MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I am delighted to extend warm congratulations and best wishes to the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra as it embarks on its 2026-2027 season. This year’s program promises an inspiring journey through beloved masterworks, celebrated guest artists, cherished seasonal traditions, and exciting new musical experiences for audiences across our province. The NSO continues to enrich Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural landscape by bringing people together through the transformative power of music. Your commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and accessibility ensures that audiences of all ages and backgrounds can experience the joy and wonder of live orchestral performance. As musicians, Hon. Tony Wakeham staff, volunteers, supporters, and patrons gather for another remarkable season, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador we wish you continued success both on and off the stage. May this year be filled with memorable performances, standing ovations, and meaningful connections forged through music. Congratulations on an exciting season ahead, and thank you for the invaluable contribution you make to the cultural life of our province.
NANT GOVERNOR MESSAGE FROM THE LIEUTE
As Honorary Patron of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, I am so pleased to extend greetings and very best wishes for the 2026-2027 season. A wonderful variety of performances are planned, and the NSO will once again delight audiences and profile many of the exceptional artists we have in our province. The NSO’s orchestral music is an integral part of the fabric of the arts in our province and is truly a gift to us all. I hope you enjoy each show that the NSO has in store this year. To everyone involved: the musicians, staff, crew, and all who contribute to producing each performance, thank you. I look forward to this season!
Joan Marie J. Aylward, O.N.L Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador
OR MESSAGE FROM THE MAY On behalf of St. John’s City Council, it is my pleasure to welcome audiences to another exciting season of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. The NSO has long been an important part of the cultural fabric of our city, bringing people together through the power of music and creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike. We are proud to support the NSO and its ongoing efforts to make music accessible, engaging, and meaningful. Best wishes for a successful and inspiring season.
Danny Breen Mayor of St. John’s
MASTERWORKS 1: TITANS AWAKEN
2
We acknowledge the province of Newfoundland and Labrador as the traditional territory of diverse Indigenous groups, and we acknowledge with respect the distinct histories and cultures of the Beothuk, Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit of this province. We strive for respectful relationships with all the peoples of this province as we search for collective healing and true reconciliation and honour this beautiful land together.
RECITAL 1
ATLANTIC STRING QUARTET Sunday, October 4, 2026 • D.F. Cook Recital Hall, Memorial University School of Music Presented by Idea Factory
PROGRAMME Jean Baptiste Senaillé
Violin Sonata in C minor, Op. 1, No. 5
10 min.
Nancy Case-Oates, violin
Jenny Griffioen, harpsichord I. Preludio II. Corrente III. Gavotta IV. Giga
from Sonata for solo cello, Op. 25, No. 3 Nathan Cook, cello
Paul Hindemith
8 min.
I. Lebhaft, sehr markiert II. Mäßig schnell, Gemächlich III. Langsam
Blackwood Sketches for viola and electronics Andrew Staniland
9.5 min.
Kate Read, viola
John Corigliano
The Red Violin Caprices
9 min.
Heather Kao, violin
INTERMISSION
Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet in A major, Op. 18, No. 5
26 min.
I. Allegro II. Menuetto III. Andante cantabile IV. Allegro
RECITAL 1: ATLANTIC STRING QUART
ET
3
C I T N A L T T A E T R A U STRING Q The award-winning Atlantic String Quartet (ASQ) is the resident string quartet of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra with each member serving as the principal player of their respective section. The current members of the quartet are Heather Kao and Nancy Case-Oates – violins, Kate Read – viola, and Nathan Cook – cello. The quartet presents a series of four recitals each year that regularly juxtaposes standard repertoire with less well-known, modern, and more avant guard repertoire. The ASQ has previously been nominated for a number of awards and won the MusicNL Classical Artist of the Year award for its debut CD of the Ravel and Bliss String Quartets, produced by Mark Fewer. The ASQ is an integral part of the creative life of the St. John’s community and is known for its versatility and ability to work with music and musicians from multiple styles and genres. The ensemble has shared the stage with renowned classical musicians such as Charles RichardHamelin, Angela Cheng, Ofra Harnoy, Shauna Rolston, Mark Fewer, and acclaimed Inuk classical vocalist and composer Deantha Edmunds. Equally comfortable with non-classical genres, the ASQ has performed with artists and groups such as Cory Tetford, Duane Andrews, The Once, Artistic Fraud of Newfoundland, Mary Barry, and Ron Hynes. The ASQ is committed to showcasing works by women and members of other traditionally underrepresented groups and engages in significant community and educational outreach. As well as in and around St. John’s, the quartet regularly performs throughout the province. Corner Brook, Woody Point, Bonavista’s Garrick Theatre, Cupid’s Theatre, and Eastport have all hosted recent performances by the ASQ, and the group appears regularly at the Cape St Mary’s concert series. Members of the quartet teach at Memorial University of Newfoundland as well as run their own teaching studios. They coach and conduct young ensembles, and regularly adjudicate at festivals.
RECITAL 1: ATLANTIC STRING QUART
ET
4
RECITAL 1: ATLANTIC STRING QUART
ET
5
UPCOMING CONCERTS
A STANDING
OVATION
FOR OUR SUPPORTERS