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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Presents “FAIRYTALES”: A Magical Symphony Journey

Toronto, November 15, 2023 — The Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra, under the brilliant direction of conductor Martin MacDonald, invites you to immerse yourself in a night of enchantment and musical storytelling with “FAIRYTALES.” This captivating concert will take place on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 8:00 pm, at the PC Ho Theatre, Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto. The event will also showcase the outstanding talents of the winners,  soloists Clair Cho on cello and Danita Zhang on piano of the 2023 North York Music Festival Concerto Competition. 

The program for the evening promises a delightful fusion of classical masterpieces inspired by timeless fairy tales, including:

  • Humperdinck: Hansel und Gretel: Prelude
  • Liadov: The Enchanted Lake, Op. 62
  • Tchaikovsky: Selections from Sleeping Beauty: Suite, Op. 66a
  • Tchaikovsky: Selections from Swan Lake: Suite, Op. 20a
  • Mendelssohn: Selections from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61
  • Ravel: Ma mère l’oye (Mother Goose): Suite
  • Lalo: Cello Concerto in D minor (1st movement)
  • Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 (1st movement)

The Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra will take the audience on an enchanting musical journey through the rich history of symphonic fairy tales. Iconic themes from Tchaikovsky’s ballets will transport listeners to a world of wonder and excitement, complemented by the vivid and colourful works of Humperdinck and Liadov. Mendelssohn’s timeless interpretation of a Shakespearean fairy tale promises to be a highlight of the evening, showcasing perfection in construction and conception.

At the heart of the program lies Ravel’s “Mother Goose,” a centrepiece that offers an affectionate musical gift, weaving little stories from Tom Thumb to Beauty and the Beast into a magical garden of childlike wonder.

Adding to the allure of the evening, the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra proudly features the young soloists and winners of the 2023 North York Music Festival Concerto Competition. This segment of the program serves as a platform to highlight the exceptional talents of the next generation of musicians within our community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a magical night where the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra invites you to experience the charm and wonder of “FAIRYTALES.”

Tickets are available at www.cathedralbluffs.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Wendy Limbertie
Director of Marketing and Outreach
wendy_limbertie@cathedralbluffs.com
416-986-5310

About Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra:

The Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra, founded by Clifford Poole and Neil Blair, has delighted audiences with its impeccable musical quality, musical diversity and engaging programs since 1985. Under the baton of Martin MacDonald, the orchestra will present six concerts this season, including a subscription series of six concerts at the state-of-the-art P.C. Ho Theatre in the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto. As one of Toronto’s premier community orchestras, it often provides affordable, high-quality symphony concerts with internationally acclaimed soloists. It allows its members an exciting, welcoming performance environment and collaborations with other arts organizations. It is deeply entrenched in building culture in its local community and is known for creating performance opportunities for aspiring young musicians.

Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra
P.O. Box 51074, 18 Eglinton Square
Scarborough ON M1L 2K2, CANADA
www.cathedralbluffs.com

 

Presenting our 2023/24 Season

A Welcome Message from our Music Director

 

MARTIN MACDONALD

“I am excited to dive into my second season as Music Director of the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra
with six unforgettable concerts that will transport you to new musical horizons. From timeless favourites by Beethoven, Dvorak, Mahler, and more; exciting works by Canadian composers; thrilling and dynamic soloists including young emerging talent from the next generation; to Walking Through the Fire, the new show from our friends Sultans of String, we have curated a diverse and thrilling season that celebrates the beauty and power of live symphonic music. Join us!”
– Martin MacDonald