WINTER 2019 NEWSLETTER
Why I Love Going to the Symphony! THE REASONS FOR ATTENDING THE SYMPHONY are as diverse and interesting as the people we see in our audiences. In Nanaimo, we have found that for certain groups Many years ago as a young boy in Australia I atthe social connection is the strongest reason to attend. It is a chance for them to tended a ‘tour of the orchestra’ catch up and share a common interest with their symphony friends once a month. concert and was hooked. I am still Many symphony fans were introduced to live symphonic music as children and their a keen fan of symphonic music so I am happy to have the VIS to reason is that it has become an important part of their lifestyle. Each season the subscribe to in Nanaimo….. symphony becomes a brand-new experience, an adventure and for our first-time volunteering and donating is a concert goers, the simple reason is “trying something new”. natural consequence. I am an audience watcher… I love to see people enjoying themselves - reacting and sharing how the music moves them. Whether they have heard their favourite symphony or a new piece being premiered - that is not quite what they expected, but that piece might become popular a hundred years from now. Did you know that most of the orchestral music was not liked by audiences 200 years ago? Those same pieces of music are now audience favourites. I believe that music grows on the listener and that it is okay not to like a piece of music. This does not mean you do not like the symphony. After all the magic of a LIVE symphony performance lies in the interaction between the musicians (“the Symphony”) and the connection with their audience. Next time you are at a concert listen for everyone breathing together, the silences in the music where you are holding your breath and you do not even realize that you have been; the dreaming you do when you watch conductor Pierre Simard and 45 musicians playing together as one. Did you escape from everyday life, even just for a moment? Look around as the instantaneous reaction to clap and sometimes jump to your feet takes hold of you and the entire audience as the last note is played! This to me, is the magic of symphony experience – music moves people.
Marianne & Jim Turley
This experience is not easy to describe to the person that has never been to a symphony concert. In fact, for many they see it as a scary experience outside their comfort zone and “not for them”… even though they have never been. As we begin 2019, will you share what the Vancouver Island Symphony means to you? Invite your friends who do not currently attend to check it out and tell them why you love the experience. We have one-hour concerts – Symphony SoundBites and Friday Origin Matinee Concerts that are perfect first time symphony experiences! The VIS is playing Mozart, Schumann, Bach, Led Zeppelin (Rock & Roll) and Star Wars over the next 4 months! Happy 2019 Symphony Fans! Margot Holmes, CEO Vancouver Island Symphony
Rhonda Heaslip
In a recent study, Culture Track: Canada (2018) Classical Music Audiences said “feeling less stressed” was their top motivator to attend concerts, followed by an interest in the content, feeling transported and having fun.
~ Les Dickason
Andrea Rosato-Taylor & Randall Taylor
Les Dickason
Marianne and I have been attending Vancouver Island Symphony concerts since its inception, 24 years ago. The quality of sound and variety of concerts have and continue to be superior to any we have experienced elsewhere. The variety of music performed appeals to different audiences. ~ Jim Turley
the
My husband and I love to attend the Symphony for a number of reasons – for him it is about connection to music as everyone in his family either plays an instrument or sings. Our son Nigel played trumpet for the Regina Symphony. One of my best memories of my father is him driving In his Rambler down the freeway listening to symphonic music on his very large gray portable radio, Hayden or Beethoven, - while he was listening he was also conducting over the steering wheel of the car – waving his arms madly. Attending the Symphony is like being invited to a fam-
ily reunion making connections to old memories I love going to the and creating new ones. symphony because there The Vancouver Island Symphony conis nothing better than a live nects me to what matters! performance to truly experience the beauty of the music itself. Also, there ~ Andrea Rosato-Taylor is the wonderful social aspect and the great energy of an evening at the theatre. I advertise with, support and sponsor the Symphony because I believe in it, and I truly appreciate the tremendous skill of musicians. This symphony, to my 2018-2019 SEASON SPONSOR mind, is Nanaimo’s most precious gemstone.
~ Rhonda Heaslip
DISCOVERY!
