Halifax/Kjipuktuk, NS – Symphony Nova Scotia’s February concerts debut brand-new music with Ben Caplan, celebrate Beethoven’s immensely popular and uplifting “Pastoral” Symphony, and team up with Brass Transit to pay homage to the legendary hits of American rock band Chicago.

Our Maritime Fusion Series continues on Feb. 7 & 8 with Halifax’s own Ben Caplan who has taken the world by storm with his bold style, brilliant songs, and deft and daring orchestral arrangements. He’s been called “a noisy treasure” (The New York Times) with “lungs as powerful as an ocean” (The Guardian) and “a charismatic joie de vivre that is thoroughly compelling” (Ottawa Citizen). Now, Ben returns to the Symphony for another massive orchestral mash-up featuring brand-new, genre-bending music – blending old-world folk, synthesizers, drum machines, and our orchestra to explore themes of love, despair, and joy in an ever-changing world – plus some fan favourites and bewitching and beautiful ballads from his hit musical Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story.

“I’ve been working on a couple of albums’ worth of new songs over the last year and a half and I’m finally ready to share them at home in the Maritimes,” says Ben. “We’re gonna do our first show in Halifax at the Rebecca Cohn in collaboration with Symphony Nova Scotia [and] we’ve got some full orchestral work-ups of the new material… I hope to see you out there!”

In our classical Spotlight Series, on Feb. 13 we present Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony – a warm and expressive journey through nature, with each of the five movements depicting a different aspect of the natural world, such as a babbling brook, a thunderstorm, and a shepherd’s song. With a joyful and optimistic tone, the “Pastoral” Symphony is a celebration of nature’s beauty and power. Plus, Swiss-Canadian pianist Teo Gheorghiu – known for his thrilling playing, dynamic contrasts, lines of expression, leaps, runs, and repetitions – makes his debut with the Symphony to perform Schumann’s only Piano Concerto. Considered a huge talent, at the age of 18 he was the youngest recipient of the prestigious Beethoven Ring, awarded at Beethoven Fest in Bonn, Germany. This concert will also be livestreamed as part of the Symphony’s Digital Series.

And on Feb. 28 to March 2, our popular Symphonic Fusion Series brings Halifax audiences a stirring symphonic salute to The Music of Chicago. With 20 top-10 singles, 36 albums released, and 100 million records sold, the American rock band Chicago is one of the longest-running, best-selling music groups in the world. And Brass Transit is the top Chicago tribute band, with world-class brass chops, rocking rhythms, and vocals stacked sky-high – all performed by a team of award-winning musicians, including veterans from famous acts like The Mamas and the Papas, The Drifters, Aretha Franklin, and even Chicago itself! Now, the Symphony and Brass Transit team up for a dazzling concert of Chicago’s greatest hits, including Saturday in the Park, Hard Habit to Break, Feelin’ Stronger Every Day, You’re the Inspiration, and so much more.

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

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BEN CAPLAN
Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 at 7:30 pm – TICKETS LIMITED!
The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax
Featuring Holly Mathieson, conductor and Symphony Nova Scotia
Presented by BMO

On the program:

• A full orchestral performance of brand-new work, plus some fan favourites, highlights from the hit musical Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story, and more.

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

BEETHOVEN’S PASTORAL SYMPHONY
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 at 7:30 pm – TICKETS LIMITED!
The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax & Online
Featuring Andrei Feher, conductor; Teo Gheorghiu, piano; and Symphony Nova Scotia
Presented by Jules Chamberlain, Nice Moves – of Red Door Realty and Doctor Piano

On the program:

• Anna Clyne: Stride
• Robert Schumann: Piano Concerto
• Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”

Tickets: $42 & up or only $25 for under-30s/students (HST incl. plus fees).

THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO WITH BRASS TRANSIT
Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 at 7:30 pm – TICKETS LIMITED!
Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm
The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax
Featuring Brass Transit; Greg Burton, conductor; and Symphony Nova Scotia
Presented by O’Regan’s Lexus, The Berkeley, and The Wave

On the program:

• Orchestral arrangements of Chicago classic hits like Saturday in the Park, Hard Habit to Break, Feelin’ Stronger Every Day, You’re the Inspiration, and more.

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

For more information, please visit symphonynovascotia.ca.

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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.

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For more information, please contact:

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