Mediterranean Cruise with guest artists Clodagh Earls & Irina Muresanu

The Youseff-Warren Foundation & Revera Churchill Place Retirement Living present the OAKVILLE SYMPHONY

Mediterranean Cruise Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15, 2016 with guest artists CLODAGH EARLS & IRINA MURESANU

Oakville Symphony’s 2016/17 SEASON NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

FEBRUARY

SHAKESPEARE 400

FAMILY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

NORTHERN REFLECTIONS

November 5 & 6, 2016 Guest Artist: Paul Marleyn, Cello

December 11, 2016 Guest Artists:

February 4 & 5, 2017 Guest Artist:

Oakville Children's Chorus

Christopher Goodpasture, Piano

MARCH

APRIL

M AY

YOUNG PEOPLE'S CONCERT

DRAMATIC PASSION

MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS

February 26, 2017

April 8 & 9, 2017 Guest Artists: Sharon Wei, Viola Scott St. John, Violin

May 13 & 14, 2017 Guest Artist: Lucas Porter, Piano

at St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic Church 1150 Monk’s Passage, Oakville

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From the Conductor’s Podium

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2015-16 concert season of the Oakville Symphony – A Season of Splendour.

Our 48th season will feature a wonderful blend of audience favourites, thrilling symphonic masterpieces, and the addition of exciting new works by one of Canada’s most gifted young composers, Maxime Goulet. Gershwin’s Piano Concerto, Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole and our first performances of Mahler’s towering Symphony #1, are just a few of the highlights of our year.

Exciting guest artists are always a featured part of any concert season. This year, we welcome back the thrilling violinist Irina Muresanu, distinguished pianist Mauro Bertoli and our own Joseph Peleg as soloists. We also look forward to the Oakville Symphony debuts of violinist Stanislav Pronin in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and pianist Sheng Cai in the Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto #2. The combination of wonderful soloists and the committed performances of our talented musicians create the ultimate live concert experience for our audiences.

It promises to be a season filled with orchestral splendour.

On behalf of our musicians, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new General Manager, Wendy Smith, and our new co-chairs, Anna Hewitt and Rob Whittaker, as they begin their duties this year. I wish to thank our Board of Directors, our devoted past President Gillian Santangeli, and Peggy and Murray Steele for their outstanding contribution to the success of our Symphony.

We look forward to welcoming you to our concerts throughout 2015-16.

Sincerely, ROBERTO DE CLARA, Conductor and Music Director

The Oakville Symphony 310-200 North Service Road West Oakville ON L6M 2Y1 Tel: 905-338-1462 www.OakvilleSymphony.com 3

Roberto De Clara Active in both symphonic and operatic conducting, Roberto De Clara has been the Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Oakville Symphony since 1997. Past Artistic Director positions have included Music Director of the Prince George Symphony, Music Director York Symphony and Artistic Director of the Etobicoke Philharmonic. In addition to the artistic success of the Main Series subscription concerts, his tenure at the Oakville Symphony has been marked by a number of initiatives, including Family Christmas Concerts, educational concerts, a series of post-concert chats following regular subscription concerts and, starting in the 2010/11 season, a new behind the scenes look at orchestral life and music entitled nOt juSt the scOre. Mr. De Clara's symphonic guest conducting has included engagements with orchestras in Canada and abroad including: the Winnipeg Symphony, Hamilton Philharmonic, Orchestra London, Stratford Symphony, the Vienna Pro Arte Orchestra and the orchestra of the National Theatre in Prague. His European operatic debut took place in the historic Estates Theatre in Prague, conducting a new production of Mozart’s COSI FAN TUTTE for the National Theatre of the Czech Republic. He has also served as a guest conductor for highly successful productions of Gianni Schicchi and Don Pasquale for the International Vocal Arts Institute in Tel-Aviv, in stagings by legendary singers Renato Capecchi and Federico Davia.

Mr. De Clara began his professional career as Assistant Conductor of both the Hamilton Philharmonic and Opera Hamilton. A summa cum laude graduate of McMaster University, he also holds diplomas in conducting from the Mozarteum Sommerakademie in Salzburg and the Wiener Meisterkurse of the Vienna Conservatory. He has also studied conducting at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy; the Aspen Music School in the USA and the Royal Conservatory in Toronto. In the course of his career he has worked with such distinguished conductors as Jiri Belohlavek, Music Director of the Czech Philharmonic (Prague), Boris Brott (Toronto), Julius Kalmar (Vienna), Ferdinand Leitner (Salzburg), Gustav Meier (U.S.A.) and Richard Woitach and Joan Dornemann of the Metropolitan Opera. A strong proponent of continual professional development, Mr. De Clara has participated in international conducting seminars in the U.S.A, Prague and Sofia, with the noted pedagogue Gustav Meier and Rossen Milanov (Former Associate Conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra).

Mr. De Clara has been the recipient of many awards including: First Prize in the AustrianTelevision Radio (O.R.F.) Salzburg Conducting Competition (where the head of the jury was the legendary Intendant Rolf Liebermann), the Heinz Unger Conducting Award in Toronto and scholarships from the Canada Council and the Canada-Israel Cultural Foundation.

Oakville Symphony Board of Directors Rob Whittaker, President & Co-Chair Anna Hewitt, Co-Chair Colin Litton, Vice-President Heath Allen Paul Burghardt Cathy Carter

Deb Cooper Stephanie Khurana Patrick Pacenti Bianca Tino-Gaetani Rhonda Wild Gillian Santangeli, Past Chair

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Roberto De Clara, Conductor & Music Director Dennis Thacker, Treasurer Peggy Steele, Interim General Manager Tel: 905-338-1462 office@oakvillesymphony.com

From the Mayor To the Oakville Symphony Audience: Welcome to the Oakville Symphony, a jewel in the cultural life of our town.

In the months ahead, we will be treated to A Season of Splendour, a carefully chosen group of great works for the violin and piano.

From Tchaikovsky and Saint-Saëns to Mahler and Canada’s own Maxime Goulet, every performance promises to showcase exceptional music and outstanding talent.

I encourage everyone, lifelong patrons and those who’ve never been, to come out and experience the Oakville Symphony, one of the finest community orchestras in Canada.

I extend very best wishes to all – maestro, musicians and audience – for an inspiring 48th season ahead.

Mayor Rob Burton

Volunteers welcome!

