Media Release: Prince George Symphony Orchestra Catches a Rising Star

Wed, 02 May 2012 07:00:00 UT

The Prince George Symphony Orchestra will enter its 43rd season with a new Music Director. The PGSO announces that after a sixteen month long search, Kevin Zakresky has been selected to lead British Columbia’s premiere northern orchestra.

Hosts needed to house guest musicians

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:00:00 UT

The PGSO is looking for hosts to welcome and house guest musicians for the next concert on April 21st and for next season.

PGSO Review - The Red Violin

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
The much-anticipated PGSO concert featuring guest conductor Evan Mitchell and Elizabeth Pitcairn as guest artist excelled in meeting the audience’s high expectations. It was a superb evening of entertainment and a unique opportunity to hear a Stradivarius played by a world-class violinist.

The Red Violin comes to Prince George

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Free Press
Two final major works by famed composers will be featured in The Red Violin, the next concert by the Prince George Symphony Orchestra.

One-of-a-kind Violin Pendant Could Be Yours

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:00:00 UT

Hubbell Designer Goldsmiths have generously donated a custom designed, beautifully crafted violin pendant in celebration of the March 31st concert, The Red Violin. This precious piece could be yours by purchasing a raffle ticket.

Home hosts needed for out of town musicians

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:00:00 UT

The Prince George Symphony Orchestra is looking for volunteers to open their homes to professional musicians from out of town when they perform concerts in Prince George.

Media Release: Finalists Named for 2012 Prince George Regional Arts and Cultural Awards

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Public Library
The finalists in 13 categories have been chosen for the 2012 Prince George Regional Arts and Cultural Awards... The best ensemble award will go to either local rock outfit Highball Riot, the Old Time Fiddlers or the Prince George Symphony Orchestra.

Last minute stand in for The Emperor

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 UT

Guest conductor Rick Dorfer, a doctor of musical arts in violin, and guest performer Sara Davis Buechner, a classical concert pianist, give a performance featuring Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 and Piano Concerto No. 5.

Mystery surrounds PGSO event

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
An aura of mystery cascades over the Columbus Community Centre when Il Carnevale de Venezia, a masquerade ball, takes over Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Tonight at the Proms

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
The Prince George Symphony Orchestra presents Tonight at the Proms Jan. 28 with guest conductor Dr. Calvin Dyck at Vanier Hall. The concert celebrates Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee, her majesty's 60th anniversary of the accession to the throne.

A diamond celebration for the Queen

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 UT

Prince George Free Press
Tonight at the Proms is the Jan. 28 Prince George Symphony Orchestra concert at Vanier Hall. In celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, guest conductor Dr. Calvin Dyck will direct the evening, joined by the Prince George Cantata Singers and other VIP guests, in a wonderful collage of traditional and patriotic nostalgia.

PGSO Call for Vocal Auditions - February 3-4

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 UT

The PGSO will be staging the historic Canadian opera "Colas et Colinette" by Joseph Quesnel next season. OPEN AUDITIONS for solo roles and chorus take place February 3rd and 4th.

From prince to king

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
After 20 years, the Nutcracker Prince is now Snow King. Chris Larsen, the original prince in Judy Russell’s inaugural Nutcracker production, returns to the local dance studio to teach, dance and give back to the community where he got his start in ballet.

Songs and stories make for wonderful time

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
My daughters and I had the pleasure of attending Songs & Stories at the public library. There was an informal woodwind performance from PGSO along with a dancer. The choice of the story was perfect with live music and dance.

Nutcracker celebrates 20th anniversary

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
Judy Russell’s production of the Nutcracker is taking the stage for its 20th anniversary this year, and with it comes with a few changes on stage and off. Presented by Judy Russell and the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, the Nutcracker runs five shows at Vanier Hall Dec. 16 to 18.

Sistema and the Professional World – plus an apology

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 UT

By Jonathan Govias
...sometimes the sensation of conducting a good orchestra is the same as driving a fancy car down a motorway, unfettered by speed limits. Not a feeling of control, but of release, of being carried. I had that feeling working with the PGSO.

