Guelph Symphony Orchestra will perform its fourth annual Dreams of Vienna concert on Jan. 1 at River Run Centre at 3pm.
The annual GSO Viennese-style show is now a popular city New Year’s Day tradition. Tenor and raconteur Mark Dubois returns with songs and stories, and the orchestra plays waltzes, marches, and polkas, complete with elegant dancers gliding over the stage.
This concert marks the orchestra’s 50th concert since its founding by Simon Irving in 2001.
“All of us in the GSO are very proud of the orchestra’s success” said Irving. “From the beginning, we felt we were building for a long-term future, and Guelph audiences have supported us so well. For our fourth New Year concert we again anticipate a full house, as everyone now knows that this is a fun and exciting way to celebrate a new year.”
The Friends of Guelph Symphony, launched in the spring of 2007, continues to expand. Its dues are $25 a year for one or $35 a couple, and yields several benefits including a lapel pin, invitation to an annual pre-concert reception, and attendance at open rehearsals. Any donation over $25 will automatically entitle the donor to Friends of the Guelph Symphony membership and benefits.
The Orchestra announced the receipt of a grant from the Musagetes Fund at the Guelph Community Foundation and from the Ontario Arts Council in support of the 2008-2009 season.
Later season highlights include Popera! in February 2009, which celebrates Guelph’s world-famous son, Edward Johnson on the 50th anniversary of his passing.
The GSO is a semi-professional classical orchestra, based in Guelph and using primarily Guelph-area players. The ensemble consists of 35 to 50+ players, depending on the repertoire requirements. The orchestra also provides opportunities for young emerging professional performers.
For details visit www.guelphorchestra.ca. Tickets for all concerts are available at River Run Centre (519) 763-3000.