You can enhance the musical experience by volunteering with the Oakville Symphony!

Interested? Please call 905-338-1462 or email us at office@oakvillesymphony.com

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DISTINGUISHED

BY DESIGN Toronto | Orillia | Port Severn | Oakville

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From the Co-Chairs On behalf of the Board of Directors, we warmly welcome you to the final concert in our “Season of Splendour”. We hope that it has lived up to its name and that you have enjoyed every note.

As always, we are most grateful to our many volunteer and professional musicians, and to the charismatic leadership and inspiration of our Music Director and Conductor, Roberto De Clara. Behind the scenes, our board members and staff work with equal enthusiasm and dedication.

For our auditory “Mediterranean Cruise” the orchestra is delighted to be joined on stage by violinist Irina Muresanu and soprano Clodagh Earls. We’re fortunate to be able to hear Ms Muresanu play on one of only two Canadian dates during her tour of the eastern United States this year. Ms Earls will be familiar to many of you from previous guest performances at our Young People’s and Family Christmas concerts and we’re very pleased to have her back.

One of the things we love about the Oakville Symphony is that it spans the generations, not only behind the music stands but also in the audience. In addition to the concert weekends here at the Oakville Centre, the Symphony introduces classical music to young people through our free mini-concerts, Meet the Musician presentations, special coaching sessions in local schools, and at our concerts designed for families.

None of this would happen without the ongoing support of our community of donors, corporate partners and government grants, to whom we extend our great appreciation and whom we acknowledge in the pages of this program.

As we approach our 50th anniversary, we look forward to sharing some exciting plans for the upcoming celebrations. If you are interested in helping out, we invite you to contact us about volunteer opportunities — we would truly value your time and participation.

We are both honoured to serve as co-chairs of the Board, and have enjoyed getting to know many of our patrons this season. We invite you to let us know what brings you to hear the Oakville Symphony, either through our upcoming audience survey or by contacting us directly.

Enjoy your afternoon or evening, and thank you once again for spending it with us.

Rob Whittaker, President and Co-Chair Anna Hewitt, Co-Chair The Oakville Symphony Board of Directors

About Anna: Anna Hewitt joined the Oakville Symphony board in 2012.

She enjoys informing people about the orchestra’s activities via its website and social media. A resident of Oakville since 1989, Anna and her husband Marc raised their combined five children here, and have been active in supporting many local organizations. ahewitt@oakvillesymphony.ca About Rob: Rob Whittaker has lived in Oakville for 23 years. He is married to Suzann and they have 2 sons. His expertise is in business strategy and brand development. In his youth, Rob studied classical piano and still plays today. rwhittaker@oakvillesymphony.ca

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BRAVO! To Our 2015-2016 Partners

MARQUEE SPONSOR The Randall Residences by Rosehaven Homes Sponsor of the 2015-2016 Season

VIVACE SPONSORS Judith Rachel Harris & Tony Woolfson ~ November Concert Steinway Piano Gallery ~ January Concert | Executive Yacht Canada ~ April Concert Youssef-Warren Foundation ~ May Concert

PRESTO CO-SPONSOR Revera Churchill Place Retirement Living ~ May Concert

YOUTH PROGRAM SPONSORS RBC Foundation ~ Two Young Artists | Ian Morrison ~ One Young Artist William & Margaret Andrews ~ One Young Artist | Jean Grieve ~ Two Young Artists Janet Jones Young Artist Fund ~ Two Young Artists | John Postle ~ Two Young Artists INSTRUMENT SPONSORS Youssef-Warren Foundation ~ Gift of a Violin | Ian Morrison ~ Gift of a Violin Bow Rotary Club of Oakville West ~ Gift of two Rotary-Valve Trumpets and also Gift of four Ludwig Timpani Dorothy Hollier-Bidlake ~ Gift of Hollier Viola and Bow

AND ALSO . . .

Ontario Arts Council | The Town of Oakville (through the Oakville Arts Council) Oakville Community Foundation | Melfort Cottage B&B and Holiday Inn (Oakville@Trafalgar) ~ “Home” for the Oakville Symphony guest artists | Special thanks to Revera Churchill Place Retirement Residence for the use of their Board Room and to Green Light Graphics for their expertise in the design and printing of this program.

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Our Musicians VIOLINS Joseph Peleg, Concertmaster * Norman Hathaway, Co-Principal * Wren Canzoneri, (A) Co-Principal * Simcha Armstrong Sarah Bina Eslyn Blair Alannah Constable Brigitte Cormier Eleanor Crymble-Shapero Irene DeWolf Karl Hakala Kiara Hassan, (Y.A.) Andrea Kho Yoonkwan Kim Gabrielle Klein Igor Kubelik Dahyun Anne Kyung, (Y.A.) Caroline McAtamney June Miller Ian Morrison Tamara Puma Trevina Rizkalla Ron Sealey Ruthie Snell Evan Sue-A-Quan, (Y.A.) Klaudia Thibault Lyndsay Tran, (Y.A.) Jill Yokoyama Sarah Zbogar Kevin Zhang, (Y.A.) Linda Choi (M) David Rehner (M) VIOLAS Bill McMillan, Principal * Lauren Carroll, (Y.A.) Vilija Hakala Stephanie Khurana Clement Ng Sydney O’Brien, (Y.A.) Madeleine Spence

VIOLONCELLI Jose Shapero, Principal * Sonja Buckland Paul Burghardt Deb Daymond Barbara Frensch Jo-Anne Goyder Jean Grieve Edward Jeong, (Y.A.) Hyun-Young Ju Elena Jubinville Liz Lesser Marilyn McKay Dominic Mitchell Peggy Steele Kim Tatone

BASS CLARINET Stephen Walter HARP Sharlene Wallace, Principal * BASSOONS Josh Marshall, Principal Margaret Davey, Principal Emeritus FRENCH HORNS Heath Allen, Principal * Kelly Kaddatz Gail Pauling Tina Shapero (G)

BASSI Elizabeth Wallace, Principal * Bob Bell David Gowing Roger Hollingworth Kevin Mann Eric Sheppard, (Y.A.) Jeff Stringer Tim FitzGerald (M) FLUTES Máté Szigeti (G), Principal Natalie Cabri PICCOLO Natalie Cabri

TRUMPETS Jenny Peace, Co-Principal Ron McKee, Co-Principal TROMBONES Jonathan Lapp, Principal Mark Kissel BASS TROMBONE Blair Smith-Herbert (G) TUBA Rick Jatiouk (G) TIMPANI Lorne Grossman, Principal *

OBOES Nancy Nelson, Principal * Paul Lancaster, Principal Emeritus

PERCUSSION Robert Comber (G) Ernie Porthouse (G)

ENGLISH HORN Nancy Nelson

LIBRARIAN Susan Barber-Kahro

CLARINETS Stephen Walter, Principal Steve Haynes

PERSONNEL MANAGER Peggy Steele

(M) - Young Artist Mentor | (G) - Guest | (Y.A.) - Young Artist | - Member of Professional Core (A) - Absent this concert weekend

*

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Featuring...

