Name: NSYO: Myths & Legends
Start: 2025-04-26T14:00:00
Location: St. Andrew's United Church

This spring, Symphony Nova Scotia is presenting an extraordinary lineup of concerts that span a wide range of musical genres and styles. From rock and roll tributes by Jim Witter, to the classical elegance of Beethoven and the innovative fusion sound of The East Pointers, there’s something for every music lover. These events not only highlight world-renowned musicians but also showcase the unique talents of the Symphony orchestra itself, offering audiences an unforgettable experience filled with timeless melodies and modern innovations.

Celebrating Symphony Nova Scotia's Eclectic Musical Showcase

Symphony Nova Scotia is set to captivate audiences with an exciting series of events this spring, celebrating diversity and musical innovation. From the vibrant performances of drag sensation Monét X Change to the myth-inspired choir melodies of NSYO, the emotionally charged compositions of Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff, and the folk-pop fusion of The East Pointers, these concerts promise unforgettable experiences. With a variety of genres and an impressive lineup of artists, Symphony Nova Scotia continues to push boundaries, inviting music lovers to enjoy an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary sounds.

Celebrating Diversity and Musical Innovation: Symphony Nova Scotia's Exquisite Spring Lineup

Symphony Nova Scotia is set to captivate audiences with a diverse series of events, showcasing a rich blend of orchestral music and cultural expression. This season brings together the vibrant talents of Monét X Change, the narrative depth of myths and legends, the emotional resonance of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, and the fresh sounds of The East Pointers. Each event promises unique experiences that highlight the power of music to transcend boundaries and foster inclusivity.

Symphony Nova Scotia: Bridging Worlds Through Music and Art

Joel Tranquilla

Symphony Nova Scotia

Symphony Nova Scotia’s The Nutcracker is Halifax’s favourite holiday tradition! When a young girl’s toy comes to life, she’s whisked away to an enchanted world where she meets magical creatures, colourful friends, and the ferocious Mouse Queen. Complete with larger-than-life puppets, spirited dancing, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic, hauntingly beautiful music, this tale of magic and wonder is a delightful holiday adventure for all ages.

The Nutcracker

Dalhousie University

Handel’s Messiah is a moving, magnificent triumph and a highlight of the Christmas season for millions around the world each year. Symphony Nova Scotia performs this great work with our very own chorus master Joel Tranquilla. Together with four hand-picked guest soloists and the 80-voice Symphony Nova Scotia Chorus, we proudly present an uplifting interpretation of Handel’s glorious holiday favourite.

Handel’s Messiah

Expect the unexpected with Symphony Nova Scotia at the Open Waters Festival! Conducted by Karl Hirzer, this new music concert features works by incredible composers. Don’t miss this extraordinary concert of new music! Stay tuned for more details.

Open Waters Festival

St. Andrew's United Church

Vivaldi meets the Middle East in this engaging and immersive concert experience! Discover the intersection of baroque and folk with Persian and Swedish music and instruments. Mohammad Sahraei, a multi-instrumentalist and ethnomusicologist originally from Iran, plays the tar and daf, while our very own Kirsty Money plays the nyckelharpa in this concert of Middle Eastern and European classics. Symphony Nova Scotia also premieres Vivaldi’s “Grosso Mogul” Violin Concerto – one of the most famous concertos of the Baroque era apart from The Four Seasons – and performs highlights from Telemann, Purcell, Geminiani, Mozart, and more.

Vivaldi Meets the Middle East

With worldwide record sales of over 100 million, 25 gold and platinum albums, and their 2017 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Journey is one of the most celebrated bands in the world. Symphony Nova Scotia teams up with Jeans ‘n Classics for a show-stopping, spine-tingling salute to Journey’s greatest hits like Any Way You Want It, Open Arms, Who’s Cryin’ Now, Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), and Don’t Stop Believin’ – the “biggest song of all time” (Forbes).

The Music of Journey

Experience the joy and the genius of Mozart! First, hear the dramatic, timeless Overture from Don Giovanni. Then, Halifax’s own JUNO Award-winning pianist Philip Chiu returns for another showstopping performance, this time introducing rising star Halifax pianist Devin Huang. These two dynamic soloists team up for a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime performance of Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos, featuring not one but two Yamaha CFX grand pianos onstage for the first time in Symphony Nova Scotia’s history. Finally, hear Mozart’s vibrant “Prague” Symphony, brimming with warmth, colour, and emotion.

Magnificent Mozart

Beethoven’s Violin Concerto is a mighty mammoth of the violin repertoire, renowned for its sheer scale and serene, spacious elegance. Symphony Nova Scotia proudly presents this monumental work together with virtuoso violinist Blake Pouliot – one of Canada’s most in demand young violinists and “a player who is clearly going to be a major force in the violin world” (Whole Note). Don’t miss the show stopping performance of this exhilarating orchestral triumph alongside Sibelius’ dreamy, enchanting Pelléas and Mélisande – an emotional exploration of forbidden love, deep turmoil, and the power of fate and destiny.

Beethoven’s Violin Concerto

More than 80 musicians take the stage as Symphony Nova Scotia joins forces with the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra! Together, the NSYO, alongside their professional mentors from the Symphony, are proud to present an exhilarating performance of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique. This massive, bombastic orchestral phenomenon features two tubas and two sets of timpanis, and it tells the tale of the composer’s struggle with unrequited love. Don’t miss this huge collaboration at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, with $23 tickets for everyone!

Two Orchestras Play Berlioz

All of your favourite Star Wars themes like the Imperial March and Duel of the Fates, alongside your most beloved Star Trek music from The Original Series, The Next Generation, and more!

Star Wars vs. Star Trek

It’s one of the most hauntingly beautiful works ever composed for the violin, adored the world over for its sparkling, romantic solos and expressive melodies. Symphony Nova Scotia’s very own Concertmaster Renaud Lapierre performs Bruch’s rich, immense, and passionate Violin Concerto on his prized 19th-century Parisian Vuillaume violin.* This monumental showpiece is paired with Mendelssohn’s moody, atmospheric “Scottish” Symphony, dedicated to Queen Victoria and inspired by the rugged northern vistas of the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh’s ruined medieval splendours. *Graciously provided by Canimex Inc. from Drummondville, Québec.

Mendelssohn’s Scottish & Bruch’s Violin

Hear classic Beatles songs like Hey Jude, A Hard Day’s Night, Help, Penny Lane, Let It Be, and more!

The Beatles: Long & Winding Road

Join us in celebrating the courage, strength, and challenge that comes with arriving in a new place. We begin with a musical tribute to the Mi’kmaw people – recognizing that we are all newcomers to this land – and then we highlight what newcomers have brought to Nova Scotian shores, including music from Acadian, African, Chinese, Gaelic, and many more cultures!

FREE Family Series: Newcomers!

Halifax Central Library

Symphony Nova Scotia chorus master Joel Tranquilla leads the NSYO in a performance that invites Soundtrax, Resonance Youth Choir, and Annapolis Valley Honour Choir to sing in this exciting orchestral presentation of glorious myths and legends.

NSYO: Myths & Legends

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