Double Double DUO is a ‘double threat’ when classically trained international soloists, Dr. Kornel Wolak (clarinet/piano) and Michael Bridge (accordions/piano) join forces on the Venables Theatre stage Friday, November 16th. They succeed in giving classical music a modern voice through dynamic performances and eclectic instrumentation. Comedy, vituosity and musical sensitivity are used to bring their broad repertoire to life.

Collaborating since 2011, the pair have been actively touring in Poland, France and Ecuador and perform across Canada for arts organizations as diverse as the music they play – from the Ontario Philharmonic to the Calgary Stampede. Expect all-original arrangements of classical showpieces, sensitive jazz ballads and fiery folk music from around the world.

The South Okanagan Concert Society urges you to get your tickets and bring a friend. Our first concert of the season, the Marc Atkinson Trio, had the audience on their feet hammering hands together and calling for more. So often, locals hear about the fantastic concert they missed and since each group only performs here once, a miss is a miss. Don’t let that happen to you. Encourage some friends who perhaps have not been introduced to the high quality SOCS performances and get your reserved seats now!

Tickets are on sale at www.venablestheatre.ca or at the theatre box office Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10 to 3 pm. Thanks to our generous sponsors, tickets are affordable.

Two or more tickets in advance are $21 each. A single ticket in advanced is $23. Single tickets at the door are $25. Children and youth are only $2.50. All concerts in the series start at 7:30 pm.

So who are these ‘double threat’ musicians? Of Polish origin, Dr. Kornel Wolak performs on clarinet and piano. “Control and a smooth expressivity are what make Wolak shine” (Toronto Star). He is currently pioneering collaborative research in oral articulators with the Department of Speech Language Pathology at the University of Toronto. He is an internationally renowned soloist, teacher and touring chamber musician.

Originally from Alberta, Michael Bridge (accordions and piano) was named one of CBC’s

“30 Hot Classical Musicians under 30” in 2016. He is a winner of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Medal and the Canadian Digital Accordion Championships. Active in new music, he has over 30 world premieres to his credit. He is a graduate student in accordion performance at the University of Toronto studying with Joseph Macerollo.

Arrive early at Venables Theatre for the extra treat of hearing Helen Wolfe and her handbell choir perform pre-concert in the foyer.

FRED PENNER

part of the ​Family ShowTime Series

Friday October 26

6:30 p.m.

Frank Venables Theatre

More than the music, the four-time Juno winner for Best Children’s Album Sing with Fred and eight-time nominee’s body of work is about energy and emotional connection. The guy who crawled magically out of that hollow log for 12 seasons and nearly 900 episodes in the hit CBC TV show “Fred Penner’s Place” receives fan mail to this day from some of the 55 million American viewers where the show ran for four years on the U.S.’s Nickelodeon. Always building on a common theme rooted in integrity and a “belief in what I can do” he has created a lasting impact that crosses the generations and continues to grow.

Canada’s beloved children’s entertainer, Fred Penner kicks off the “Family ShowTime” children’s series at Venables Theatre this October. Millennials will fondly remember Penner crawling through a log to the enchanting land where his CBC television show took place. A gentle giant with kind eyes and an undeniable ability to make you feel good about yourself, this musical master brings 45 years of commitment, consistency and depth to a career that skillfully blends the many genres of performing and communication.

Penner’s diverse repertoire includes a prolific 12 Children’s Albums, countless energetically packed live shows for throngs of eager audiences across North America, composing the music for APTN/YTV’s Tipi Tales, and writing the score and hosting the TV documentary The Simple Way (focused on the relevant, world-wide topic of voluntary simplicity). He has, without a doubt, established himself as a fundamental part of the North American family entertainment scene. And whether it’s through CDs, videos, books or television, his cornerstone philosophy remains the same: absolute trust that his work can make a difference.

Joined by long-time cohort Paul O’Neill, Penner headlines the inaugural “Family ShowTime” series which includes Alex Zerbe: The Professional Zaniac, DuffleBag Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty and Axé Capoeira. “Family ShowTime” is presented by Venables Theatre with the support of the Community Presenters Assistance program (of the BC Arts Council and BC Touring Council) along with Tinhorn Creek and the Coast Oliver Hotel.

