2022-11-23

The sounds of Symphony Nova Scotia coming to Lunenburg

LUNENBURG – Musique Royale will play host to Symphony Nova Scotia (SNS) featuring well-known leader Alexander Weimann to Lunenburg's Central United Church Nov. 25 beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The program is entitled, Brilliant Bach, featuring compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Philipp Telemann, a couple of the most influential composers in the history of classical music.

Also featured will be a violin concerto Nov. 3 in A major, written by Italian composer Maddalena Laura Sirmen.

Weimann, who lives in British Columbia, flew down a few days prior to the concert series to get some practise in with members of Symphony Nova Scotia.

"The idea for this show, from my point of view is to really show the orchestra in its entirely as an organism, but also to feature soloists out of the orchestra," he said in an interview.

A few examples he gave were from the violin concerto where the trumpets and oboes are featured. Another piece will feature to violas "which is quite unusual, but also very beautiful."

He indicated he has worked with SNS about five times and really enjoys being a part of their productions, noting the last time may have been four or five years ago. He is looking forward to working with them again for two main reasons.

"There are two things that I remember. One is that many orchestras, while working on a very high level, don't necessarily allow the time to work on details," he said. "Often show like this are put together in just three or four rehearsals. With SNS, four or five six rehearsals would be scheduled to allow for the time to go a little deeper.

"The other thing is that the atmosphere of working with them is based on very kind, very open, very curious and very respectful atmosphere," he said. "Sometimes in orchestras you would find weird vibes or passive-aggressiveness or impatience and sort of a general notion of unhappiness. But, with SNS I was always surprised at the exceptional good climate.

In a summary provide by Musique Royale, regarding Weimann's credentials...

"He is one of the most sought-after ensemble directors, soloists and chamber music partners of his generation. After traveling the world with ensembles like Tragicomedia, Cantus Cölln, the Freiburger Barockorchester, the Gesualdo Consort and Tafelmusik, he now focuses on his activities as the artistic director of the Pacific Baroque Orchestra in Vancouver, and as music director of Les Voix Baroques, Le Nouvel Opéra and Tempo Rubato."

The group will repeat this concert at St. Andrew's United Church in Halifax Nov. 26 and Nov. 27.

Upcoming event:

Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. at the St. John's Anglican Church – Musique Royale presents A Rose in Winter a celebration of Christmas in song and story.

This features the choir of All Saints Cathedral directed by award-winning director Paul Halley with special guest two-time Juno award-winner Old Man Luedecke.

After a three-year hiatus, Grammy Award-winner Paul Halley will showcase his signature choir, The Choir of All Saints Cathedral, in a live concert performance celebrating Christmas. The following afternoon, the choir will perform at the radiant All Saints Cathedral in Halifax at 4 p.m.

Tickets for the events can be purchased at the door, or in advance at canadahelps.org.