Musical celebrations in Sooke

The Sooke Philharmonic, “the little orchestra that could,” launches its 20th-anniversary season this weekend.

The season opens Saturday and Sunday with works by Beethoven and Elgar. Sophie van der Sloot, who won the 2017 Don Chrysler Concerto Concert Competition, is featured playing Elgar’s Cello Concerto.

Saturday’s concert is at 7:30 p.m. at Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Rd., while Sunday’s is at 2:30 p.m. at Teechamista Theatre at Royal Bay Secondary School, 3500 Ryder Hesjedal Way in Colwood.

“We have much to celebrate,” said maestro Norman Nelson, a driving force behind its creation in 1997. “Such longevity is a tribute to the remarkable dedication of our musicians to create wonderful music and to the community that has given its support over the years.”

Christmas comes early on Dec. 2 and 3, when the Sooke Philharmonic Chorus joins the Philharmonic Chamber Players for a Continental Christmas, conducted by choral director Nicholas Fairbank. The program includes Vivaldi’s Gloria, Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit pour Noel and arrangements of favourite carols.

The annual Tea and Symphony is scheduled for Feb. 4, while April 7 and 8 bring A Royal Feast, featuring Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Handel’s Coronation Anthems.

On June 16 and 17, the orchestra plays A Summer Symphony, directed by Yariv Aloni. Russell Bajer will perform Strauss’ Oboe Concerto.

The season wraps up on July 8 with the Philharmonic Fling, a free pops open-air family show conducted by Michael Klazek.