Themes of motherhood, loss, and joy emerge in a program that spans opera, Indigenous voices, and folk tradition, with song and spirit rising together like flame and tide.

Songs of River & Fire

Desautels Concert Hall

Catch the brilliance of Shostakovich's Ninth Symphony as conductor Jessica Cottis leads the Orchestra in revealing the complexities behind the work's seemingly lighthearted façade. The Orchestra's own concertmaster Diana Cohen takes the spotlight in Max Bruch's riveting and romantic First Violin Concerto — voted the #1 violin concerto of all time by Classic FM.

IX: Shostakovich

Arts Commons

One of the world’s foremost violinists, Gil Shaham rises to the challenge of Brahms’ only Violin Concerto, famously called “unplayable” due to its reckless speed and agility. Continuing on a daring note, conductor Han-Na Chang tempts Fate itself with Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Fifth Symphony. Canadian composer Ian Cusson’s tone poem, A Child’s Bright Eyes, takes inspiration from the work of late East Van poet, Zaccheus Jackson.

EPSG:4326

Brahms & Tchaikovsky 5

Orpheum

Thus Spake Zarathustra has been an inspiration to other great composers like Aaron Copland and superstar movie score composer John Williams. The first section of this opus was famously used in 2001: A Space Odyssey and most recently in the very first trailer for the blockbuster film Barbie. From the moment you hear its opening low hum and those three crystalline trumpet notes, you will get why Zarathustra is one for the ages. 

Shelley Conducts Zarathustra

Southam Hall

Our concert opens with a new piece from New Zealand-born composer Gillian Whitehead, who weaves together classical and te o Māori music, placing her among Australasia’s most important composers.

National Arts Centre

Join the HPO and conductor Andrei Feher with Métis mezzo-soprano Rebecca Cuddy as they plumb the emotional depths of Rachmaninoff’s “song without words”, and Ian Cusson’s moving song cycle setting texts by U.S. Poet Laureate and Muscogee Nation member Joy Harjo— an empowering exploration of love, relationships, and woman-ness. Then, revel in the warmth of Brahms’ sunny Second Symphony— a balm for the soul.

Feher Conducts Brahms

Ellen Fairclough Building

First Prize Winner of the Canadian Opera Company’s Centre Stage Competition, Innu soprano Elisabeth St-Gelais shares her powerful and resonant voice through a collection of breathtaking songs by Strauss, Menotti, Ian Cusson, Verdi, and Duparc.

TSM presents Elisabeth St-Gelais

The Royal Conservatory of Music

If sunrise had a favourite song, Also sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss would be it. You’ve heard it before depicting the dawn of time in 2001: A Space Odyssey and, more recently, depicting the dawn of Barbie in 2023. But that part you know well? It’s only the beginning. Also sprach Zarathustra (Thus Spake Zarathustra) is an odyssey all its own—powerful, unforgettable, and best experienced live.

2024: A Summer Odyssey

A cornerstone of the repertoire, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto is a passionate and technically mesmerizing display of the instrument’s capabilities. It soars in the hands of the gifted Randall Goosby, a former student of Itzhak Perlman who, at 13, was the youngest winner of the Sphinx Competition. The beloved work is complemented by a delightfully effervescent Divertimento for String Orchestra composed by Bartók in just 15 days, along with Mozart’s popular “Prague” Symphony, and the World Première of a work by Métis composer Ian Cusson, created in partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Mendelssohn’s Violin

David Pecaut Square

Grandma’s Shawl, is a musical journey inspired by the tale of Kokum Shawls and tells the story of the lasting bond between Ukrainian and Indigenous women.

Grandma’s Shawl

Redwood Theatre

Experience the captivating blend of music and dance at "The Wolf of Lafontaine: Song & Dance," a mesmerizing event curated by Alex Prior, taking place at the Winspear Centre on Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 PM. This unique performance shines a spotlight on some of today's most brilliant composers, featuring the premiere of Ian Cusson's "Le loup de Lafontaine - Suite for Orchestra in Three Scenes." This evocative piece brings the legend of The Wolf of Lafontaine to life, accompanied by the talents of Ballet Edmonton and the Chronos Vocal Ensemble.

Ian Cusson, a composer of Métis and French-Canadian descent, explores themes of Canadian Indigenous experience, mixed-racial identity, and the intersection of Western and Indigenous cultures. His work, inspired by the cautionary tale set in the small Ontario community of Lafontaine in 1902, delves into the dynamics between settler and Indigenous communities during a time of mistrust, united only by the common goal of confronting a menacing wolf.

The evening's program also includes premieres by Jocelyn Morlock and Emilie Cecilia Lebel, alongside various songs for a capella choir, promising an unforgettable journey through contemporary music. Choreography for "Le loup de Lafontaine" is provided by Wen Wei Wang, with costume design by Linda Chow and lighting design by Dorrie Deutschendorf, ensuring a visually stunning presentation.

This concert is a part of the "Compose Your Own" subscription, offering a special opportunity to experience new music at the Winspear Centre. A limited-time offer allows the purchase of a pair of tickets to any New Music concert for a special price, available until December 23, 2023.

Join us at the Winspear Centre for an evening that celebrates new music, innovative storytelling, and the rich tapestry of cultural heritage. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the premiere of "The Wolf of Lafontaine: Song & Dance," a groundbreaking event that promises to be a highlight of the musical season.

The Wolf Of Lafontaine: Song & Dance

Winspear Centre

The Vocalis series is made possible in part by a generous gift from Dianne W. Henderson.

Vocalis II: The music of Ian Cusson

Heliconian Club

Dynamic and energetic, this series features incredible works from the past and introduces inspiring contemporary music.

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Classics Opening Night

Conexus Arts Centre

Alex Prior returns to the Winspear Stage to conduct a provocative musical journey befitting his big personality. This concert will shine a spotlight on some of today’s brightest composers. Ballet Edmonton will join the orchestra for the premiere of Ian Cusson's Le loup de Lafontaine - Suite for Orchestra in Three Scenes, which brings the legend of The Wolf of Lafontaine to life on the Winspear stage.

Ian Cusson

Events

Past events

Apr 30, 2026

Songs of River & Fire · Manitoba Chamber Orchestra

27 - 28 Feb, 2026

IX: Shostakovich · Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

About

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