After the sellout December performances honouring selections from the Strathcona Symphony Orchestra’s (SSO) audience participants, the musicians picked the program for March’s Homage! concerts at Campbell River’s 800-seat capacity Baptist Church.
“Every season, I strive to challenge our musicians with symphonic works and new music frontiers,” Jung said. “This year, our musicians surprised me by choosing some of the most demanding and rewarding pieces we’ve ever tackled. At the centrepiece will feature one of the most beloved pieces amongst our members, Beethoven’s haunting Symphony No. 7, 2nd movement.”
Soprano soloist and longtime local resident, Michelle Johnson, returns to the SSO stage, singing Handel’s beautiful Lascia ch’io pianga, Strauss’ playful laughing song, Mein Herr Marquis from the operetta, Die Fledermaus, as well as conducting the Black Creek Children’s Choir.
Johnson grew up on a farm in Black Creek and is the mother of five daughters. She attended the University of Lethbridge, achieving her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance. Some of her stage roles include Amahl from Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, Don Ettore from Haydn’s La Canterina, and selected operatic works such as Lakme’s The Flower Duet. Johnson currently enjoys solo work with North Island Choral Society, singing with Island Voices as well as teaching and working with children.
SSO co-founder and Campbell River resident, Blaine Waldenbauer, is the orchestra’s concertmaster for the season, and he brings his expertise and talent as 1st violin to the stage.
Concert tickets have been selling out prior to performance dates and tickets for Homage! can be purchased at https://strathcona-symphony-orchestra.tickit.ca/. Ticket prices are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.
