The start of a musical season signals the beginning of inventive programming, unforgettable concerts, and transcendental musical moments, and the 2012-13 season of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra promises to do just that. There is a multitude of unique concerts planned for the upcoming season including classical masterpieces, Broadway favorites, and kid-friendly performances. Some classical offerings will include Chopin’s “Piano Concerto No. 2″, Mozart’s “Violin Concerto No. 3″, Handel’s “Messiah”, Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. I also noticed some noteworthy program trends for the upcoming season.

For Classical Lovers:

The ESO has invited Canadian soprano, Measha Brueggergosman, to perform with the ESO in the Gala concert on October 29, 2012. Opera arias and Ravel’s “Shéhérazade” will be sure to appropriately showcase the vocal talents of Brueggergosman.

Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” will be performed in its entirety for the first time by the ESO on June 14, 2013. Cellist Lynn Harrell will join the ESO for this performance and Edmonton audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy the unabridged genius that is the Rite of Spring.

For Cinema Lovers:

The Blue Planet Live concert (Feb 16-17, 2013) will include a broadcast of the BBC/Discovery television Blue Planet series while the ESO accompanies as the live soundtrack. An opportunity to watch the breathtaking ocean images on a giant screen with the ESO on stage at the Winspear promises to be an unforgettable concert.

The Phantom of the Opera concert on October 4, 2012 will showcase the beauty of the David Concert Organ in conjuntion with the ESO to create the aural landscape for a showing of the silent 1925 Phantom film. This concert will be unite classic movie buffs and music lovers.

On June 4, 2013, the ESO will join the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra to perform John William’s film scores. With over 85 musicians on stage, I am sure there will be lush arrangements of an array of Williams’s most iconic movie themes.

For Folk Fest Lovers:

Edmonton Folk Fest attendees will recognize the McDades as they present a Celtic Christmas concert on December 21 and 22, 2012. The McDades will be sure to put a refreshing spin on Christmas classics with their celtic-folk sound while they are joined by the ESO. I can already hear the foot-tapping and see the seat dancing from Winspear audiences in my mind.

The Barenaked Ladies will also join the ESO on December 3 & 4, 2012 to sing their catchy pop-folk-rock tunes.  It’s not everyday you get to hear “Pinch Me,” “One Week,” and “If I had $1,000,000″ with orchestral accompaniment.

Béla Fleck joins the ESO on October 2, 2012 to perform the Canadian premiere of his Concerto for Banjo. How often do you get to hear banjo with orchestra? From my knowledge, the answer is pretty much never. Fleck will also provide a solo banjo recital following the intermission of this concert.

While I showcased some of the ESO season highlights, the diverse array of their season programming cannot be summarized in this one post. I recommend that you visit their website for more information on their program. The ESO is also offering a Student Pass for $100 which includes a ticket to nearly every ESO concert this season (on sale: September 6, 2012). It is an affordable way for students looking to enjoy the ESO’s season offerings. There are other tickets offers and subscription details available on their website.

I hope to see some Sound and Noise readers at the Winspear this season!

-miss. sable