Relive magical movie moments with Symphony Nova Scotia’s “Music of the Oscars”

Concerts feature themes from E.T., Indiana Jones, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz, Titanic, West Side Story, and more!

Just in time for the 87th annual Academy Awards, Symphony Nova Scotia and legendary conductor Howard Cable celebrate some of the world’s most iconic film music at Halifax’s Rebecca Cohn Auditorium on Friday, February 20 at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 22 (Oscar day) at 2:00pm.

The concerts highlight the unforgettable themes from movies like E.T., West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Wizard of Oz, Indiana Jones, and much more – all performed in grand musical style by Symphony Nova Scotia’s expanded orchestra.

The concerts’ conductor will be Canadian living legend Howard Cable, who has also created nearly all the orchestral arrangements for these performances. Howard has performed an incredible variety of film music during his illustrious 77-year musical career, and for this concert, he’s selected Oscar-winning highlights to appeal to movie lovers of all ages.

“It wasn’t until 1934 that the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Science decided that music, as well as histrionic and technical ability, merited recognition,” explains Howard.

“The list of winning songs is large, and each winner has become a memorable iconic song standard. In this concert, you’ll hear the celebrated hits from eight decades of Oscars.”

The concerts will also feature solo appearances from Symphony Nova Scotia’s own virtuoso musicians, including oboist Suzanne Lemieux, trumpeters Richard Simoneau and Curtis Dietz, and hornists David Parker and Mary Lee.

The concerts include music from:

  • Mary Poppins
  • E.T.
  • Indiana Jones
  • The King and I
  • West Side Story
  • My Fair Lady
  • The Way We Were
  • All That Jazz
  • Titanic
  • The Godfather
  • Breakfast at Tiffany’s
  • The Wizard of Oz
  • And more!

Tickets are available now, though seating is limited for both performances. Prices range from $30-59 (HST included), or pick up a ticket package and save up to 30%. Call 902.494.3820 or visit symphonynovascotia.ca.

About Howard Cable
Howard Cable is a true Canadian icon. His 77-year career in the music industry is one of the longest in North America. After forming his first dance band in 1937, Howard’s talent began attracting attention. He quickly earned his own shows – first on CBC radio, and then on television with the popular program Showtime.

In the 1960s, Howard moved to New York, where he conducted two Broadway musicals. In addition, he worked for Richard Rodgers, Meredith Willson, and Frank Loesser, arranging their music for publication. Though his career could have continued indefinitely in the United States, Howard chose to return home to become Director of Onsite Entertainment for Expo ’67. His longest running contribution to Canadian heritage began in 1986, when he was asked by the Commanding Officer of the Ceremonial Guard to write their signature march. This music is still played every day for the changing of the guard on Parliament Hill.

As Music Director of the Royal York Hotel, Howard worked with some of the greatest names in show business – Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Peggy Lee, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bob Hope, Danny Kaye, and Jim Carrey, to name only a few.

Howard has always been an advocate for music education. While teaching at the Banff Centre for the Arts, two of his students, Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) and Cynthia Dale (Street Legal) went on to very successful acting careers.

Howard’s broad repertoire keeps him in demand. He still maintains a busy schedule composing and arranging music, as well as numerous conducting engagements each year. His huge library of published music has been recorded on many labels and is performed worldwide. He has written the scores for 11 films at the National Film Board.

At age 94, Howard has no intention of stopping. He has recently embraced social media and is sharing the fascinating stories of his vast career in a new blog called “Howard Cable Remembers” (howardcableblog.com).