It's hard to believe, but here is spring again and with it comes the final performance of Creston Concert Society's 2015-2016 season with Symphony of the Kootenays at the Prince Charles Theatre. As a special celebration to another highly exciting season, you are invited to enjoy music in the foyer with a glass of William Tell Family Estate Sparkling old-fashioned Apple Cider. The cellists of the Symphony of the Kootenays (including Creston’s own Sophia Smith) will be playing for your pleasure at 1:15 pm prior to their April 10th concert at 2:00 pm.
Founded in Kimberley in 1975 by Wendy N. Panattoni, H. Miles, Don MacDonald, Michael Fenwick, C. Sawchuk, under the original name The Kootenay Chamber Orchestra Association, The Symphony of the Kootenays has entertained more than 80,000 audience members, employed more than 5,500 musicians playing more than 600 pieces in more than 225 concerts. The smallest community in Canada to host a professional symphony orchestra, eighty per cent of the musicians are from the Kootenay area, the rest are from Alberta and the Okanagan valley.
The Symphony of the Kootenays is led by Jeff Faragher as Music and Artistic Director, after serving as Principal Cellist for several years. He has wowed audiences with concertos and lively celtic encores. A performer at heart, Jeff Faragher has led a distinguished career, performing as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician on several continents and national tours. Known for his energy, presence and desire to connect with audiences, Jeff brings a fresh and exciting quality to the stage that draws the listener in. With interests in almost every style of music to be heard, Jeff brings a rich musical feast and presents an experience that leaves audiences thrilled and longing for more.
His training as a conductor began at McGill University in Montreal, then grew in Edmonton where Jeff led several ensembles while Department Head of Strings at Grant MacEwan College. In 2008, Jeff moved to Nelson where he founded the city’s vibrant and burgeoning Obligato Strings. Jeff performs regularly throughout the Kootenays with La Cafamore Quartet and tours extensively through Canada and the United States with his cello.
As the Music and Artistic Director of the Symphony of the Kootenays, Jeff takes the opportunity to foster and develop local arts throughout the region, and has led SOTK into an exciting new chapter.
SOTK's 40th Anniversary season ends with a programme entitled Symphonic Energy featuring a powerful opener from John Estacio, entitled Frenergy. Then Nelson based clarinetist and SOTK regular Nicola Everton takes centre stage with Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A Major. The show closes with Tchaikovsky's uplifting Symphony #2 in c minor.
Tickets are $22 adult and $12 student in advance and available at Black Bear Books, Kingfisher Books and Creative Fix, or $25/$12 at the door. There will also be the final draw for two bottles of wine courtesy of Baillie Grohman winery.
Thank you for supporting the Creston Concert Society in our 2015-2016 season. ‘Like’ us on facebook for updates and information on our 2016-2017 performances.