A Romantic Period Concert

On Sunday, May 5^th  the New Westminster Symphony presents a concert of music by composers that were part of the Romantic Period.  They will be performing Alexander Borodin’s evocative In The Steppes of Central Asia, Jean Sibelius’ Karelia Suite with its folk-based authenticity drawn from his native Finland and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony Number 5 which he described as a musical representation of “ultimate victory through strife”.

As a special treat the Symphony will recognize the 65^th anniversary of The Sanctuary at Queens Avenue’s Casavant organ with a performance of Charles-Marie Widor’s joyous Toccata by guest organist Isaac Howie. Isaac Howie was probably the youngest ever semi-finalist in the Royal Canadian College of Organists national competition last summer at 18 1/2 years old, definitely our rising star here in the Vancouver organ world!

The Toccata’s popularity as a recessional piece saw it performed at the wedding of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton in 2011. Since 1879 Casavant Freres has built over 3900 organs which can be found across North America and even in Melbourne, Australia.

Parking is available on the side streets and by special arrangement with the City at the City Hall parking lot.