CLODAGH EARLS, Soprano Hailed as “spectacular” and the “epitome of vocal fireworks” Canadian Soprano Clodagh Earls is quickly gaining recognition for her soaring coloratura, and charming stage presence on the North American operatic and concert scene.

Ms. Earls has many opera roles credited to her name: Zerlina in Don Giovanni (Concert Opera Group and C.O.S.I.), Shepherd in Tannhaüser (COG), Adina in L’elisir d’amore (C.O.S.I.), Miss Silverpeal in Mozart’s The Impresario (New York Lyric Opera), Olympia in Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann (Franco-American Vocal Academy, France), and Papagena in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (Opera on the Avalon). Ms. Earls also performed as Emilia in the Canadian Operatic Premiere of Andrew Ager’s The Wings of the Dove in Toronto. Ms. Earls has performed in Italy, Germany, Austria and France; and in these countries, she worked with incredible directors and conductors, such as Tom Diamond, Maestro Kevin Mallon, Maestro Laurent Pillot, and Maestro Willie Anthony Waters. Ms. Earls is repeatedly engaged by the Oakville Symphony Orchestra, Masterworks of Oakville Chorus & Symphony, Oakville Chamber Orchestra, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, and the Stratford Symphony Orchestra.

Ms. Earls’ 2014 - 2015 season, was filled with successes as she performed the coveted role of Königin der Nacht, in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, under the baton of Maestro Grzegorz Nowak in the inaugural season of the Miami Summer Music Festival, in Florida. In spring 2015, Ms. Earls joined the Michigan Opera Theater in Detroit, Michigan, as an apprentice artist, performing as Calaveras in the company premiere of Robert Xavier Rodriguez’s Frida, Olga in Lehar’s The Merry Widow alongside celebrated American soprano Deborah Voigt, and finished the season performing in Gounod’s Faust, under the baton of Steven Mercurio.

Ms. Earls has a busy 2016 season as she returns to the Michigan Opera Theatre as Mrs. Jenks in Aaron Copland’s The Tender Land, performs as “Eve” in the North American Premiere of The Walk from the Garden by Jonathan Dove with Rackham Choir and Orchestra in Detroit, Michigan and returns to the Oakville Symphony Orchestra as the soprano soloist in May 2016. In 2017, she returns to the Masterworks of Oakville Chorus and Orchestra as the soprano soloist in Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem.

Ms. Earls holds a Master of Music: Voice Performance from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, and a Bachelor of Music: Honours Voice Performance from the University of Western Ontario. She is mentored by American tenor Curt Peters, and Dr. Cynthia Hoffmann of The Juilliard School. Ms. Earls finds her home in beautiful Birmingham, Michigan.

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Featuring...

IRINA MURESANU, Violin Romanian violinist Irina Muresanu has won the hearts of audiences and critics alike with her exciting, elegant and heartfelt performances of the classic, romantic and modern repertoire. The Boston Globe has come to praise her as "not just a virtuoso, but an artist" and the Los Angeles Times has written that her "musical luster, melting lyricism and colorful conception made Irina Muresanu's performance especially admirable" while Strad Magazine called her Carnegie/Weill Hall performance “a first‐rate recital”. Irina Muresanu's performances have been frequently cited as among the Best of Classical Music Performances by the Boston Globe, and her recital in the Emerging Artist Celebrity Series was named one of the Top 10 musical events by the TAB Magazine.

Early on Ms. Muresanu achieved international acclaim as an outstanding young artist, winning top prizes in several prestigious international violin competitions including the Montreal International, Queen Elizabeth International, UNISA International String, Washington International, and the Schadt String Competition. Her recent solo engagements include concerts with the Boston Pops, the Miami Symphony Orchestra, the Williamsburg Symphonia, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, the Metropolitan Orchestra, the Transvaal Philharmonic, the Romanian National Orchestra, the Orchestre de la Radio Flamande, and the Boston Philharmonic. Muresanu also has a substantial discography, most recently working closely with composers Thomas Oboe Lee, Elena Ruehr, and William Bolcom.

An active chamber musician and recitalist, Ms. Muresanu has appeared in such festivals and venues as Bargemusic in New York, the Rockport Festival in Massachusetts, and the Bay Chambers concert series and Bowdoin Festival in Maine, among others. Ms. Muresanu is a member of the Boston Trio, and regularly performs with Mistral and the Walden Chamber Players. Irina Muresanu currently serves on the faculty of University of Maryland. She plays an 1856 Giuseppe Rocca violin and a Charles Peccatte bow courtesy of Mr. Mark Ptashne.

Irina Muresanu currently serves on the faculty of the Boston Conservatory and has taught in the Music Dept. of Harvard and MIT. Her ensemble, the Boston Trio, is Ensemble-in-Residence at the New England Conservatory, the institution at which she received the prestigious Artist Diploma degree and a Doctorate in Musical Arts degree.

A native of Bucharest, Romania, Ms. Muresanu resides in Boston, MA with her husband, son and dog. She plays an 1856 Giuseppe Rocca violin and a Charles Peccat bow courtesy of Mr. Mark Ptashne.

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Professional Performers JOSEPH PELEG, Concertmaster A native of Hungary, Joseph came to Canada in 1968 and earned his Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto, and later his Masters of Music from Indiana University, while working with Joseph Gingold. Mr. Peleg has also worked with the eminent virtuosi Joseph Szigeti and Nathan Milstein. He has performed solos and recorded, and played with chamber music groups throughout Canada, the USA, Israel and many European centres. As well as serving as concertmaster of the Oakville Symphony, he is also concertmaster of the Oshawa-Durham Symphony Orchestra and the leader of the Contreras String Quartet.