“MUSIC IS A PRODUCT OF ITS TIME like all art, and reflects all of the social and personal influences the composer feels - he or she continues and builds on a long progression of music and art that came before.” ~ Paolo
Paolo Bortolussi FLUTE
DISCOVERY! is the title of the VI Symphony’s January 19th Concert and it is a tribute to women composers. We celebrate the creative and pledge that any new pieces commissioned in the future will showcase male and female composers equally. Paolo Bortolussi, VIS principal flutist and the 2016 Western Canadian Music Awards Artist of the Year Nominee (for his album, Israfel) is the guest artist. He will be performing Cécile Chaminade’s Flute Concertino, opus 107 and Jocelyn Morlock’s Ornithomancy, written for and premiered by Paolo and the VIS in 2013. Both pieces are beautiful, soaring, colourful and filled with great depth. An album will be released in 2019 featuring Bortolussi performing Ornithomancy along with four other Concerti commissioned by the Vancouver Island Symphony over the last five seasons. We are very proud that an orchestra of our size was able to commission and record these works that are now being played around the globe by other orchestras.
In May each year, after all the current VIS subscribers have renewed their season tickets, we ask anyone that has not renewed for feedback as to why they are not returning. This allows the VIS to receive feedback and make changes to accommodate our symphony fans. The Number 1 reason is always “I can no longer drive at night”. So last season, the VIS decided that we needed to be looking forward as our audience ages, and find a way for our symphony fans to still be able to hear their orchestra. As a result, we created the Origin Matinee Series, which includes three Friday afternoon concerts from 2-3 p.m. throughout the season. Following each performance Tea & Treats are served for the musicians and the audience. We could not present these concerts without a community partner and we are grateful to Judi Carter, General Manager of Origin at Longwood Retirement Community, who immediately stepped up to sponsor these matinee concerts. There are two concerts left taking place on Friday January 18 and April 26. Try Symphony on a Friday afternoon! 2 • Symphony SCOOP | JANUARY 2019
Symphony
ONE HOUR CONCERTS
JAN 18 & APR 26
2-3 pm Concert followed by tea and treats at the Port Theatre SERIES SPONSOR PERFORMANCE SPONSOR
BEHIND THE SCENES
at the Symphony
What happens at a Symphony Audition?
Symphony Fan Moments
Last October the VIS held an audition for our Principal Oboe Chair. The Principal Oboe is the first player in the section and they are the person that plays the solos for their section. The Principal Oboe also tunes the orchestra, with the note “A” at the beginning of every concert as directed by the Concertmaster.
How many oboists auditioned? 7 What music do they play?
Each candidate is sent a list of music that they can be asked to perform. It is usually the most difficult orchestral music for their instrument.
Who decides if they will play with the VI Symphony?
They perform for the Artistic Director, Pierre Simard and a jury of VI Symphony musicians. Each candidate has a number and they perform behind a screen. The results of the audition are totally based on their performance in this setting. Sometimes in larger orchestras there can be multiple rounds at the audition where a player is asked to play multiple times.
Does someone always win the audition?
No sometimes the jury decide that no one is suitable.
Who won the VIS Oboe Audition?
We are pleased to announce that Geronimo Mendoza won the position of Principal Oboe – he was our second oboist. The jury then awarded the second oboe position to Akane Setiawan. Congratulations to both oboists!
Another bit of interesting VIS trivia… both Pierre Simard and Margot
Holmes are former oboists!
PHOTOS: HEYDEMANN ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY
JANUARY 2019 | Symphony SCOOP • 3
Award winning Island Pianist joins the Symphony this February Did you know that our soloist for February, Carter Johnson, is a Vancouver Island native! Campbell River is where he grew up and where his love of music first began.
The recent birth of his son, Preston, tops Carter’s reasons to celebrate in 2018. Please join us in congratulating Carter and his wife, Hannah, on their new addition.
It takes years of practice, performance – and yes, passion to reach his level of performance and at just 22 years old, Carter is hailed as one of Canada’s most promising young pianists. He has extensive competition experience, with an impressive list of wins, the most recent of which is the Grand Prize at the OSM Manulife Competition. Wow!
As our February featured guest artist, Carter will perform Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, op. 54 with The Vancouver Island Symphony. We are excited for him to join us for two concerts; at Campbell River’s Tidemark Theatre on February 15th and here in Nanaimo for INSPIRATON! on February 16th!
