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Fall Performing Arts Overview: Orchestras

Dance-pop chart topper Kiesza performs with Calgary Phil on October 5. Photo: Mick Marseilles

In 2020, Calgary’s performing arts venues sat empty for months. In 2021 and 2022, the arts story was about survival; in 2023, the focus was cautious optimism. This year’s watchword seems to be inclusion as the city’s arts organizations rebuild for broader audiences.

Today, venues citywide are gearing up for world-class performances, focusing on attracting new audiences and reviving those who stayed home during the pandemic. Artistic directors have promised to unite the community — and audiences are responding in kind.

Several artistic directors told us which shows they look forward to in the 2024-2025 season and why we should be excited.

Calgary Phil

Norwegian-born Rune Bergmann has been redefining orchestral music and kicking down doors at the local level as the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra‘s music director since 2016. This year’s season will be Bermann’s last.

“Calgary [Phil] is unique in the way that we can play so many different styles,” he says. “Most orchestras only play classical, others play pop music; the Calgary Philharmonic plays everything, and it’s why this city is one I’ll never forget.”

A great example of this duality is Tchaikovsky x Drake, a concert Calgary Phil produces on September 7. This show will see Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s epic Fifth Symphony mashed together with songs by Canadian rapper Drake. It’s a meeting of old and new that will fuel the Kendrick Lamar/Drake feud even more.

Just a day later, Phil in the Park + Beat Beethoven is joining forces with Run Calgary on September 8 to combine music and movement.

“On Prince’s Island Park, we’ll be outside playing a Beethoven symphony while participants run around the Bow River in time before we finish playing,” explains Bermann. “And the best part of it all is that everyone is invited: there are programs for kids, and we have things for adults.” Adults can enjoy a VIP area with food and wine after the race, while the whole family is welcome to enjoy a free concert in the heart of Prince’s Island.

This year, “Beat Beethoven” will be the biggest since its debut seven years ago. It’s a popular event that folks enjoy as they race around Prince’s Island, and upbeat classical music scores the journey like an action movie climax.

On October 5, the electronic beats of Kiesza + Orchestra will take over the Jack, with the home-grown pop star performing live renditions of hit songs like “Phantom on the Dancefloor” alongside our Calgary Phil.

“This is the first time in our history that we will collaborate with EDM,” Bermann says. “[Kieszsa is] extremely popular, and teaming up with the orchestra would be fantastic and exciting. Nobody should miss out on that.”

The Calgary Phil 2024 season promises lots of outside-of-the-orchestra pit surprises. “The audience should trust us,” says Bermann, “and brace for the unexpected.”

Even More Orchestra

Kensington Sinfonia begins its 30th season with Returns featuring Chris Sies on percussion. October 20 at St. Stephen’s Church.

Calgary Pro Musica rounds out the year with Master Series performances from the Jupiter Quartet on October 6 and 7, and Vox Luminis (a co-production with Early Music Voices) November 3 and 4.

Calgary Civic Symphony presents Women in Music on October 27 and Christmas and Neujahrskonzert on December 8 at the Jack Singer. 

Calgary Jazz Orchestra is Celebrating Tony Bennett & The Complete Atomic Basie on October 23 and enjoying a Perfectly Frank Christmas on December 18 at the Bella Concert Hall.

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