Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra | Calgary

The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) is one of Canada's premier orchestras, known for its exceptional musical performances and contributions to the cultural landscape of Calgary, Alberta. With a rich history spanning decades, the CPO has become a key institution in the city, performing a wide range of music from classical to contemporary works.

Overview of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Founded: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1955. Over the years, it has grown from a small community orchestra into a professional ensemble that performs regularly in the city and collaborates with world-class musicians.

Location: The orchestra's home is the Jack Singer Concert Hall, located within the Arts Commons complex in downtown Calgary. This state-of-the-art venue provides an acoustically excellent setting for both classical and contemporary performances, allowing audiences to enjoy the full richness of orchestral sound.

Mission: The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s mission is to enrich the cultural life of the city and region by providing high-quality musical performances, educational outreach, and community engagement. It aims to inspire and connect people of all ages through the power of music.

Concerts and Programming

The CPO offers a wide range of concerts and events throughout the year, appealing to a diverse audience. Its programming includes classical, pops, and family-friendly concerts, ensuring that there's something for everyone.

1. Classical Concerts

The CPO performs a variety of classical music staples, including works by composers like Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Mozart, as well as lesser-known gems from the classical repertoire. These concerts showcase the orchestra’s technical skill and deep musical tradition.

The orchestra is known for collaborating with renowned guest conductors and international soloists to deliver performances that are both emotionally powerful and technically refined.

2. Pops Concerts

In addition to classical performances, the CPO hosts pops concerts, which feature a wide variety of music genres beyond classical, including film scores, Broadway hits, jazz, and popular music.

Notable events include the Hollywood Movie Scores series, where the orchestra performs iconic film music, and the Pops concerts, which might feature the music of famous artists like The Beatles, Queen, or Elvis Presley. These concerts are designed to appeal to a broader audience and offer an accessible introduction to orchestral music.

3. Family and Education Concerts

The CPO places a strong emphasis on music education and offers programs specifically designed for families and children. These concerts aim to introduce young audiences to orchestral music and encourage a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

The orchestra’s Family Series often includes interactive performances, where children can learn about the instruments of the orchestra, the role of the conductor, and how music is created. Special programs like Storytime Concerts bring beloved children’s stories to life with live orchestral music.

4. Special Events and Collaborations

Throughout the year, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra also hosts special events that include unique collaborations with local artists, singers, choirs, and even ballet companies. For example, the orchestra has partnered with the Alberta Ballet for performances combining ballet and orchestral music.

The CPO frequently collaborates with artists from other genres to produce cross-genre performances. This can include partnerships with pop singers, rock bands, and jazz musicians, creating diverse experiences for its audiences.

5. Holiday Concerts

During the holiday season, the CPO offers festive performances, such as the Christmas with the Calgary Philharmonic concert, which features beloved Christmas carols, holiday music, and sometimes even performances by local choirs or special guest soloists.

These concerts are a holiday tradition for many Calgarians and are known for their vibrant, festive atmosphere.

Musicians and Conductors

The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra boasts a highly talented group of musicians who bring passion and skill to every performance. The musicians come from all over the world and are committed to delivering world-class performances, regardless of the program.

The orchestra is led by its Music Director and Conductor, who plays a central role in shaping the artistic direction of the orchestra. The CPO has been led by several prominent conductors throughout its history. The current music director is Roya Muthanna, who was appointed as Music Director in 2017.

In addition to the Music Director, the orchestra often features prominent guest conductors and soloists. These collaborations bring new perspectives and ideas to the orchestra’s performances, helping to keep its programming fresh and exciting.

Educational and Community Engagement

The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is committed to outreach and education, offering a variety of programs to engage with the community and foster a love of music.

1. School Programs

The orchestra offers school concerts and educational programs that are specifically tailored to different grade levels. These concerts are designed to enhance the educational curriculum by bringing music into the classroom, with live performances that explore the history of music, the structure of an orchestra, and the storytelling power of music.

Through these programs, students have the opportunity to experience live music, meet orchestra members, and learn about the instruments that make up the orchestra.

2. Music in the Community

The CPO also engages with the wider Calgary community by performing in various community events, festivals, and outreach programs. They bring music to public spaces, schools, and neighborhoods across Calgary, ensuring that people from all walks of life can enjoy orchestral music.

Through their Community Engagement programs, the CPO works to make music accessible to people who may not typically attend traditional concert settings.

3. Mentorship and Artist Development

The orchestra provides mentorship and professional development opportunities for emerging artists and musicians. It supports young performers through initiatives like the Young Artist Competition and provides a platform for talented individuals to showcase their abilities alongside professional musicians.

Seasonal and Subscription Information

The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra offers season tickets and subscriptions, allowing patrons to enjoy a full year of concerts at a discounted rate. The season typically runs from fall to spring, with concerts scheduled throughout the year. There are also single ticket options available for those who prefer flexibility.

Season Subscriptions: Subscribers can purchase season packages for the orchestra’s classical concerts, pops concerts, or other concert series. Subscribers often receive additional perks, including priority seating, discounts, and invitations to special events.

Ticket Prices: Ticket prices vary depending on the concert type and seating preferences, with discounts available for students, seniors, and groups.

Conclusion

The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra is an integral part of Calgary's cultural scene, offering a wide range of musical performances, educational programs, and community engagement opportunities. Whether you’re a classical music enthusiast, a fan of popular music, or a family looking for a fun and educational experience, the CPO provides a rich and diverse array of events that bring the joy of music to audiences of all ages. From its world-class musicians to its outreach programs, the orchestra plays an important role in fostering a love of the arts and enriching the cultural fabric of Calgary.