SYMPHONY SIDEKICK
David Myles excited about performing with the P.E.I. Symphony Orchestra on Nov. 25 at the Homburg Theatre in Charlottetown
David Myles excited about performance
When East Coast singer-songwriter David Myles plays a concert, he is usually accompanied by musicians Alan Jeffries and Kyle Cunjak.
But, not this Sunday.
That afternoon, he will be backed up by 75 members of the P.E.I. Symphony Orchestra (PEISO), under the direction of Mark Shapiro.
Myles is the guest artist in the second half of the PEISO’s Nov. 25 concert. In the first half, Shapiro will lead the orchestra in performance of “Symphony No. 5”, a four-movement work composed by Sergei Prokofiev.
“It’s definitely different, for sure. But it’s awesome, and I totally love it,” says Myles of the musical experience that will come to life in the Homburg Theatre of Confederation Centre of the Arts at 2:30 p.m.
As he polishes his songs for the concert, he can’t wait for the weekend rehearsals to begin.
“It’s really quite exciting to have all this (amazing music) behind you. The orchestra helps by giving you moments and lifts. So, as a singer, you can feel that the wind is in your sails; the momentum is all behind you.”
For the occasion, Myles will perform selections from his songbook, including “When it Comes My Turn”, “I Wouldn’t Dance”, three songs from his new French album, “Le grand depart” and a few surprises.
“Even though it’s not a holiday show, we’ll do one Christmas song, ‘Santa Never Brought Me a Banjo”, just to get people in the spirit,” says Myles, with a laugh.
It’s not the first time that tall, talented crooner has performed with a 75-member back-up band.
“I’ve had the chance to do
symphony shows a few times, and each time they’ve just been magical,” says Myles, whose last concert was with Symphony Nova Scotia in September.
But, at first there was a learning curve.
“The first time I did a symphony show, it took time. I was used to having this tiny little band.”
Playing with 60 or more people can be daunting.
“You’re not necessarily leading everything. You’re on the boat with them. So, I realized the importance of getting into the zone with them,” says Myles, who credits Rebecca Pellett for doing the arrangements.
Now, the experience is quite the opposite.
“I love these shows because I’m much more relaxed. I stand and sing and listen to the orchestra. And I play the guitar a little bit.”
Shapiro is excited that Myles is “on the boat” with them.
“When I look at David’s website and the way he presents himself, the way he talks about himself as well as the way he sounds, there is a very colourful vibe and a very eclectic vibe. And the way that David looks is the way that Prokofiev sounds.
“So, I think these two artists will make an interesting pair.”
Myles is looking forward to being part of Sunday’s concert.
“It’s really quite exciting to play with an orchestra. It gives drama to the music in a way that I really enjoy, especially when the arrangements are so well done.”