“Wow”: Red Deer Symphony Orchestra triumphant in return to live performances

It was the group’s first main series show since before the global pandemic took hold, and was the first of six performances between now and next May.

“It’s quite a lot of work and dedication. There’s a ton of detail that goes into the productions behind the scenes, and orchestra members spend a significant amount of time rehearsing. It’s a long process, but it’s rewarding,” says Jennette Miller, RDSO Executive Director.

“It’s been over two years since we had a whole season of live concerts, so we’re pretty thrilled to be back, and the works we performed on Saturday tend to be audience favourites, which is why we were so thrilled to bring them to our attendees.”

Works performed in Main Series Concert #1 included Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 ‘Pastoral’ in F Major, followed by Robert Schumann’s 1845 Piano Concerto in A Minor.

The first segment of Schumann’s bit was punctuated by an audible “Wow” which swept through the theatre as the featured and Edmonton-based Mikolaj Warszynski, an instructor at Chopin Piano Studio and music liaison at the University of Alberta, gave a nod of gratitude.

Warszynski was nailing the keys as RDSO Music Director Claude Lapalme, who had led the show’s first half solo, conducted.

Mikolaj Warszynski (left) and Claude Lapalme were part of an incredible show put on by the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the RDP Arts Centre. (Zuzana Simurdova)

Lapalme’s conducting lived up to the show’s Mighty Maestros moniker, and he’d told the audience that what they were about to hear would take their minds on an adventure of ‘merriment,’ with a storm brewing somewhere along the way. Think 1940’s Fantasia, which featured Symphony No. 6.

Needless to say, they delivered, and to at least my ears, every note was hit with perfection, no matter the instrument being played.

“Over the pandemic, we did a number of digital initiatives, which were quite rewarding in their own way, and they enabled our musicians to perform while keeping our community profile up until we could once again perform live,” says Miller.

“It definitely wasn’t the same though as nothing quite replaces the magic of performing live on stage for audiences. You get a much stronger sense of community when you’re able to enjoy these symphonic experiences live, and our audiences bring an energy to that we’re excited to have back.”

The Red Deer Symphony Orchestra currently has 27 regular members, with others filling in as necessary. There were a few retirements during the pandemic, meaning there are a few openings, Miller adds.

Concert #1, presented by Sunreal Property Management and BFL Canada, is to be followed by these events:

Main Series 2: Strings for the Season – Dec. 3, 2022

Main Series 3: Suite Francaise – Jan. 14, 2023

Main Series 4: Break the Bias – Mar. 4, 2023

Main Series 5: Baroque Delights – Apr. 29, 2023

Main Series 6: Wandering With Wonder – May 27, 2023

Free-to-attend community programs

Symphony @ the Snell – November 10, 2022 @ 7 p.m. – downtown RDPL branch

9 Lessons & Carols – December 11, 2022 @ 7 p.m. – Gaetz Memorial United Church

The Red Deer Symphony Orchestra is also currently streaming their art film Wandering with Wonder on its website.

MORE: Red Deer Symphony Orchestra creates unique film to further truth and reconciliation

For RDSO ticketing information, visit the RDP events website.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

“Wow”: Red Deer Symphony Orchestra triumphant in return to live performances

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