Education is key for orchestral success

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
Guest conductor Jonathan Govias solicited a special composition from Canadian composer Christine Donkin to showcase the Prince George Symphony Orchestra's talent as part of Govias's on-the-job interview.

Simply Classical

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 07:00:00 UT

By Ruth Langner
Please join us for the second concert in our season, Simply Classical. The orchestra will blend the passion of Mozart and the elegance of Mendelssohn, two favourite classical composers, in a zesty program, Saturday, November 5th at Vanier Hall.

Search for symphony's music director brings variety to P.G.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
It's the start of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra's new season. Each major concert will feature a guest conductor that is interested in the position of music director of the PGSO. First up is Martin MacDonald who will conduct the Jupiter Symphony at Vanier Hall Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Pre-Concert Chat

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:00:00 UT

Do you want to know more about the music, insights into the composer, or chat informally with our guest conductor? Then plan to attend our Pre-Concert chat.

"Pops in the Pen"

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 07:00:00 UT

by Ruth Langner
On September the tenth, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra members signed in at the front desk of the Prince George Regional Correctional Center and set themselves up for a new outreach experience.

Pops - and Pigeons - in the Park

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 07:00:00 UT

By Pamela Liu
The Prince George Symphony Orchestra kicked off the season with a free concert in Fort George Park last Sunday. The performance included pop tunes, movie themes, and light classical music, plus the added excitement of a pigeon race.

Birds of a feather will flock together

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
Pops in the Park sees the Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO) set up at the Fort George Park bandshell Sunday at 2 p.m. to play popular hits that are everyone's favourites. There will also be a healthy dose of pigeon pageantry as 120 pedigree pigeons take to the skies

PGSO Guest Conductors Featured on CFIS Radio

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:00:00 UT

Peter Clemente of CFIS 93.1 Community Radio will be interviewing the PGSO's guest conductors this season on his classical radio program Speech of Angels.

Local violinist is Toronto Symphony Orchestra concertmaster

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
Jonathan Crow, born and raised in Prince George, is now the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) concertmaster.

Shaping the Future of the Symphony

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
With 40 conductors to choose from, the task of whittling them down to the lucky seven who will audition as part of the new season at the Prince George Symphony Orchestra was quite a challenge, said PGSO's general manager, Ruth Langner.

2011-12 PGSO Concert Season Revealed

Fri, 27 May 2011 07:00:00 UT

Now that our landmark 40th anniversary season has come to a close, we look ahead to another great season of live music in 2011-2012.

'O' is for opera

Thu, 26 May 2011 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
Conductor Les Dala’s final performance with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra was a triumph. This was about as big an entertainment spectacle as it is possible to see here - complete with all the frills and flourishes. The Sunday afternoon event was timed to become the major concert event of the BC Choral Federation’s Chorfest celebration hosted by the Prince George Cantata Singers.

Do Ray Me Fa So Long

Fri, 20 May 2011 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
For the first time in 25 years, Chorfest, the provincial choir confederation conference, hosted by the Prince George Cantata Singers, will be held in Prince George this weekend.

For the last time Les Dala, conductor of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, will perform Sunday at the Civic Centre during the O is for Opera concert where hundreds of choristers will come together in song.

O is for Opera at Prince George Civic Centre

Thu, 19 May 2011 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Free Press
Chorfest, a provincial choral conference, will be held in Prince George May 20 to 22, and co-chair Evelyn Lee says it’s been a while.[...] The final concert is O is for Opera and features a number of selections from various operas. The Prince George Symphony Orchestra will be performing with the assembled choral group, and it’s a special occasion for the orchestra as well.

O is for Opera, C is for Chorfest, D is for Dala

Fri, 13 May 2011 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
It has been a quarter of a century since the last B.C. Choral Federation conference was held in Prince George, but the wait is over. Chorfest will be held at the Civic Centre May 20 to 22 and will include workshops, an opening reception, a banquet, and a gala concert to conclude the event.

