Regina Symphony launches into 2017-18 season with “a new sound”
A modern symphony orchestra, says Gordon Gerrard, offers possibilities to find something new, even in music that is familiar.
Those possibilities underlie the season’s motto for the Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO), which will offer “a new sound” in 2017-2018, says its music director. The season’s eclectic mix will offer music for all tastes and even all ages, with a new vision of inclusion and accessibility.
“One of the most exciting things about what we’re doing right now, is that there’s a lot of newness happening,” said Gerrard, who has been inspired by the energy that comes from having several new players. “I’m new, there are new people on our staff. We’re starting to focus our energies in new directions. A new sound was a good way to capture everything that’s happening.
“Our patrons and our audience have recognized that things are looking a bit different, now, and sounding a bit different,” he added. “There’s a different approach to how we make music and the kind of music we’re committed to making and a different approach to how we put it all together.”
The repertoire in the upcoming season will feature music that is new to some people, and music that has been reimagined, as well.
“Some of the initiatives are not the tried-and-true way orchestras do things. For example, we’re opening our season with Dame Evelyn Glennie as our guest. She’s probably the best percussionist in the world; she also happens to be deaf. Her story is an extraordinary one,” said Gerrard.
“We’re looking more at how things impact our community and our people. Life stories matter more than just playing this piece of great music again. It’s a bit of a holistic approach to what we’re doing.”
Glennie performs in Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov, one of the standard great works, in the first Masterworks Series performance on Sept. 23.
“We’re not abandoning that by any stretch,” said Gerrard of performing the greats. “It’s still at the core of what we do and what people value in an orchestra in the community. We’re still valuing our roots, but stretching in new directions.”
The concerts that follow feature works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Mozart; and other special guests will also take the stage, including the Grammy and Juno award winning music director of the Vancouver Symphony, Bramwell Tovey. Gerrard says his appearance is one of the most exciting parts of the season.
“Bramwell is my former boss. I was able to find free time in his crazy schedule and was very happy he accepted to come and guest conduct the RSO,” he said.
“It’s important to have different conductors and viewpoints on the podium. Bramwell Tovey has a very special gift. It’s a pretty special gift for the community.”
The RSO also has exciting plans for the Shumiatcher Pops Series, which opens Oct. 21 with Dancing Queen – The Music of ABBA.
“There’s a band and singers, backed up by the orchestra. It’s a unique and special way to enjoy the songs people know so well. It’s already selling very well.”
The Pops series continues with Cirque de la Symphonie, featuring circus feats, and City Lights By Charlie Chaplin.
For the younger set, the RSO has a children’s series planned starting with Carnival of the Animals on Oct. 15, followed by Comic Orchestra with Christopher Hall and Something’s Fishy with Al Simmons.
“One of the things I’m always thinking about when we’re putting a program together is we’re trying to offer something for a wide range of people, and that includes people of different backgrounds, different cultures but also people of different ages,” said Gerrard.
“We really strive to offer things for everyone. If we can engage kids as young as four or five, then we feel we’re serving our community more fully.
“The first children’s show of the year is an exciting one. I’m conducting and will play the piano as well. It will be a fun way to kick off the season for families.”
Rounding out the season is the six-concert Government House series; Handel’s Messiah; A Candlelight Christmas, which was a big success last year; and the Symphony Under the Sky festival.
At the time of the interview, Gerrard was working in Vancouver — as a musician and as creator of next year’s season.
“When you’re leading an orchestra, it’s important to be connected to what’s happening in other places and with other orchestras. With me being able to guest conduct in Vancouver or Edmonton or whatever the place may be, it keeps our orchestral community connected.
“Putting together a season is like putting together a big jigsaw puzzle. There are so many moving parts,” he said, including what people want to hear, guest artists’ availability and so on. “Things shift, one piece moves here, which has a ripple effect.
“It really is a months-long process. Right now I’m working on a program for 201819. Over the next six months things will evolve and shift, and by December we will
mostly have everything nailed down.”
Another important thing to Gerrard is working with artists in our community; he tries to incorporate their talents into every season.
“I believe very strongly that an orchestra like ours gives opportunity to artists in our community, especially Saskatchewan. Our guest artists especially have been chosen because it’s important to showcase people from the Prairies.”
For example, Steven Runge, “a fantastic pianist who grew up in Regina,” will play a Ravel concerto with the RSO in February.
“It’s a beautiful piece. I’m looking forward to that one.”