The Cowichan Camerata String Orchestra "Takes you to the Movies” with two concerts featuring a program of soundtracks and music from film.
The concerts will be held April 26 at The Chapel at Providence Farm, and April 27 at Ladysmith First United Church. Both concerts start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20, with those under 19 getting in free, and are available at the door (cash) or through the orchestra at info@cowichancamerata.org.
The program includes music from the 1984 feature film Amadeus, a movie about the life of Mozart, one of the world’s most famous composers, music from The Phantom of the Opera, the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, a compilation of songs from Les Misérables, and several more.
They will also perform Pachelbel’s beloved 'Canon in D'. The origins of this piece are largely a mystery to music historians. Dated in the late 17th or early 18th century, there's speculation that it was written as a wedding gift for J. S. Bach's older brother, who studied with Pachelbel. It lived in obscurity until a 1969 recording by Jean-Francois Paillard’s Chamber Orchestra revived it. Its stardom was launched when used as the theme song and opening track in the 1980 Academy Award winning movie Ordinary People starring Mary Tyler Moore and Robert Redford.
The concert rounds out with special viola/accordion duets featuring Elisabeth Jahren and Chris Redsell.
The Camerata was formed in 2006, and over the years has brought concert-goers a diverse repertoire of musical genres and composers. Under the direction of Redsell, the Cowichan Camerata is a small string orchestra that brings enthusiasm, heart, and hours of rehearsal to their performances. Through small ensemble, the orchestra also brings their music into the community and to those unable to attend concerts. If you’re interested in joining, connect by emailing info@cowichancamerata.org.
