Winter season of music tuning up
OLIVER — Imagine yourself in November facing the early gloom of another dark evening.
Flash to another scene. It’s you on Friday, Nov. 10 arriving into the bright lights of the opulent Venables Theatre, meeting friends and hunkering down as the Piano Cameleons, a talented pair on two grand pianos, tackle some of the most beloved classical masterpieces in the spirit of the great interpreters but enhancing their renditions with improvised variations worthy of the best jazz players.
Their show, Classics with a Jazzy Touch is just the start of a winter season of music brought to you by the South Okanagan Concert Society.
Now imagine yourself choosing your seat and buying tickets. That could mean buying the whole four concert series in advance at only $19 per ticket. It could mean buying any two or three tickets in advance at $21 per ticket or a single ticket at $23. A single ticket at the door on the evening of the concert is $25.
Children and youth are only $2.50 per ticket — no matter when they purchase.
You have choices. Buy online at venablestheatre.ca or visit the theatre box office in advance on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. For assistance, just call the box office at 250-498-1616.
So what else is on board for this season?
Friday, Jan. 19: Cheng2 Duo (pronounced Cheng Squared Duo) will find classical pianist, Silvie, and cellist, Bryan, on the Oliver stage. The duo has been making music together for 14 years and are celebrated for their artistic excellence, generous spirit, and compelling vibrancy. Their New York debut at Carnegie Hall in 2011 was met with a full house, rave reviews, and an invitation to perform again in 2013.
Friday, Feb. 9: Cari Burdett, a troubadour with gypsy ancestors, will take you "cabaret style" around the world through song. She delivers a vibrant, genre-defying fusion of jazz, art song, folk and world music and sings with a timeless theatrical flair in multiple European languages. Accompanied by a quartet of talented musicians, her rich mezzo soprano voice will hold you spellbound.
The final concert of the season will bring back some old friends who are much loved in this area. The Joe Trio is not your average piano trio. They can’t be neatly categorized. Witty, charming and tremendously musical they engage an audience in a way few classical musicians can. Their arrangements can sometimes mix many styles in delightful ways but always leave the audience with a new appreciation for classical music.
All concerts are at the new Venables Theatre in Oliver and begin at 7:30 p.m. Those requiring bus transportation from Osoyoos can call Janet at 250-495-6487 to make arrangements.