Concert season invites imagination

submitted by Marion Boyd

Imagine yourself in November facing the early gloom of another dark evening.   Flash to another scene.    It’s you on Friday, November 10th arriving into the bright lights of the opulent  Venables Theatre, meeting friends and hunkering down as the Piano Cameleons, a talented pair on two grand pianos, tackle some of the most beloved classical masterpieces in the spirit of the great interpreters but enhancing their renditions with improvised variations worthy of the best jazz players.   Their show, ‘Classics with a Jazzy Touch’ is just the start of a winter season of music brought to you by the South Okanagan Concert Society.

Now imagine yourself choosing your seat and buying tickets.   That could mean buying the whole 4 concert series in advance at only $19/ticket.  It could mean buying any two or three tickets in advance at $21/ticket or a single ticket at $23/ticket.   A single ticket at the door on the evening of the concert is $25.

Children and youth are only $2.50/ticket no matter when they purchase.

You have choices.   Buy online at www.venablestheatre.ca or go to the theatre box office in advance on Tuesday, Wednesday,  or  Thursday between 10 am and 3 pm.   If you need assistance, just call the box office at 250 498 1616.

So what else is on board for this season?   What musical adventures await you?

Friday, January 19thCheng2 Duo (pronounce that Cheng Squared Duo) will find classical pianist, Silvie, and cellist, Bryan, on our stage.   The duo have been making music together for 14 years and are celebrated for their artistic excellence, generous spirit, and compelling vibrancy.   Their New York debut at Carnegie Hall in 2011 was met with a full house, rave reviews, and an invitation to perform again in 2013.

Friday, February 9thCari Burdett, a troubadour with gypsy ancestors, will take you ‘cabaret style’ around the world through song.  She delivers a vibrant, genre-defying fusion of jazz, art song, folk and world music and sings with a timeless theatrical flair in multiple European languages.   Accompanied by a quartet of talented musicians, her rich mezzo soprano voice will hold you spellbound.

Friday March 9th The final concert of the season will bring back some old friends who are much loved in this area.   The Joe Trio is not your average piano trio.   They can’t be neatly categorized.   Witty, charming and tremendously musical they engage an audience in a way few classical musicians can.   Their arrangements can sometimes mix many styles in delightful ways but always leave the audience with a new appreciation for classical music.

Now don’t just imagine but actually take action to get concert tickets that are on sale now.   Get dates secured with your friends.  All concerts are at the new Venables Theatre in Oliver and start at 7:30 pm.   Those requiring bus transportation from Osoyoos can call Janet at 250 495 6487 to make arrangements.