Calgary’s beloved string ensemble, Kensington Sinfonia, is set to open its 36th season with a concert that promises to transport audiences into new sonic realms. Titled Returns, this captivating concert will take place on Sunday, October 20, at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church and will feature the remarkable percussionist Chris Sies.
Currently making waves in Calgary’s music scene, Chris Sies recently joined the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra as Principal Percussionist and is also part of the University of Calgary’s music faculty. His performance in this concert will be a highlight, bringing the ethereal sounds of Saturn, still returning by composer Broxson to life. This atmospheric and meditative piece, performed with Kensington Sinfonia, promises to create an otherworldly experience for the audience.
But the afternoon doesn’t end there. Kensington Sinfonia is known for supporting local talent, and this concert will feature students from the Central Memorial Strings program. Together with the ensemble, they will present Wildies, a new work by Calgary composer and former Artistic Director Donovan Seidle. This piece is an ode to the wild horses of Alberta, capturing their beauty and spirit through stirring melodies and dynamic textures.
The program also includes Klezmer Dances by Calgary composer Daniel Pelton. This work, inspired by Shostakovich’s iconic String Quartet No. 8, takes listeners on a journey through the lively, expressive sounds of Klezmer music. Enthusiasm Strategies by Missy Mazzoli adds a contemporary edge to the concert, blending hypnotic rhythms with inventive string writing. Rounding out the program is Cris Derksen’s White Mans Cattle, a powerful and evocative work that reflects on Alberta's colonial history through a fusion of Indigenous and classical music traditions.
This season opener promises an afternoon of innovative music, collaboration, and reflection, offering a dynamic showcase of Calgary’s diverse musical talent. Tickets are $35, with free admission for students under 18.
Don’t miss the chance to experience Kensington Sinfonia’s powerful return to the stage this fall!
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Kensington Sinfonia continues to captivate audiences with a unique blend of classical repertoire that spans from the Renaissance to contemporary works. Comprising a roster of professional musicians in Calgary, the ensemble presents three concerts each year in a relaxed, intimate setting. Under the artistic vision of Genevieve Micheletti and Andrea Case, the Sinfonia showcases the finest talent in Calgary’s classical music scene.
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