October 29   2018
Orchestra photo (above):
Larry Folliott 

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Warm greetings from the Stratford Symphony Orchestra.

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Kelly Walker House concert Nov. 25 
 
The SSO's first house concert of the current season, set for Sunday, November 25, will be hosted by Kelly Walker at the home of Mr. Walker and his partner, Ray Harsant, 301 Water Street, Stratford.
 
The concert, Kelly Walker and Friends, will feature performances by Mr. Walker, Val Hawkins, David Keeley, Roy Lewis and a surprise special guest. It will begin at 2 p.m.

 

 

 

Volunteers needed for SSO activities

  
For information, contact the SSO office. 
 
   
   
Paul Gross, David Keeley
will present dramatic readings
 
The SSO's
 Passchendaele:   
A very special
commemoration of
The Great War 
   
 
A special musical experience awaits concertgoers to the SSO's Passchendaele, named for the World War I battle and for the 2008 Paul Gross film, on Saturday, Nov. 3.
 
Paul Gross 
A remembrance of and reflection on how The Great War affected Canada and the world, the concert will present music by composers from Canada and beyond who were directly affected by the war. They include Sir Ernest MacMillan, Maurice Ravel, Erich Korngold, Ernest Farrar, George Butterworth and Edward Elgar. (See their compositions and their connection to the war here.)
 
David Keeley 
And between the pieces by the Symphony, Mr. Gross, who wrote, directed and starred in the film, will be on hand, along with David Keeley, to present dramatic readings, "perspectives from the front lines," says SSO principal conductor William Rowson, "nurses, soldiers, everything you can imagine."
 
Those readings will be "not preachy or ceremonial. We want it to be this sort of seamless experience of remembrance, but also the beautiful things that have been created of that remembrance."
 
World War I, in which more than 61,000 Canadian military personnel died and 172,000 were wounded, ended Nov. 11, 1918, almost exactly 100 years ago. 
 
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Avenue, Stratford. 
 
Tickets are available at Fanfare Books and Blowes Stationery in Stratford and at Lyric Flowers in St. Marys, as well as online and at the door. Adult: $40; student: $10. Children under 12 are admitted free.
      
 
Sunday Brunch Nov. 18: Colin Brisbois, classical guitar
 
Colin Brisbois 
The SSO's popular Revival House Sunday Brunch will feature classical guitarist Colin Brisbois on Sunday, November 18, at 11:30 a.m.
 
Mr. Brisbois will perform Cinque Preludes by Heitor Villa Lobos, Suite del Recuerdo by José Luis Merlin as well as selections from Spanish classical guitarists Fernando Sor and Francisco Tárrega.
 
General admission ($40) includes brunch and a $20 tax receipt. Purchase tickets here
 
Revival House is located on the northeast corner of Brunswick and Waterloo streets in Stratford.

 
 
Have you had a look at the SSO's Silent Auction items?
 
All 26 items in the SSO's 2018 Silent Auction are still open for bids
 
See them all (with descriptions) on the SSO website and make your bid online - or with a phone call to the SSO office. The auction will wrap up during intermission at the November 3 concert.
 
Auction items include a wine tasting evening; a poolside party for 12; a spa visit; an incomparable foraging experience, soup making and lunch with wine pairings; Stratford Summer Music tickets; a beautiful original painting; a contingent of musicians for your special event; dinner for two (comfort food from around the world), coupled with SSO Celtic concert tickets and a gift from the Scottish Shop; and many, many more great items.
 
So get busy, have a look (click here) and make your bid(s)!

 

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George Pearson / Editor, Con Spirito