The Valley Concert Society (VCS) has announced the schedule for its 2016/17 concert season.
The Pacific Baroque Orchestra returns to Abbotsford on Sept. 18 with a program that features American soprano Amanda Forsythe singing arias by George Frederick Handel and the rival composers who almost put him out of business.
On Nov. 18, tenor Colin Balzer will sing for the city in which he grew up. Now based in Germany, Balzer is in high demand around the world for his lyrical tenor voice.
The Canadian Guitar Quartet from Toronto starts the 2017 portion of the series on Jan. 28. This unique combination of instruments presents a repertoire that ranges from early music through the standard classical fare to contemporary composers.
Feb. 24 brings A Touch of Brass to the stage. This quintet of Vancouver professionals includes the brilliance of the trumpet, the mellow strains of the trombone, the haunting tone of the French horn.
Violinist Kai Gleusteen, concertmaster of the opera orchestra in Barcelona, Spain, and his wife, pianist Catherine Ordronneau, have made a name for themselves in Europe and are gaining an enthusiastic following in southern B.C.
They will bring a program of Russian music to Abbotsford on March 24. The next day, Gleusteen will hold a master class for violin students in conjunction with the B.C. Registered Music Teachers’ Association.
The VCS closes its season on May 5 with Paul Williamson, a pianist from Mission. He is a rising star who currently studies in Manitoba and has already performed Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
All concerts take place at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium (32315 South Fraser Way). The first concert in the season starts at 3 p.m.; all others begin at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, including subscription costs, visit valleyconcertsociety.com or call 604-289-3377. Brochures are available at local music stores and libraries.