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Chilliwack Metropolitan Orchestra celebrates 10 years of music

The CMO’s From Dunkirk to Dover concert will kick off this season on Nov. 12
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The Chilliwack Metropolitan Orchestra kicks off its 10th season on Nov. 12. (Greg Laychak/ Black Press File)

Celebrate the Chilliwack Metropolitan Orchestra’s 10th anniversary with its season opener concert From Dunkirk to Dover Nov. 12.

This season’s opening concert will showcase a wonderful selection of British and French masterpieces ranging from the lively folk music of Ralph Vaughn Williams and Percy Grainger to the symphonic music of French composer Georges Bizet.

Much of the CMO’s music program selections are well-known classical favourites. The highlight of the evening will be Ralph Vaughn William’s 1914 tone poem, The Lark Ascending, performed by violinist Angela Cavadas. Written during the early days of the First World War the piece is a gentle, introspective work inspired by the 1882 work of the same name by English writer George Meredith.

Soloist, Angela Cavadas, a distinguished violinist and winner of many awards — including first place in the CBC Young Artist Competition at the age of 19 — performed with the CMO last year but returns this season as the concert soloist. She has studied and worked with many distinguished violinists such as Steven Staryk, Ruggiero Ricci, and conductors John Elliot Gardiner, Mario Bernardi and Monica Hugget.

Gounod’s 1872 Funeral March of a Marionette, the theme from the 1950’s television show Alfred Hitchcock Presents, will provide some light humour during the concert.

From Dunkirk to Dover will be the first of three concerts for the CMO’s tenth anniversary series. As part of the celebration, for all three concerts they will be returning to their original venue at GW Graham Theatre (45955 Thomas Rd.). The theatre offers high technology, wonderful acoustics and greater intimacy.

From Dunkirk to Dover takes place Sunday, Nov. 12 at 3 p.m.

The tenth anniversary series tickets will be offered at a discounted series price for all three concerts but single tickets will also be available to purchase. Tickets can be purchased at The Book Man, Long and McQuade, and King’s Music. They may also be bought at the door on concert day. Single tickets: $25/adult and $15/students. Three-concert series tickets: $60/adult and $30/students. Concerts are all Sunday matinees starting at 3 p.m.

The CMO is Chilliwack’s community orchestra composed of local, volunteer musicians. Their mandate is to bring high quality performances of varied genera and full symphonic pieces at a affordable cost to its patrons.