HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2019/2020 SEASON

An Evening with Itzhak Perlman

Violin superstar Itzhak Perlman joined Music Director Rune Bergmann and the Calgary Philharmonic for a sold-out performance in September. The special benefit concert in support of the Orchestra’s Education and Outreach programmes was made possible thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Calgary philanthropist Heather Edwards.

Nordic Greats

Music Director Rune Bergmann showcased composers from his homeland at this January concert presented as part of the High Performance Rodeo. The sold-out event featured Norwegian violinist Eldbjørg Hemsing, and new choreography by Yukichi Hattori performed with dancers from the H/W School of Ballet to selections from Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suites.

Caydence Photography

2019/2020 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Otahpiaaki Fashion Show

A performance featuring Polaris Prize and Juno Awardwinning tenor and composer Jeremy Dutcher — a leader in Canada’s Indigenous Renaisaance — opened with a stunning pre-concert fashion show presented in partnership with PARK as part of Otahpiaaki 2019 — a celebration of Indigenous art and design.

Resurrection: Mahler Symphony No. 2

The Orchestra and Chorus were out in full force for two sold-out performances of Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 2 led by Music Director Rune Bergmann. This work, which wrestles with the idea of death and what comes next, is credited with pushing boundaries and taking the symphony to new extremes.

Paul Brandt’s Country Christmas

Country superstar Paul Brandt joined the Orchestra for three special concerts in December featuring a mix of his original hits and his holiday favourites — including a live-stream that attracted viewers from around the world. The concerts were made possible thanks to the generous support of the Taylor Family Foundation.

PhilKids Concert

The Orchestra traded the concert hall for a school gymnasium at this special performance with PhilKids at Keeler Elementary School in February. The Calgary Philharmonic’s PhilKids Programme is designed to fuel and support the empowerment of children through the exploration of music. The evening featured PhilKids and pianist Daniel Szefer with the Orchestra.

To Beethoven with Love

Leading up to the Valentine’s Day launch of 2020: The Year of Beethoven, our series of concerts celebrating the great composer’s 250th birthday, the Calgary Philharmonic invited people to visit the CORE Shopping Centre to take a photo at our BAEthoven booth and enjoy a performance of lovethemed songs by a quartet featuring our musicians.

The Hockey Sweater

Calgary Flames alumnus Lanny McDonald faced off with percussionist Sean Buckley onstage as the Calgary Philharmonic presented The Hockey Sweater, Roch Carrier’s classic Canadian story brought to life with music by Abigail Richardson-Schulte. The concert, conducted by Karl Hirzer, was part of the Symphony Sundays for Kids series.