| The Canadian Men's Chorus
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World War One Remembrance:
The SSO's tribute in music
An impressive array of performers, including the audience, will join with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra Saturday, November 15, as it pays homage to those who fought for and supported the Allies in the First World War. The orchestra's World War One Remembrance, in recognition of the centenary of the war, will include: --Guest conductor Judith Yan, artistic director of the Guelph Symphony Orchestra --Loreena McKennitt, who will lead the singing of O Canada to open the concert and an audience sing-along --Canadian Men's Chorus, who with the orchestra will perform Our Murray and Field Mass, the two primary works in the concert, as well as In Flanders Fields (a capella) --Chris Meyer's composition Our Murray, inspired by love letters passed between a young Stratford woman and her love, a soldier serving in Europe. Our Murray will receive its worldwide premiere in this concert. (See the compelling story behind the composition.) Mr. Meyer is the SSO's composer-in-residence --Mark Fletcher, who will be soloist in several piping sets, as well as in Dugout at Bellecour; all are authentic World War I bagpipe pieces --Joanna Gorska, a 17-year-old violinist from London, Ont., who will be featured soloist as the orchestra performs the haunting Theme from Schindler's List --Cedric Smith, distinguished actor, writer and musician, who will be narrator --Stratford Police Pipes and Drums, who will provide pre-concert music The Royal Canadian Army Cadets #233 Corps and ANAVETS Unit 261 will assist with ushering and presentation of colours. See the complete concert program. The concert will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, at Ontario and Waterloo streets in Stratford, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Prior to the concert, composer Chris Meyer will discuss the research and composing process that led to Our Murray. The half-hour presentation will begin at 6:30 in the Knox reception hall. See invitation. Also in the Knox reception hall, Lesley Walker-Fitzpatrick will display her collection of poppy photos, inspired by her grandfather, a veteran of World War I. The photos will be for sale and Ms. Walker-Fitzpatrick will donate a portion of the proceeds to the orchestra. The photos will be on display between 6:30 and 11:00 p.m. See invitation. |