NORMAN HATHAWAY, Co-Principal Second Violin Mr. Hathaway graduated with a performance degree from the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, where he studied violin with David Zafer and Chamber Music with the Orford String Quartet. Following his graduation he spent several summers at the Banff School of the Arts. He has been a member of the Stratford Festival Orchestra, the Hamilton Philharmonic, the Toronto Philharmonic, the popular ensembles Quintessence and Ensemble Vivant, as well as co-concertmaster of the Phantom of Opera Orchestra in Toronto. Norman enjoys his association with the Oakville Symphony and wishes to express his thanks to the people of Oakville for their unfailing support for this outstanding orchestra.

WREN CANZONERI, Co-Principal Second Violin Wren is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Philadelphia and was formerly Associate Concertmaster of the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony. A part-time member of the TSO, Wren is a freelance violinist, recording for television and movies. He owns and coordinates the activities of TorMusic Entertainment, which provides Strings/Jazz/Band and Convention musicians for corporate and private events.

WILLIAM MCMILLAN, Principal Viola Mr. McMillan completed undergraduate and postgraduate studies in music and education at the University of Toronto. A former director of the Inter-Provincial Music Camp, Principal of the North York Summer Music School as well as past conductor of the Halton and Sheridan Youth Orchestras, Pickering Philharmonic and Havergal and Crescent Chamber String Orchestras, Mr. McMillan has recently retired as Curriculum Leader in Arts at York Mills Collegiate in Toronto. He is still active coaching, adjudicating and writing and publishing music for strings orchestra. He has recently been appointed as principal second violin and librarian in the Toronto Community Orchestra.

JOSE SHAPERO, Principal Cello Mr. Shapero graduated from the University of Toronto with Bachelor and Masters degrees in cello and piano. He has been Principal Cellist and guest soloist with several professional and community orchestras. Jose has recorded for commercials and television shows including the CBC series, Street Legal. Currently Jose leads the music ministry at North Bramalea United Church in Brampton and Temple Sinai Synagogue in Toronto.

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DIRECT: 905-208-2694* | OFFICE: 905-338-9000 | FAX: 905-338-3411 309-A Lakeshore Road East, Oakville ON, L6J 1C9

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Professional Performers ELIZABETH WALLACE, Principal Double Bass Ms. Wallace studied at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto with the former TSO principal bass, Tom Monahan, and privately with virtuoso Gary Karr. She has performed as Assistant Principal Bass with the Atlantic Symphony and CBC orchestras in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As a member of the Atlantic Camera Trio, Elizabeth has performed at provincial and national functions including Royal Family visits. As well as freelancing with various orchestras, she is presently Principal Double Bass with the Rose Orchestra in Brampton. Ms. Wallace teaches privately and is also the double bass instructor at Klaudia’s Music Studio in Oakville.

HEATH ALLEN, Principal French Horn Mr. Allen completed his Bachelor of Music at Queen’s University and his Master of Music in performance at the University of Toronto under the direction of Eugene Rittich. He has performed frequently with orchestras throughout southern and eastern Ontario including the London, Windsor, Kingston, Niagara, Kitchener-Waterloo, Oshawa-Durham, Royal Opera Canada, Brampton Lyric Opera and Opera Kitchener. In 2012, he went on tour in China with the Ontario Festival Orchestra. In addition to his duties with the Oakville Symphony, he is currently engaged as principal horn with the Kindred Spirits Orchestra and the Southern Ontario Lyric Opera Company. Mr. Allen also performs with Intrada Brass of Oakville and coaches brass and winds for the Halton/Mississauga Youth Orchestra. He has also conducted on numerous occasions for the Peel Intermediate Honour Band, the Brampton Youth Concert band and the former Halton Youth Orchestra. He lives in Mississauga where he continues to have an active private studio and teaches instrumental and vocal music for the Peel District School Board. Mr. Allen is an advocate for music education and is an active performer and organizer for International Horn Day held bi-annually in Toronto.

MÁTÉ SZIGETI, Principal Flute Hungarian-born flautist Máté Szigeti received his training at the prestigious Franz Liszt Academy of Music (Debrecen, ‘97 B.A. and `09 M.A.). Mr. Szigeti has appeared as soloist and orchestra member in North America, Austria, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Sweden, Japan, Finland, Switzerland, including the famous Baalbeck, Boustan and Tyre festivals, sharing the stage with such renowned soloists and conductors as Placido Domingo, Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Barnabás Kelemen and Boris Berezovsky. Since Mr. Szigeti arrived in Canada he has been actively involved in Hamilton’s musical life and was a featured soloist with the Dundas Valley Orchestra, York Symphony Orchestra, Burlington Concert Band, member of the Glenn Abbey United Church Chancel Choir and participated many chamber concerts from Niagara on the Lake to Toronto. Mr. Szigeti is currently the Music Director of the Hamilton City Ballet Orchestra, Cricket Chamber Orchestra and teaches flute at Hillfield Strathallan College and Hamilton Academy of Performing Arts (Dundas). He has most recently been appointed principal flutist at the Oakville Symphony.

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Professional Performers LORNE GROSSMAN, Principal Percussionist When I receive an offer to play with an orchestra, I always base my answer on the quality of music, the conductor, the people I am working with, the concert hall and the city or town I would be in. That is why I always accept this offer with the Oakville Symphony. Other orchestras I work with are the Toronto Concert Orchestra, the Peterborough Symphony, the Ontario Philharmonic, Opera York and the Toronto Sinfonietta. During this past summer, I played the show “Anne of Green Gables” for Drayton Entertainment and will be doing it again in Cambridge in October and November. In the past, I was the drum set player for the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa for many years, a percussionist with The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, was principal percussion with the Canadian Opera Company and was the timpanist with the Hannaford Street Silver Band for 19 years.

SHARLENE WALLACE, Principal Harp Oakville native Sharlene Wallace is both a Classical harpist and one of the Canada’s most prolific and influential Celtic/lever harp players. She has won two international harp competitions and created six independent CDs, featuring many of her own compositions. Most recently she released a new CD, Q&A, with American Celtic harpist Kim Robertson. Sharlene tours internationally giving concerts, workshops, masterclasses and adjudications. She also teaches both lever and pedal harps privately in Oakville, Guelph and Toronto as well as at York University and Wilfred Laurier University. Her own Classical performance degree is from the University of Toronto where she studied with the eminent Judy Loman. Sharlene is principal harpist with Oakville, Guelph and Kingston Symphonies. www.sharlenewallace.com.

