Symphony Nova Scotia starts the new year with Baroque, Fusion, and Classical favourites

Halifax/Kjipuktuk, NS – Symphony Nova Scotia kicks off the new year with three concerts from our core series, including baroque music from Corelli, Lully, & Bembo; a symphonic salute to the Music of The Who; and the classical music fan favourite Magnificent Mozart.

We continue our Baroque Series on Jan. 18 & 19 with Corelli, Lully, & Bembo, a unique narrated concert exploring the life and influences of 17th-century Italian musician Antonia Bembo. Her incredible journey takes us from Venice to the court of Louis XIV in Paris, with text and narration by Symphony violinist and author Isabelle Fournier, and a spectacular performance by virtuoso lutenist Lucas Harris. We examine the rivalry and the union between French and Italian baroque music, art, and culture in this narrative concert presentation.

“From the moment I heard the music of Antonia Bembo, I was struck by her courageous, adventurous, expressive, and unique voice as a composer,” says Symphony Nova Scotia’s Principal Baroque Leader Julia Wedman. “From an early beginning as a child prodigy, to surviving domestic abuse as a young woman, to being discovered and ultimately supported by none other than King Louis XIV himself, Bembo’s talent, creativity, resilience, and sheer power of will is an incredible inspiration. We are thrilled to be able to share her story with you.”

Our Symphonic Fusion Series returns on Jan. 24-26 with The Music of The Who, celebrating one of the most iconic bands of the 20th century and their distinctive blend of punk, rock, mod, and pop. The Symphony pays homage to The Who’s greatest hits of all time, including classics like I Can’t Explain, My Generation, Baba O’Riley, Substitute, I Can See for Miles, Pinball Wizard, Behind Blue Eyes, Won’t Get Fooled Again, and more. This thrilling symphonic salute features perennial Halifax favourites Jeans ‘n Classics in collaboration with Symphony Nova Scotia.

In our classical Spotlight Series, we present Magnificent Mozart, an annual concert featuring some of Mozart’s most spectacular music, on Jan. 30. Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 is a beloved work that has captivated audiences for centuries, marked by its brilliant orchestration, melody, and structure. The first movement is one of his most famous; the second a soulful melody played by the strings; the third a lively dance-like rhythm; and the fourth a grand finale full of energy and joy. This concert also features Mozart’s lively, lyrical Bassoon Concerto – a piece that highlights the bassoon’s unique sound and technical capabilities, showcasing the tremendous skill and virtuosity of our own Principal Bassoon Gabe Azzie – and the bright, jovial Symphony No. 2 by Mozart’s contemporary Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

Tickets for each of these January concerts can be purchased at the Dalhousie Arts Centre Box Office in Halifax: 902.494.3820, 6101 University Ave, or online at symphonynovascotia.ca.


CORELLI, LULLY, & BEMBO
Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 at 2:00 pm
St. Andrew’s United Church, Halifax
Featuring Julia Wedman, leader & violin; Isabelle Fournier, narrator; Lucas Harris, lute & guitar
Presented by The Chronicle Herald
On the program:

  • Antonia Bembo: Highlights from L’Ercole amante; Ritournelle from “Soulage mon tourment” from Les Psaumes de David
  • Arcangelo Corelli: Concerto Grosso in D Major, Op. 6, No. 4
  • Jean-Baptiste Lully: Suite from Armide; “Chaconne des Maures” from Alcidiane; “Bourée pour les Courtisans” from Ballet Les Plaisirs; “Gigue pour Bacchus” from Intermedes de Xerxes
  • Plus works from Corbetta, Jacquet de la Guerre, Monteverdi, Muffat, and Strozzi

Tickets: $42 & up; Under-30/Student tickets: $25 for B & C seats (HST incl. plus fees)

THE MUSIC OF THE WHO
Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 at 2:00 pm
The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax
Featuring Greg Burton, conductor and Jeans ‘n Classics
Presented by The Berkeley and 89.9 The Wave

On the program: Baba O’Riley; Behind Blue Eyes; I Can See for Miles; I Can’t Explain; My Generation; Pictures of Lily; Pinball Wizard; Substitute; Won’t Get Fooled Again; and more

Tickets: $42 & up (HST incl. plus fees)

MAGNIFICENT MOZART
Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 at 7:30 pm
The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax
Featuring Anu Tali, conductor and Gabe Azzie, bassoon

On the program:

  • Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges: Symphony No. 2
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Bassoon Concerto; Symphony No. 39

Tickets: $42 & up; Under-30/Student tickets: $25 for B & C seats (HST incl. plus fees)

For more information, please visit symphonynovascotia.ca.


ABOUT SYMPHONY NOVA SCOTIA
Symphony Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia’s orchestra, championing symphonic music in the province for over 40 years. With a home base in Halifax/Kjipuktuk and performances across the province, Symphony Nova Scotia is proud to be a vibrant, vital part of Nova Scotia’s rich cultural community. From spectacular orchestral concerts to free family events, youth and seniors’ activities, and educational partnerships, Symphony Nova Scotia creates unforgettable experiences with truly great music. Visit symphonynovascotia.ca to learn more.


For more information, please contact:

Cassie Dresch
Senior Communications Manager
Symphony Nova Scotia
902.421.5264
[email protected]
symphonynovascotia.ca