Fred Penner will warm our hearts on the Venables stage Friday October 26 at 6:30. Series tickets are only $40 for all four shows or individual show tickets can be purchased for $12.50. Tickets and more information can be found at www.venablestheatre.ca

Penner is joined by long-time cohort Paul O’Neill on bass and back-up guitar.https://www.venablestheatre.ca/

TICKETS:
Family ShowTime Series on sale now!
All four shows for only $40
Fred Penner- Friday October 26
Alex Zerbe- Friday January 25
Sleeping Beauty: Dufflebag Theatre- March 1
Axé Capoeira- May 10
​Individual tickets $12.50

www.venablestheatre.ca

Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize winning A Streetcar Names Desire tells the story of two sisters – one clinging to a bygone era, the other embracing the reality of post-WW2 life in America.

Now the Venables Theatre welcomes Ballet Kelowna back to the South Okanagan this fall as they bring the classic to life with their first full-length ballet, an adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire.

Dancing between present and past, between real-time New Orleans and old-world Mississippi, the work’s dreamlike transitions are particularly well-suited to balletic interpretation.

In 2006, Simone Orlando inspired and danced the role of the sister Blanche Dubois for Ballet BC. Today, as Ballet Kelowna’s Artistic Director, she revisits the work for a new generation.

Considered Williams’ greatest drama, A Streetcar Named Desire explores poignant themes that echo today’s headlines: shifting social mores; power and dominance; gender stereotyping; and politics.

This timeless adaptation by choreographer John Alleyne, Ballet BC’s former Artistic Director, aligns with Ballet Kelowna’s mandate to encourage and promote the work of Canadian choreographers.

“John Alleyne is one of Canada’s most established and renowned choreographers. By presenting the monumental ballet, A Streetcar Named Desire, we are acknowledging his significant contribution to dance in Canada, while honouring his enormous legacy to the art form,” said Orlando.

Nine Ballet Kelowna dancers are supported by emerging artists from the Victoria Academy of Ballet to perform this stunning work. Produced with the generous support of Ballet BC, A Streetcar Named Desire is performed to the original jazz score by award winning B.C.-based composer Tobin Stokes.

A Streetcar Named Desire is presented by Venables Theatre with the support of the Community Presenters Assistance program (of the BC Arts Council and BC Touring Council) along with the Coast Oliver Hotel.

Ballet Kelowna brings their artistry to Venables Theatre October 27 at 7:30 p.m. at 6100 Gala Street in Oliver. Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for students. For more information visit www.venablestheatre.ca.

Friday, October 12th marks the first concert of this season’s South Okanagan Concert Society’s program. The Marc Atkinson Trio, a group described as “melodically captivating, sensually charged and ferociously, technically awe inspiring” will be the catalyst for high spirits at the Frank Venables Theatre.

Juno-nominated Marc Atkinson, on guitar, is backed by Scott White on acoustic bass and Brett Martens on rhythm guitar as well as guest artist Cameron Wilson on violin.

Marc is known for his ability to spin out seemingly impossible–to-play, breathtaking lines at will. The emotional nuance and sense of humour he brings to his work has engaged audiences for more than two decades. He draws on classical, jazz, roots, and even some rock traditions to delight his audience with new takes on old tunes and sensitive renderings of his own highly melodic compositions.

Brett Martens, pulls from his knowledge of soul, jazz, reggae and latin music. His percussive guitar feel is sensitive, yet lively and infectious. He leads and performs with many bands of his own.

Scott White is a multi-faceted bassist and music therapist currently residing in Berlin. He has performed with many of Canada’s most renowned musicians and toured the world. He manages to practice music therapy in various hospitals, compose and teach while acting as a music director for a Cirque du Soleil show in Germany.

Take all the Trio has to offer after four award winning CDs and decades of touring and then add the sounds of Cameron Wilson’s sweet and playful violin! Versatile and talented, his work showcases many genres of music. It comes as no surprise that he has performed with the CBC Radio orchestra, the Vancouver Bach choir and also with Bryan Adams, Spirit of the West and Raffi.

Tickets are on sale now at www.venablestheatre.ca or at the theatre box office Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10 to 3 pm. Two or more tickets in advance cost $21/ticket. A single ticket in advance is $23. Single tickets at the door are $25.
Children and youth are $2.50. All concerts in the series start at 7:30 pm.