NANCY NELSON, Principal Oboe After receiving a full scholarship and graduating from McMaster University in Honours Music Summa Cum Laude, Nancy Nelson received a Canada Council Grant for further oboe and English horn studies in Philadelphia. She is the oboe/English horn of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, and has performed in the Toronto Symphony, Kitchener Waterloo Symphony, Symphony Niagara, Brantford Symphony and Orchestra London oboe sections. Nancy also regularly performed in the musicals Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Showboat, Ragtime, Beauty and the Beast, House of Martin Guerre, Annie Get Your Gun, and in NOTL (My Fair Lady and Ragtime). During the summer of 2012, she had the honour of playing in the Broadway tour production of Wicked. Nancy is oboe instructor at 3 main universities. You can hear her on numerous CDs and DVDs. She also operates a private music studio in her home (piano/oboe/theory) and is organist and Music Director at Christ Church Flamborough.

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Thank you to

The YOUSSEF-WARREN FOUNDATION for their sponsorship of this concert season

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The Concert The Youssef-Warren Foundation & Revera Churchill Place Retirement Living present The Oakville Symphony

Mediterranean Cruise Saturday, May 14 at 8:00pm & Sunday, May 15 at 2:00pm

Berceuse and Finale, from The Firebird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I. Stravinsky Symphonie Espagnole for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 21 . . . . . . . . . E. Lalo I. Allegro non troppo II. Scherzando; allegro molto IV. Andante V. Rondo; allegro

Guest Artist, Irina Muresanu, Violin

INTERMISSION “Caro Nome che il mio cor” from Rigoletto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Verdi “Quando m’en vo” from La Boheme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Puccini Guest Artist, Clodagh Earls, Soprano

Intermezzo, from Goyescas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Granados Chocolats Symphoniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M. Goulet I. Caramel Chocolate II. Dark Chocolate III. Mint Chocolate IV. Coffee Infused Chocolate

“Quel guardo, il cavaliere” from Don Pasquale. . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Donizetti Guest Artist, Clodagh Earls, Soprano

Donation forms have been mailed and are also available in the lobby today.

Subscription Renewals and our 2016-2017 Season Brochure have been mailed. Please return entire form by June 15 in order not to miss out on another great symphonic season.

To become a new subscriber, or have your name placed on our waiting list, please phone the Symphony office at 905-338-1462.

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Program Notes IGOR STRAVINSKY (1882 – 1971) Berceuse and Finale from the Firebird Firebird is one of Stravinsky’s earliest works as an established composer, written when he was 27. It was commissioned by Dyagilev and given a spectacular but controversial performance by the Ballet Russe in Paris in 1910.

The work shows influences of Rimsky-Korsakov, at whose house Stravinsky was staying during its composition. The ballet’s magic creatures involve characteristic chromaticism, and strident combinations of rhythms.

The Berceuse is the Firebird’s lullaby. A high bassoon solo weaves a hazy melody, over strings which are divided into no less than 11 parts. Without pause, the music moves on to the Finale, which is introduced by a solo horn.

The violins take up the tune, which grows in strength to triple forte. Eventually the brass section returns us to the horn theme, the tempo is halved dramatically, and then the full orchestra hammers out the closing bars.

EDOUARD LALO (1823-1892) Symphonie Espagnole for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 21 I: Allegro non troppo II: Scherzando; allegro molto IV: Andante V: Rondo; allegro.

Lalo had been essentially unknown until the performance of his concerto by the Spanish violinist Sarasate, by which time Lalo was 49. It was an instant success which made Lalo famous, and he followed it up quickly in 1875 with the Symphonie Espagnole, which despite its title is effectively another concerto.

The work has 5 movements, although the third (Intermezzo) is traditionally omitted. The opening allegro has the rhythm of a habañera for the orchestra and soloist, with a characteristic use of the highest and lowest registers in the violin in quick conjunction. The scherzando, in a 3-section ABA format, involves constantly shifting and ambiguous harmonies (often alternating from major to minor keys), and pizzicato strings echo the sound of castanets. The soloist has a long-lined melody, extensively developed in the middle section.

Various commentators have questioned the Spanish authenticity of the sombre andante movement (which also has 3 sections), with some regarding it more as gypsy or even Scandinavian music. There is a dark opening in the brass, followed by melancholic solo. The dramatic middle section is virtuosic. The original solo returns in the third section, over pulsing beats in the timpani.

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The harp and upper woodwinds set the rhythm for the start of the final movement, and under them a bassoon solo initiates a rondo theme. A second episode returns us to a slower habañera, but momentum is regained for the concluding flourishes.

MAXIME GOULET (1980) Chocolats Symphoniques I: Caramel chocolate II: Dark Chocolate III: Mint Chocolate IV: Coffee-infused Chocolate This work was premiered in Hamilton in 2012, and it has been performed by a variety of orchestras since then. As we discovered in his Halloween piece earlier in the OSO season, Goulet’s Chocolats also reflects the influence of composers such as Ravel (in Caramel) , Debussy (in Mint) and Stravinsky, but with a modern twist, perhaps because of Goulet’s experience in composing film scores and for video games. There is limited thematic material but it is used repeatedly in different formats. For example, the first movement theme heard in the cellos and violas is repeated in Mint at a much slower pace by the flute. We also have fun with the Coffee section, with its fast and jazzy 16 note line (also on the flute), which was inspired by the Brazilian choro (a ragtime rhythm), over pizzicato strings representing a strumming guitar. The whole suite is very much a “theme and variation” as we would experience in a movie, and – as with Halloween – is music that all listeners can enjoy.

ENRIQUE GRANADOS (1867 – 1916) Intermezzo from Goyescas This operatic excerpt is from one of Granados’ last works, which is perhaps his most ambitious. The music was derived from a set of piano pieces written in 1911, which in turn had been inspired by paintings of Goya (hence the title).

Granados travelled with his wife for the premiere at the New York Metropolitan Opera in January 1916, this being the first Spanish opera ever to be performed in the U.S. The performance was a triumph, and as a result Granados was asked by President Wilson to delay his departure to Europe, and perform at the White House. Ironically, triumph turned into disaster. The Granados couple was returning home when their ship was torpedoed by a German submarine on March 24, 1916 between Liverpool and Dieppe, and both their lives were lost.

