Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra and Chorus present an exhilarating evening of music Nov. 9 featuring several local pianists in a Piano Extravaganza.
Four pianos will grace the stage of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
This first CSO performance of the season will feature local pianist Graham Yates as he tackles one of his favourite pieces, the Paganini Variations for Piano written by Polish composer Witold Lutoslawski. This avant-garde piece is sure to stimulate interest, pushing musical boundaries with striking harmonic construction, and contrasting beautifully with the other rousing programme selections of the evening.
“I have come to love this piece,” said music director Paul DeWit, “the tempo and meter changes make it very exciting in itself, not to mention the rich, exotic harmonies throughout.”
The night will be beautifully tied together by Debbie Fortnum’s piano stylings to be showcased in the lobby throughout the evening.
Dewit is also pleased to announce that music by composer J.S. Bach will be a highlight of the evening’s piano delights.
Joining the talented Graham Yates on stage will be pianists Wesley Hawkins, Amber Hipwell, Hanna Hotanen, Alexis Vandeweg and Michaela Kanis Lindhout to perform selections from the Bach piano concerti for two, three and four pianos.
A few movements of Camille Saint-Saens’ Carnival of the Animals will also be performed by the evening’s featured pianists with orchestral accompaniment. Finally, in keeping with CSO tradition for this season of remembrance, the orchestra will respectfully dedicate a special musical selection as a tribute to our esteemed war veterans.
Piano Extravaganza, Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m. at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, 604-391-SHOW (7469).