MUSIC + FOOD!
A UNIQUE TAKE ON HAPPY HOUR!
BACH’S GOLDBERG VARIATIONS Thursday March 21, 2019
5 pm Appetizer Bites followed by 5:30 - 6:30 Show OR 7:15-8:15 pm Show followed by Dessert Bites.
Silent Auction at both shows in support of the Symphony! SERIES SPONSORS
SIGNATURE EVENT
WEALTH MANAGEMENT | INSURANCE SERVICES TRUST & ESTATE PLANNING | coastalwealth.ca
PERFORMANCE SPONSORS
Let’s talk! Call 1.800.806.2332
MANNING LAW BARRISTER & SOLICITORS
4 • Symphony SCOOP | JANUARY 2019
2000
Nine Year-olds hear the Symphony!
Pierre Simard, VIS Artistic Director & Conductor(L) Rick Scott(R)
“I liked when the magic trombone came from the sky, it was awesome.”
Each year the Vancouver Island Symphony presents a Symphony Education Show for ~ Brodie, Grade 4 student ALL the Grade 4 Students in School Districts #68 and #71 in addition to private schools on Vancouver Island. This show is one component of the Symphony’s Four Part Integrated Music Education Program – a partnership with the School Districts, where each child in Grade 4 will have an opportunity to hear an orchestra in a theatre. The other three engagement parts include Part 2: the VIS Children’s Choir where students in Grades 4-7 audition and join the Choir and sing with the VIS at the Education Shows. Patricia Plumley, VIS Choral Conductor conducts the Choir that also performs at community “The events throughout the year; Part 3 is Send a Symphony Musician to School Program - where orchestra musiSymphony cians visit 57+ schools prior to the Education Show and was awesome share their instrument and what they might expect to so I give it a see at the show. Part 4 is a new students’ backstage 20 out of 10,” program for kids that love music and want to learn more. The ~ Student Forest Park “The VIS believes that these proElementary students grams separately or together wished it was offer children in Grades 4-7 opportunities to engage artistically in ways that a bit longer” they might not experience elsewhere.
VIS Children’s Choir
VIS Children’s Choir
~ Grade 4 teacher, Frank
Concertmaster Calvin Dyck(L) with a special School Districts pay $1. per person and for hair piece and electric violin & Rick Scott(R) transport and the VIS raises the remainder of the money, $42,000 (all 4 Parts). needed through sponsorship and individual donations to present these community outreach programs.
J. Hey Elementary School
There is so much excitement in the air on Education Concert Days and the trick is to have a show that engages nine year-olds for a full hour. In 2018 we featured the My Symphony Show with award winning children’s performer Rick Scott – a production written by Protection Island artists Rick Scott and Valley Hennell and orchestrated by Nanaimo musician, Nico Rhodes. PHOTOS: HEYDEMANN ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY JANUARY 2019 | Symphony SCOOP • 5
Help Your Symphony Keep Music Live for our Community!
2018-2019 GOAL!
$150,000
We are just over one third of the way towards meeting our operating needs for the 2018-2019 season! Please help us reach our goal of $150,000 in donations from individuals just like you - so we can continue to provide great performances for our community and deliver our Grade 4 Education Program annually.
$125,000
$100,000
A tax receipt will be issued for all donations over $20.00.
$75,000
Thank you for considering a gift of music.
3 Projects to SUPPORT your Community!
$50,000
$25,000
VI Symphony Education Shows ALL GRADE 4’s ATTEND THE SYMPHONY!
2000 9 Year Olds at the Symphony
We believe that children are an integral part of a thriving arts organization and a creative community. Education Shows allow ALL Grade 4 students, their teachers and chaperones a opportunity to hear a LIVE symphony performance. vancouverislandsymphony.com
Support Your Symphony!
KEEPING MUSIC LIVE FOR YOU - IN YOUR COMMUNITY! The Vancouver Island Symphony has built a foundation of support from year to year, with our loyal audience however ticket sales (even if we are sold out!) - cover less than half of the costs to produce a symphony concert.