Notes © STEPHEN WALTER

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Friends of the Oakville Symphony Support one of Oakville’s most important cultural organizations through Friends of the Oakville Symphony.

While keeping ticket prices at affordable levels so that as many as possible may enjoy the Symphony, the proceeds from ticket sales cover only 40% of the total costs of presenting a concert. The Symphony needs the generous additional support of Friends of the Oakville Symphony.

• Join the BRAVO CIRCLE: $2,000and up • Join the MAESTROS: $1,000 - $1,999 • Become a BENEFACTOR: $500 - $999 • Sustain as a SUPPORTER: $250 - $499 • Commit to being a CONTRIBUTOR: $50 - $249 • Sponsor a YOUNG ARTIST (please see page 31) ENHANCE YOUR SYMPHONY EXPERIENCE: • Increase your involvement and commitment by joining or stepping up your level of support • Attend Lunch with Friends – an annual event held in June • Receive a tax deductible benefit

We always welcome new FRIENDS! • Send your cheque, Visa or MasterCard information to: The Oakville Symphony 310-200 North Service Road West Oakville, ON L6M 2Y1 office@oakvillesymphony.com 25

Friends of the Oakville Symphony May 2015 to May 2016

BRAVO CIRCLE ($2,000 and over) William & Margaret Andrews Russell & Sonja Buckland The Honourable James & Mrs. Sandra Farley Jean Grieve Emil & Dorothy Nenniger John Postle Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Sutton

SUPPORTER ($250-$499) Joan Barber Richard Beaumont William & Sandy Boughner Ian & Diane Bovey Robert & Margaret Brennan Erich & Lisa Bruckmann Dr. H. & Mrs. Kathryn Bykerk Christopher Byrne Natalie Cabri Doug & Patricia Coate Mr. & Mrs. Michael Colls Charles & Mary Davidson Roberto & Anna De Clara Harold & Judy Devenne John Easson Dr. & Mrs. Lee Farrow Yoka & Jan Feberwee George & Carol Gordon Michael & Barbara Greene Donna Hassan Bruce & Grace Holmes Brian Isherwood Lucie Larose Colin & Helen Litton Don & Jane MacLennan Mrs. Ann McCulloch Ron & Pat McKee Carolyn McLeod Jennifer Curran & Colin Mein Warren & Sharon Mueller Donna Milligan Frank & Jean Anne Morewood Mr. & Mrs. Robert Nairn Mr. Justice Terry O'Connor Marvin & Marilyn Olson Michael & Ann Pallant Elizabeth Peck Barbara E. Rennick

MAESTRO ($1,000-$1,999) Robert J. & Mary Catherine Acheson Mrs. Bonnie Budd Colin Chappell & Carol Murray Deb Daymond Marc & Anna Hewitt Ian Morrison Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Pugsley David & Gillian Santangeli Simon & Lynne Scott Rob & Suzann Whittaker BENEFACTOR ($500-$999) Sandra Andersen Dorothy Bidlake Peter & Dorine Bloemen Lewis Copestick Thomas & Nancy Judge Mr. & Mrs. Robert March Dwight & Patricia Nowlan RBC Royal Bank The Hilary & Roger Selby Family Fund A fund held within the Oakville Community Foundation Barry & Sandra Smith Dennis & Shirley Thacker Moira Thom Marcia Todd A fund held within the Oakville Community Foundation

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Friends of the Oakville Symphony May 2015 to May 2016

Drs. Orest & Maureen Rudzik Allan & Wendy Schmidt Peter & Ann Shaw Ruthie Snell Terry Still Robert & Yvonne Strother H. W. Taylor Sandra & Jim Tonner Dr. Stephen & Loraine Walter Malcolm & Anne Wootton

Wanda Crichton William Crisell R. Keith Davidson Cam & Maili Davreux Edith De Quetteville Ruth H. De Winter Clifford & Dorothy Demaray Sylvia Depuis Irene DeWolf Joan Dunn Les & Margaret Edwards Joyce Fair Nita Farmer Linda Fletcher Amber Foulkes William Howard Fraser Katherine Gayman Lyn Gilchrist Dr. Helen Goggin Cathy A. Goodier-Pote Domenic Grande & Hitomi Takahashi Joan Grant Barbara Gray Bremner & Marny Green Lorne Grossman & Wendy Smith Kathy Halliday Mrs. Maria Hanus Reed Harris Mr. & Mrs. Paul Hebert Evelyn Holman Claire Horsley Ms. Jill Howe Brian E. James Mr. & Mrs. Henry Jelinek Jennifer Jesseau Joan Johnson

CONTRIBUTOR ($50-$249) Tom & Janet Alton In memory of Graham Norgate John & Margaret Ashfield John Baillie W. Douglas & Alaine Baines Freda Barber Eric & Catherine Bentzen-Bilkvist Christine Berry Richard & Barbara Birkett Jason Bourne Keith G. Braithwaite Mr. & Mrs. Russell Brake Sandra Brans Frank Braun Charlotte & Sophie Bright Gordon & Berit Buck Ann Bucke Mayor Rob & Mrs. Wendy Burton Jane Cameron Geoffrey & Margot Camp Gail Cargo Jose & Josephine Cavaco Mary Clegg Mr. & Mrs. Chris Coderre Mrs. Nellie Collins Deb Cooper & Domenic Dirisio Donald & Helen Crawford

(continued on page 29)

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Friends of the Oakville Symphony May 2015 to May 2016 (continued from page 27)

Gordon & Beryl Jones Bill & Freda Kantor Pamela Kay Andrew & Carol Kennedy Don & Cathie Kennedy Stephanie Khurana Elizabeth Large John Leightell Shelley Lewis Mrs. Elizabeth Lloyd Mr. & Mrs. Charles Low Gunter & Barbara Lutz Tal MacDonald David & Veronica Mallen Sandra Manns Donald G. Marshall Mrs. Bette Martin Marjorie Mason Warren & June McBurney Rita McCall Mrs. Mary McCarter Joanne McGinty & Donald LaMarsh Donna McNaught Bette McNaught Ross & Trish McTavish Margo Merrifield William & Kathy Miller E. Lorraine Mitchell John Mockford & Margaret Odenbach Mrs. Carmen Montminy Willard & Elspeth Morrison Karen Motherwell Laetitia Murray Erny Neufeld Sheila Norgate Marilyn Olson Karl & Marie O’Sullivan Marie Oswald Donald & Judi Pangman

