter Mennin Prize for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in Music. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and in 2010 was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. James Ehnes plays the prestigious “Marsick” Stradivarius of 1715.

Known for his virtuosity and stunning musicianship, James Ehnes has performed in over 35 countries on five continents, appearing regularly in the world’s great concert halls and with many of the most celebrated orchestras and conductors. On March 17 the JUNO-nominated, Canadian superstar takes on one of the 20th century’s most lyrical and rhapsodic works in this program inspired by the heroism of the Romantic era. The ravishing style of Barber’s Violin Concerto contrasts Beethoven Symphony No. 3, a defining piece in the great composer’s body of work.

This unforgettable performance kicks off HPO’s powerful line-up of spring mainstage concerts.


Beethoven & James Ehnes
Saturday March 17 at 7:30pm
FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place)
Inside the Music: Pre-concert talk at 6:30pm


Ticket Information
Tickets range from $10- $67 (plus HST). Tickets are available online at staginghpo.wpengine.com, by calling 905.526.7756 or in person at the HPO Box Office at FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place), 10 MacNab Street South.

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About the HPO: 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.

Media Contacts:

Christina Volpini
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x226
cvolpini@hpo.org

Kim Varian
Director, Development and Communications
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x222
kvarian@hpo.org