Symphony New Brunswick’s performance at the 2012 ECMA’s “Sound Celebration Concert” was touted as the musical highlight of the week! Now Symphony NB returns to the Capitol Theatre stage on June 23, 2012 with one of Canada’s fastest-rising young opera stars, mezzo-soprano Michèle Losier. Moncton is in for a treat! Losier, a New Brunswick native from the Acadian Peninsula, will be joining the orchestra and Moncton’s own Louisbourg Choir in a homecoming celebration concert which should not be missed!
The concert “Opera to Broadway” will feature classical favorites and some of Broadway’s greatest hits, and will be under the direction of Michael Newnham, Symphony New Brunswick’s Music Director and Principal Conductor. The evening will be held at the Capitol Theatre in Moncton (811, Main Street) at 8 pm. Tickets are on sale now!
This is a fundraising event and all proceeds will go towards supporting the many artistic, educational and community outreach programs that Symphony New Brunswick provides each season.
Improving artistic standards, expanding educational programs
“Music is at the heart of our culture and heritage and we believe that it helps us grow as individuals and communities,” says Marie-Claude Bélanger-Richard, event Co-chair. This benefit concert will enable Symphony New Brunswick (SNB) to continue to fulfill its mandate of making live classical music accessible to as many citizens of this province as possible through live concerts and community outreach and educational programs. SNB is continually striving to improve artistically, expand its musical depth, and inspire young talented musicians. These endeavours will only be successful with the continued support of the communities which SNB serves.
Michèle Losier, who is giving her time and talent to this event, is delighted to be a part of the benefit concert for a cause she deems extremely important. “It’s very exciting to be coming home to New Brunswick and I am delighted to have the opportunity to perform with members of Symphony NB and Louisbourg Choir,” says Michèle.
Mezzo-soprano Michèle Losier
Critically acclaimed mezzo-soprano Michèle Losier grew up in Saint-Isidore in the New Brunswick Acadian Peninsula. She distinguishes herself on international opera stages with her rich voice, masterful musicality and stupendous stage presence. The artist’s achievement at the Metropolitan Opera Auditions in 2005 led to her house debut in 2007 as Diane (Iphigénie en Tauride). Her success at the Queen Elizabeth of Belgium International Competition in 2008 won her a recital tour of Europe and a recording of the Chansons of Henri Duparc with pianist Daniel Blumenthal.
In concert, she has sung a creation from Gilles Tremblay with Montreal Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Kent Nagano, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Montreal Metropolitan Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. For the 2011-2012 season, she performs at the Salzburg Festival, The Royal Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera of New York, and at Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.
An alumnus of McGill University, Michèle Losier was also a member of the San Francisco Opera’s Merola Program, the Opéra de Montréal’s Atelier Lyrique and the Juilliard Opera Center in New York. More information on Michèle at www.michelelosier.com.
Symphony New Brunswick
Symphony New Brunswick is the province’s only full-scale symphony orchestra. Its mission is to make a significant contribution to the cultural richness and economic prosperity of its province by promoting symphonic music through live performance and educational programs. SNB strives to bring a high level of live classical music to all citizens of the province, as well as newcomers and visitors in a way that is accessible all. The Symphony offers annual concerts in Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton. More information on SNB at www.symphonynb.com.
Michael Newnham, Symphony NB conductor
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Michael Newnham is best known for his intense and inspiring conducting style, based on a deep knowledge of the score and informed by a strong interest in languages, cultures and history. He has conducted many orchestras and opera companies throughout Poland, Slovakia, Italy, South Korea, as well as his native Canada. Michael was appointed Music Director of Symphony New Brunswick in 2009, where he conducted the province’s most recent performance of the music of Gustav Mahler, and has been instrumental in raising the artistic standard of the orchestra. Mr. Newnham has been the recipient of awards and honours, including the “Best Operatic Conductor” award from the East Slovakian State Opera and the “Order of Merit” from the Republic of Poland.
Tickets for the concert
Tickets for the Symphony NB benefit concert with Michèle Losier at the Capitol Theatre are $45 (regular) and $125 (VIP), plus tax and service fees. VIP tickets include a pre show reception at the Empress Theatre from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm on June 23. The public will have the chance to meet Michèle Losier, Michael Newnham, and the musicians in the Capitol Theatre Lobby after the concert.
Special $10 tickets (plus tax and service fees) are also on sale for the afternoon dress rehearsal which will be from 1:30 pm to 3 pm. Symphony NB wants to ensure that people of all ages, and all budgets, can attend this unique event and be able to appreciate the wonderful talent we have here in New Brunswick.
Tickets are on sale now at the Capitol Theatre Box Office, l’Escaouette, Frank’s Music, Monument Lefebvre, Dieppe Arts and Culture Centre and l’Université de Moncton. Tickets are also available by phone at (506) 856-4379 or 1-800-567-1922.