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John & Phyllis Parish Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Patchett Winsor & Ruth Ann Pepall Fred Pincock Bill & Donna Pirie Pauline Ponedel Peter & Helen Riediger Margaret Ripley Glenda Romanson Beth Rose Mr. & Mrs. Peter Ryan Allan & Wendy Schmidt Ingeborg Scholz Pat Schooling Jose & Eleanor Shapero Shannon Sheppard Allan Simpson Janet Simpson George & Eva Sipos Duncan Smith Donna Starkey Lori Terry Sarah & Michael Thompson William Truscott Ditty Van Den Andel Jan Waldorf Neil & Maureen Westoll Ms. Patricia Whateley Dr. & Mrs. R. James Wheler Michael Whyte Rhonda Wild Gloria Williams Patricia Wiltshire Harry & Nellie Wogden Donna & Robert Yorke Frank & Anne Zinatelli

The Oakville Symphony wishes to thank

Judith Rachel Harris and Tony Woolfson for their generous sponsorship this concert season.

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The Oakville Symphony Youth Program The purpose of this program is • To support the development of young musicians in the Halton area • To find and develop new players for the orchestra • To encourage cultural diversity in the youth of the community YOUNG ARTIST AWARDS These awards stimulate the interest of young people by creating opportunities for them to develop their skills by playing with the orchestra. In turn, their participation helps the orchestra to achieve its objective of continuous improvement of the symphonic sound. Each student receives a bursary of $1,500.

Young Artists for 2015-2016 are: Lauren Carroll – Viola Anne Kyung – Violin Alannah Constable – Violin Sydney O’Brien – Viola Kiara Hassan – Violin Eric Sheppard – Bass Edward Jeong – Cello

Evan Sue-a-quan – Violin Lyndsay Tran – Violin Kevin Zhang – Violin

THE KENNETH HOLLIER AWARD This award, named in honour of the orchestra's founding musical director, was introduced six years ago and also recognizes promising young artists. It is available to string players and non-string players in alternate years. The winner receives a bursary of $500. This award does not include a commitment to play with the orchestra, other than the possibility of a solo under mutually agreeable circumstances. The winner for the 2015-2016 season is Evan Sue-a-quan – violin.

DEVELOPING ARTIST AWARDS These awards were introduced to recognize the talents of some of the younger competitors for the Kenneth Hollier Award. They are given at the discretion of the judges on a “deserving” basis. The winners for the 2015-2016 season are Zikun Wu – cello, Joseph Smith – violin and Eunice Tunggal – violin.

THE YOUSSEF-WARREN VIOLIN The Oakville-based Youssef Warren Foundation donated a quality violin to be loaned to a young violinist playing with the Oakville Symphony. Romano Gaini, a master violinmaker from Ferrara, Italy, made the violin in 1993.

Ian Morrison, violinist with the Oakville Symphony, also donated a “Handorff” bow to accompany the violin when it is borrowed. Trevina Rizkalla is borrowing the Youssef-Warren violin and the Handorff bow during the 2015-2016 season.

THE HOLLIER VIOLA The Oakville Symphony is very grateful to Dorothy Hollier-Bidlake, widow of the founder of the symphony, Kenneth Hollier, for her donation in his honour of his A. G. Galea viola, as well as his Laberte viola bow and viola case. Madeleine Spence will play the Hollier Viola this season.

For more information about all youth awards, please call the Oakville Symphony office.

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Young Artist Awards 2015/2016 LAUREN CARROLL – Viola Lauren Carroll is 16 years old and a grade 11 student at Garth Webb Secondary School in Oakville. She started playing the violin at the age of four with Jean Grieve, and transitioned to viola at the age of 13. She currently studies with Nick Stevens and is working towards a grade 8 exam in 2016.

Lauren played in the Halton Mississauga Youth Orchestra for six years before joining the Oakville Symphony this year. She has completed her RCM grade 2 theory examination and received her Suzuki practice qualification in January of 2013. Lauren also started piano in 2011 with Diana Emery and is currently working towards a grade 8 RCM exam in 2016.

At school, Lauren is the vice president of the athletic council and plays volleyball and rugby. She also plays French horn and trumpet in her school’s music program.

ALANNAH CONSTABLE – Violin Born in Oakville, 16-year-old Alannah is a violinist of Viennese and Canadian (German and English) descent.

Alannah’s musical journey started long before she picked up a violin. She took her first lessons in the Suzuki program with the Oakville Suzuki Association. Alannah has also attended many institutes, and competed in and won several music festivals. She is a former member of the Halton Youth Orchestra, as well as numerous ensembles and chamber groups. Her community involvement includes helping younger musicians in a teen mentor program, where she assists young musicians with their practice.

She currently studies violin with Bethany Golubuff. Alannah is a grade 11 honour student as well as a competitive athlete.

KIARA HASSAN – Violin Kiara Hassan has been playing violin for 13 years, having started her musical career with the Suzuki Method in Corning, New York. She studied with Jean Grieve as a beginner violinist in Oakville, and then, after moving to Hong Kong, Kiara was instructed by a member of the Hong Kong Philharmonic. When Kiara moved back to Canada, she studied with Pierre Gagnon and Atis Bankas, and is currently under the tutelage of Adele Pierre.

At the age of 14, Kiara was concertmaster of the Halton Youth Philharmonia, and that year went to Los Angeles with the orchestra. There, she recorded at the Disney sound studio, performed in the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and played with an international university-level orchestra. Kiara played in the Toronto Passion Play of 2013, and has attended the Oakville Suzuki Camp for many years, where she is a musical assistant and instructor. Kiara is a founding member and the first violin in The Oakville Quartet.