Send A Symphony Musician to School BRINGING MUSICAL EXPERIENCES TO CHILDREN!
Teaching!
A VIS musician will visit every school in School Districts #68 (Ladysmith-Nanaimo) and #71 (Comox Valley) prior to our Vancouver Island Symphony Education Shows. vancouverislandsymphony.com
There are many ways to donate: 4 4 4 4 4 4
Donate monthly or in one annual gift to the VIS Call our office with your Credit Card Mail a cheque to our office Bring a cheque to a concert Send an e-transfer to info@vancouverislandsymphony.com Donate through Canada Helps visit: www.vancouverislandsymphony.com
Box 661 | Nanaimo, BC V9R 5L9 T. 250.754.0177 | F. 250.754.0165 www.vancouverislandsymphony.com
Thank you for your support!
All information collected by the Vancouver Island Symphony is confidential and will not be released. Charitable Tax #119050813RR0001
6 • Symphony SCOOP | JANUARY 2019
OUR VISION: Making connections for the future. OUR MISSION: By focusing on education of youth, Women of Note promote the Vancouver Island Symphony through nurturing and building collaborative relationships with our community members. WOMEN OF NOTE COMMITTEE: Zinda Fitzgerald, Rosemarie Sherban, Marianne Turley
WOMEN OF NOTE EVENT: THURS FEB 14 Valentine’s Day Light Lunch with Musicians 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. followed by rehearsal 3 - 4 p.m. if women wish to stay. Price TBD
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
WOMEN OF NOTE are women in our community that believe that the arts make our lives better and produce thriving communities that are more enjoyable places to live for everyone. For the last 20 years the Vancouver Island Symphony has brought thousands of children to hear the Symphony. Women of Note donate $10+ a month and this goes directly to support the Symphony’s Education concert - so no child is left behind.
JOIN US TODAY!
ONLINE REGISTRATION: vancouverislandsymphony.com/WON INFORMATION: won@vancouverislandsymphony.com
musical moments…
PHOTOS: HEYDEMANN ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY
The Vancouver Island Symphony created Festival Nanaimo as a community building project that would showcase Nanaimo and all the things that we love about our city. This month long Festival takes place in March and 2019 marks year five. Over the years we have added components to this multi-dimensional Festival that include concerts, exhibits, culinary & beverage tastings, walks, runs, talks, dogs, PirateFest Family Fun Days, www.festivalnanaimo.com Geek Con, Spring Break activities and so much more. McDonald’s has been the Festival Nanaimo Title Sponsor and Country Club Centre is the host and sponsor of PirateFest. Our Signature Partners include: Tourism Nanaimo, The Port Theatre, Nanaimo Hospitality Association and the Nanaimo Airport. Our community partners that have included: Nanaimo Art Gallery, Nanaimo Museum, Crimson Coast Dance, Theatre One, Vancouver Island Regional Libraries, Nanaimo Bar Trail businesses, Nanaimo Archives, VIU, Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Nanaimo Jazz Festival, Pacific Island Entertainment and School District #68. Any business or organization that has an event in March is invited to participate. Become a Tourist in your own city this March!
JANUARY 2019 | Symphony SCOOP • 7
Here is my gift to Keep the Music Playing in My Community. My annual donation in the amount of $______________ OR I would like to make a monthly donation in the amount of $______________. Please apply my donation to:
o VI Symphony Educations Shows
o Support Your Symphony
s NAME (as you would like it listed in the programme)
o Send A Symphony Musician to School
o I’d like my gift to remain anonymous.
s ADDRESS
s CITY
s PHONE
PROV
POSTAL CODE
s CARD NUMBER
s EXPIRY DATE
SIGNATURE All information collected by the Vancouver Island Symphony is confidential and will not be released. Charitable Tax #119050813RR0001
Have you got your tickets yet?
SPECIAL CONCERT!
TAFELMUSIK
BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
28
MONDAY JANUARY 7:30 PM | PORT THEATRE
2018-2019 SEASON SPONSOR
2018-2019 SERIES SPONSORS
PHOTO: HEYDEMANN ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Thank You!
OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER
OFFICIAL TRAVEL PARTNER
vancouverislandsymphony.com
OFFICIAL FLORIST