Vernon Performing Arts Centre, Sunday, March 6, 2011 - 7:00 pm
Internationally acclaimed alphornist, William Hopson joins the OSO performing Daetwyler's Concerto for Alphorn. Brahm's towering First Symphony completes this tribute to the Alps.
PROGRAM:
The Sleeping Giant, Richardson
Alphorn Concerto*, Daetwyler
Symphony No. 1, Op. 68 in C minor, Brahms
Okanagan Symphony Orchestra Website
William Hopson has been a French Horn player in the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra since 1977. He acquired his first Alphorn in 1982 and he has dedicated much of his professional life to that instrument. He is widely regarded as the finest Alphorn soloist of his generation. In his travels he has introduced the music of the Alphorn to audiences in North America, Europe and Asia and enjoys teaching Alphorn every summer in the Alps. He is currently teaching at The Swiss Alphorn School (in Gstaad, Switzerland) and The Bregenzer Alphornseminar (in Bregenz, Austria). As a champion of the music of Swiss composer Jean Daetwyler, he has performed "Concerto for Alphorn and Orchestra" with many orchestras, receiving in every case an enthusiastic ovation from the audience.
Learn more about William Hopson's career as player and maker of alphorns at http://www.cpo-live.com/main/biography.php?id=58 and www.alphorn.ca
Program Notes:
Commissioned by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Abigail Richardson's "The Sleeping Giant" was inspired by the Thunder Bay landmark and its legend.
The alphorn, instrument of the mountains, gets a rare hearing in a beautiful concerto complete with bird calls and cow bells. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear this glorious instrument live with orchestra.
The famous alphorn "All's Well" played by the shepherds at sundown inspired Brahms when composing his First Symphony. By turns stately, lyrical, playful and majestic this piece will make your spirit soar.
Make the Most of your Concert Experience!
Pre-Concert Talk...
Begin one hour before each evening concert. Enjoy an informal and informative 30-minute presentation by Rosemary Thomson about the evening program. Admission is free ~ donations are gratefully received.
Open Dress Rehearsal...
Saturday, March 5, 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm at the Kelowna Community Theatre
Patrons are free to come and go during this working rehearsal. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to listen to full concert works and understand the discussions and preparation between the orchestra and the conductor.
Admission is free ~ donations are gratefully received.
Afterthoughts...
In each city, Rosemary invites the concert's guest artist/s to join her onstage post-concert with one or two musicians from the orchestra to share questions and thoughts with the audience.
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