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Young Artist Awards 2015/2016 EDWARD JEONG – Cello Coming from a family where almost everybody played a musical instrument, I started to play classical music from the age of three. My first instrument was the violin but as I grew older, I preferred the idea of sitting down while playing, and around age six, my mother got me a new cello. Since then I have never looked back, and continue to work hard on improving. Around the age of eight I met Susan Gagnon, one of the most influential people in my life. After a year under her wing, she introduced me to the Young Artist Program at the Royal Conservatory of Music (now known as the Taylor Academy). There I continued to improve my musical knowledge, learning about music theory and history, and being a part of an orchestra and quartet. Even after twelve years of music training, my passion for it is still very strong and is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

ANNE KYUNG – Violin Anne has been playing music for about ten years. She started taking piano lessons when she was five years old and started to play the violin at the age of six. She took violin lessons from Adele Pierre and took her RCM Level 10 violin exam in the summer of 2015. Anne is currently in RCM Level 10 for piano, taught by Hana Gurtlerova. She is part of the senior band at Abbey Park High School and plays the clarinet and the oboe.

Additionally, Anne pursues academic excellence and is part of many extra-curricular activities. In her free time, she likes to read, listen to music, and spend time with family and friends.

SYDNEY O’BRIEN – Viola Sydney O’Brien is 17 years old and a grade 12 French immersion student at White Oaks Secondary School, working towards a Specialist High Skills Major in the arts. She began studying violin through the Suzuki Association at the age of 5 with Gunilla Westerholme. Since then she has been a member of several musical groups, including the Oakville Children’s choir, several musical theatre productions, a church orchestra, the Halton Youth Chamber Orchestra and the Halton Mississauga Youth Symphony.

Sydney is currently working on her Grade 9 Royal Conservatory Certification in violin, and is studying with violinist Adele Pierre. She also enjoys playing the French Horn and Bassoon in her school’s Intermediate and Concert Bands, as well as singing in the school choir. Sydney is a co-founder and co-leader of her school’s French Horn ensemble, and is currently on her school’s executive music council. In addition, Sydney plays viola in the Oakville Quartet.

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Oakville Centre 2016/2017 Season Tickets on Sale May 26, 2016 36

Box Office: 905-815-2021 OakvilleCentre.ca

Young Artist Awards 2015/2016 EVAN SUE-A-QUAN – Violin Evan is a 16-year-old violinist who has been playing since the age of 4, and currently studies under Conrad Chow. He began his musical path with group lessons at his elementary school. Evan has participated in the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Taylor Academy of the Arts as well as multiple different orchestras. He enjoys playing Mendelssohn as well as Mozart and Brahms. He has competed in various competitions and has won multiple awards and prizes. Currently Evan participates in two orchestras and takes weekly lessons. During his spare time, he also enjoys playing piano as well as sports such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball and badminton.

ERIC SHEPPARD – Bass Eric Sheppard is a grade 12 double bass major at the Etobicoke School of the Arts. Eric is an accomplished composer with works performed by chamber ensembles at the Etobicoke School of the Arts and by choirs at St. Jude’s Anglican Cathedral in Oakville and at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Eric is also a member of the school’s rugby team, Model United Nations Club, and Debate Club.

Eric was awarded the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and has submitted his application for the Gold Award. Eric founded Cuppa Candles, a business selling handmade scented candles in teacups and donating a portion of profits to the Oakville Fare Share Food Bank. This is Eric’s third year participating in the Junior Achievement Company Program. Eric is also an avid sailor and has enjoyed sailing trips on the St. Lawrence II Brigantine.

LYNDSAY TRAN – Violin Lyndsay Tran is 16 years old and currently in grade 11 at White Oaks Secondary School in Oakville. She started playing violin when she was six years old with Jean Grieve and has been studying with Bethany Goluboff for the last eight years. Lyndsay played in the Halton Youth Orchestra and Halton Mississauga Youth Orchestra for seven years before joining the Oakville Symphony this year. She has completed her Grade 8 RCM Violin and her RCM Advanced Rudiments.

At school, Lyndsay enjoys playing the French Horn and Oboe in bands. She is the cochair of the school’s Music Council and also co-manages the Horn Ensemble. In addition, Lyndsay is qualified to help younger violin students practice their instruments. She also tutors math and science, in both English and French.

KEVIN ZHANG – Violin Kevin Zhang is and always will be a passionate and enthusiastic lover of the performing arts. He has played violin ever since he was 6 years old, and has been playing for 8 years. In that time, he has achieved a Grade 10 Level in the Royal Conservatory of Music, participated in concerts around the community and has competed in the Peel Music Festival. Kevin attends Iroquois Ridge High School where he is in grade 9. He also is part of the Oakville Aquatics Club where he does competitive swimming. When he is not busy practicing violin, Kevin likes to read, bike and spend time with his friends and family.

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Oakville Centre House Notes Welcome to the Oakville Centre! We ask that you follow these simple guidelines to ensure a pleasant and memorable experience for all.

In consideration of those in the audience who may have allergies, please refrain from using perfume or cologne when attending a performance.

Cell phones and other electronic devices should be muted and not used while in the theatre. Photography and recording devices are strictly prohibited inside the auditorium.

Food and beverages are available pre show and intermission in the lobby.

Please note the bar closes once the performance is in progress. Food and any outside containers are not permitted in the theatre with the exception of clear plastic water bottles. During designated performances only will all beverages be permitted in the theatre. In consideration of other patrons, please refrain from opening candy or gum wrappers during a performance.

Latecomers and re-entries will be seated at a suitable break determined by the production. You may be asked to wait in the lobby.

Accessibility The Oakville Centre and the Town of Oakville place a high priority on accessibility to the public. We are constantly striving to meet the needs of our customers.

Patrons requiring wheelchair or accessible seating arrangements are asked to call the box office at 905-815-2021 or e-mail us at boxoffice@oakville.ca. Our box office staff will be happy to book accessible seating and answer any questions you may have regarding accessibility at the Oakville Centre.

Accessible features include curb cuts at sidewalks and a ramp to the entrance of the theatre on Navy and Church street approach. Our main entrance doors are equipped with electronic openers and the auditorium offers handrails.

The Oakville Centre does have some accessibility challenges due to its design and age. The theatre does not have an elevator. The theatre’s seating area of 17 rows has a steep incline. There is one barrier free washroom on the main level in the lobby. Due to fire regulations and for the safety of patrons, wheelchair and walker seating is located in Row S. The Oakville Centre offers a Sennheiser assistive hearing system, free of charge. Patrons can access the headset by requesting the equipment at the lobby bar on their arrival.

Two accessible parking spots are available on Navy Street and two spots in the Church Street parking lot. These spots are best suited for those attending performances in the Main Auditorium. Accessible parking spots on the lower level, at the back of the theatre would only be suitable for those attending an event in the Studio Theatre.

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