Concerts & Tickets

Vivian Fung’s Prayer speaks to the reliance of faith – from the profound faith in humanity, faith in love, and faith that we will persevere in times of crisis, peril, struggles, and losses. Young virtuoso Ryan Huang showcases the new generation in a dazzling performance of Liszt’s brilliant work. Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony is a journey of darkness to light and symbolizes our struggles, determination, and resolve.

Ukrainian-Canadian composer Larysa Kuzmenko composed her Fantasy of a Theme of Beethoven for the Calgary Philharmonic, a short, ingenious theme and variations based on his First Symphony. Concertmaster of the National Ballet, the dynamic Aaron Schwebel infuses the adored Beethoven’s Violin Concerto with joy and optimism, and Elgar’s Enigma Variations are a collection of portraits and tributes to his friends and family and serves as a celebration of community spirit.

Infused with the spirit of the holidays, storytelling through different lenses, and evoking winter scenes, this varied program features the spirited and rarely performed Christmas Eve Suite by Rimsky-Korsakov and Cree composer Andrew Balfour’s Pyotr’s Dream, and guides us through some popular favourites and new twists on traditional works. Truly a program for the whole season, and something for everyone.

This Nordic program is an orchestral powerhouse. Grieg’s Peer Gynt sets the stage for storytelling through Norwegian fairy tales and timeless music. The Nielsen concerto, a staple of the woodwind repertoire, is under-performed with orchestra yet is a vividly colourful and vibrant work. Sibelius’ Second Symphony is a symphonic giant, allowing for the flow and textures of the orchestra to be explored, developed, and challenged in a largescale and grand manner.

This program is dedicated to music inspired by dance. Nova Scotia-born Emily Doolittle’s “…and some fireworks” explores inventive takes on folk jigs, airs, and reels. Le Cid is a wildly colourful yet rarely performed ballet suite, and Strauss’ Vienna Blood will allow the orchestra to shine with vivid imagery. Premiered in Vienna, Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony is a sparkling array of flowing textures and endless dance rhythms. Richard Wagner declared this symphony the “apotheosis of the dance.”

A grand finale with two symphonic masterpieces. Elgar’s Cello Concerto is one of the most lush and romantic concerti in the repertoire. As well as being Principal Cellist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Rachel Mercer is an accomplished soloist and chamber musician and she will bring the Elgar to life with her passionate playing. Brahms Symphony No. 2 is considered the most joyous and positive of all his symphonies, and gives a clear and decisive opportunity for the orchestra to perform with great strength and musicality. A fitting finale to a tremendous season of music making.