APPASSIONATO

Appassionato best describes this programme starting with Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite. We showcase the music of two female composers from different eras with Ariel Barnes returning to perform Invisible Distance by Dorothy Chang, a beautiful piece commissioned by the VIS in 2015 and Overture in C Major by Fanny Mendelssohn. And to make it a family affair – we perform Fanny’s brother, Felix Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony.

GUEST CONDUCTOR: Jonathan Girard

GUEST ARTIST: Ariel Barnes CELLO

Concert Programme

Fanny Mendelssohn (Hensel) : Overture in C

Igor STRAVINKSY : Pulcinella Suite

Dorothy CHANG : Invisible Distance (2015)
Spheres
In the Slow Time of Stars
In Darkness

Felix MENDELSSOHN : Symphony No. 4 Op. 90 "Italian"

Note: This programme and conductor were changed December 2022

GUEST CONDUCTOR
Jonathan Girard

GUEST ARTIST
Ariel Barnes
CELLO

PORT THEATRE
JAN 21, 2023

PRE-CONCERT TALK 6:30 PM
CONCERT 7:30 PM

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

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PERFORMANCE PARTNER

We offer an inviting, inclusive and fun symphony experience.

Join us for our free pre-concert talks. One hour prior to the concert in the theatre lobby.

Beverages served prior to concert and at intermission. You can pre-order your intermission beverage before the concert.

Mobile phones are allowed to be on but must be set to silent.

What to wear? Be comfortable. Dress in a way that works for you. If you feel like dressing up, do it and you won’t be the only one, we promise. If you prefer to be more casual you will fit right in as well.

We welcome you to clap when you like what you hear.

Appassionato Programme

Conductor Jonathan Girard always knew that music would be his life.

Growing up in a musical home just outside Boston, one of Jonathan’s first memories is being held in his grandfather’s lap as he improvised tune after tune at the piano. He vividly remembers his first trip to hear the Boston Symphony and a performance of Debussy’s L’après-midi d’un faune.

“The colours were incredible,” he recalls, “I knew then that I wanted to surround myself with the sound of an orchestra.”

He began his musical training on the piano and took up viola, saxophone, clarinet and organ. He was always focused on conducting and earned his Doctorate from Eastman.

Jonathan sees the orchestra as a community of collaborators – a place where each musician can contribute their individual artistry to a unified whole. Whether he’s leading a symphony in South America, an opera in Europe or working with students as Director of Orchestras at the University of British Columbia School of Music, he focuses on collective breathing, phrasing and nuance while inspiring musicians to sing through their instruments.

Jonathan has led orchestras throughout North America, South America, and Europe, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and the Holland Symphony Orchestra. He has also held positions with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Portland Opera Repertory Theatre, the Ohio Light Opera, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Orchestral Institute and the Marrowstone Music Festival. He currently serves as the conductor of the Vancouver Youth Symphony Senior Orchestra.

Jonathan was recently appointed as Principal Guest Conductor of the Athens Philharmonic. He has led orchestras throughout North America, South America, and Europe, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and the Holland Symphony Orchestra. He has also held positions with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Portland Opera Repertory Theatre, the Ohio Light Opera, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Orchestral Institute and the Marrowstone Music Festival. He currently serves as the conductor of the Vancouver Youth Symphony Senior Orchestra.

Jonathan is fuelled by an endless curiosity and a thirst for exploration. He has an abiding desire to find beauty and to make it part of his life, a longing to share music with the world.

So it’s not surprising that off the podium, he loves to fly airplanes.

“I love the freedom of being in the skies and seeing the world from a unique perspective,” he says. “I love that, like conducting, flying combines science and artistry and requires multiple skills. I especially relish being able to explore places I’ve never been before.”