Media Release: Mass Choir Joins the PGSO for Opera Event

Fri, 13 May 2011 07:00:00 UT

By Pamela Liu
Prince George, BC – The Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO) and the Prince George Cantata Singers are joining forces to stage a major musical event. ‘O’ is for Opera is the PGSO’s final concert of the season and the highlight of this year’s Chorfest celebration. Choristers from across the province will attend the three day choral conference, culminating in a mass choir performance of some of the most popular and beloved opera music. ‘O’ is for Opera takes place Sunday May 22, 2011 at 3 pm at the Prince George Civic Centre. Tickets available at Studio 2880 or at the door.

Seniors Will Be a Hit at the Opera

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 07:00:00 UT

On May 22, the PGSO will be playing a concert of opera favourites, one of which will be the Anvil Chorus by Verdi. It involves a great deal of percussive power, and we would like to invite every senior in Prince George to join in and hit the anvil on the "off beat".

Baroque Bouquet on Mother's Day

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 07:00:00 UT

The Prince George Symphony Orchestra's Baroque Bouquet concert will feature José Delgado-Guevera performing the ever-popular Four Seasons, Vivaldi's most famous work and the boldest of the Baroque period. Young Suzuki students from the Prince George Conservatory of Music will provide a lovely addition to the afternoon.

Lapp It Up as Daniel performs with orchestra

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 07:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
Sounding like something out of a Dr. Seuss children's book, famous fiddle player Daniel Lapp, will be playing the flumpet during the PGSO concert Saturday night at 7 at Vanier Hall.

Music Lovers LOVE Chocolate!

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:00:00 UT

What accompanies great music? Great chocolate of course! Or at least it will on Saturday April 9th at Prince George’s Vanier Hall.

Fantastic Fiddler Finds His Way Home

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 07:00:00 UT

By Ruth Langner
Lapp it Up! will feature the multi-talented Daniel Lapp in concert on April 9th, 2011. After an amazing performance at the Olympic celebrations in Vancouver, fiddler Daniel Lapp returns home to Prince George to celebrate with the PGSO 'Fiddleharmonic' orchestra.

PGSO Honours Veteran Musicians

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 07:00:00 UT

By Pamela Liu
As we celebrate 40 years of live music in Prince George, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra is honouring three musicians who were instrumental to the organization's inception and remain committed members of the orchestra to this day.

Classic Choice

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:00:00 UT

By Ruth Langner
At the start of the season, the PGSO asked you to vote for an Overture, a Symphony and a Concerto that you would like us to play. Voting could be on-line or by ballot box at concerts. With the voting now over and the ballots tabulated, the audience favourites are...

Spirit of the One Song - Grand Performance

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:00:00 UT

By Ruth Langner
Uniting the Arts - On the Program...

Talking Shop

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 08:00:00 UT

As published in the Prince George Citizen
Les Dala spoke to an enthusiastic audience at the Prince George Chateau on Friday about the Classic Love concert held on Feb. 12.

Where art and entertainment collide

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
Cat Sivertsen is the artist who create art while performers entertain during The One Song B.C. Spirit Festival art reception and grand performance at the Coast Inn on Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Media Release: The PGSO Spirit of The One Song Festival is at Two Rivers Gallery

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:00:00 UT

By Shelley Sivell
Ken Turner, assistant curator at the Two Rivers Gallery, began the first meeting with the three exhibiting artists stating “If you ever wanted to create by dropping paint from 20 feet up, this is the time”

Gallery, PGSO collaborate

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
To commemorate the country’s 2010 Olympic success, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO) will take over hosting this year’s Spirit Festival in Prince George with events that encourage community engagement in arts and cultural activities.

Strauss kicks off Spirit of the One Song

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:00:00 UT

Prince George Free Press
Dressed for the occasion in formal wear, the guests danced the night away at the Civic Centre to beautiful music provided by PGSO musicians. Government grants and the Arts Legacy program have made it possible for the orchestra to fill the month of February with special events that include performing, visual and technical arts groups.

Search is on for PGSO conductor

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:00:00 UT

Prince George Citizen
The Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO) is conducting a search for a new conductor, and with word just barely out, applications have already been submitted for the position.

Band played on thanks to city: PGSO

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:00:00 UT

As published in the Prince George Citizen
The Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO) gave mayor and council an overture of thanks on Monday night.