25/26 Concerts

Program

A musical lineup can enchant, captivate, sparkle, charm, and mesmerize. This program manages all of that and more, with luxurious selections that absolutely allow you to have your cake and eat it too. Sweetness and decadence abound from the first note to the last in this sublime evening with your TBSO. From the sparkling charm of Strauss’ Vienna Bonbons Waltz to the fiery passion of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, we indulge in beauty, brilliance, and bold emotion. Feel the shimmering textures of Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst, a vibrant piece which explodes with colour and movement. Be swept away by the lush romanticism of Korngold’s Terrace Scene from The Adventures of Robin Hood, arguably the greatest film score of all time, weaving tenderness with grandeur. Finally, Bizet’s youthful Symphony in C will leave you energized with its lively melodies and joyful rhythms. With a virtuosic violin soloist taking center stage, this concert promises moments of exhilarating power and tender intimacy. Whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or discovering orchestral music for the first time, True Delights offers an unforgettable and delicious journey through some of classical music’s most stirring works.

Programme:

Strauss – Vienna Bonbons Waltz
Tchaikovsky – Violin concerto
Montgomery – Starburst
Korngold – Terrace Scene from Robin Hood
Bizet – Symphony in C

Program

Let the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra sweep you off your feet with The Look of Love, a romantic evening where timeless melodies meet the yearning of the heart. Featuring cherished classics from the Great American Songbook, this soulful concert brings to life the passion, longing, and tenderness that define love’s most unforgettable moments. From sultry ballads to heartfelt serenades, these iconic songs will stir your emotions and leave you enchanted. Join us for an evening of elegance and romance as the TBSO serenades you with the music that speaks straight to the soul.

Program

Join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and Chorus on a profound musical journey with PILGRIMAGE, a concert that explores themes of wonder, adventure, and transcendence through masterworks spanning centuries and styles.

The pilgrimage begins with Imant Raminsh‘s radiant Songs of the Lights, a shimmering Canadian composition featuring women’s voices (SSA chorus) accompanied by strings and glockenspiel. This celestial opening transports listeners to a realm of luminous beauty. The journey continues with Beethoven‘s spirited Symphony No. 8, showcasing the orchestra in one of the composer’s most joyful and energetic works. Full of wit and vitality, this classical gem provides a vibrant contrast to the program’s more contemplative moments.

After intermission, we experience the haunting beauty of Austin Wintory‘s Nascence and Apotheosis from the acclaimed Journey video game soundtrack. With its evocative alto flute and harp textures, this contemporary piece creates an immersive, meditative soundscape. The adventure reaches dramatic heights with Beethoven‘s Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, where chorus and orchestra unite to depict the ocean’s majesty – from eerie stillness to triumphant sailing. Our pilgrimage culminates with Ola Gjeilo‘s uplifting Song of the Universal, blending piano, strings and chorus in a radiant setting of Walt Whitman’s visionary poetry. This contemporary masterpiece sends audiences forth with a sense of hope and connection. From celestial beginnings to triumphant arrivals, PILGRIMAGE offers a transformative musical experience that will stir your soul and lift your spirit.

Raminsh – Songs of the Lights

Beethoven – Symphony 8

Wintory – Nascence and Apotheosis from Journey Suite

Beethoven – Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage

Gjeilo – Song of the Universal

Program

Join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for a Hallowe’en Spooktacular, a fun-filled musical adventure the whole family will enjoy! This magical concert is packed with playful tricks and musical treats, featuring lively orchestral favourites, dazzling surprises, and a dash of Hallowe’en magic. From enchanting melodies to toe-tapping tunes, it’s a celebration full of energy and excitement — more spectacular than spooky! Come in costume, bring the kids, and enjoy a musical experience that’s sure to delight ghosts, goblins, and superheroes of all ages. It’s a fa-boo-lous way to celebrate the season!

Program

Experience the unforgettable sound of 007 as the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra presents The Music of James Bond— a night of iconic themes, thrilling melodies, and timeless glamour. From the sleek sophistication of Dr. No to the modern intensity of Casino Royale and Skyfall, this concert spans the legendary Bond franchise’s most memorable music. Featuring an array of talented local vocalists, these powerful performances will bring the drama, romance, and intrigue of Bond to life. Join us for a symphonic adventure filled with style, suspense, and the unmistakable sound of cinema’s most famous spy.

Program

Experience the brilliance of one of history’s greatest composers in Best of Beethoven, an evening concert designed for busy professionals looking to unwind with world-class music. Join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for 50 powerful minutes of Beethoven’s most beloved masterpieces. There’s no intermission, just pure musical energy. From the stirring drama of his symphonies to the lyrical beauty of his concertos, this concert offers a perfect dose of culture to end your day on a high note. Whether you’re a lifelong Beethoven fan or simply seeking an inspiring night out, this concise yet captivating performance promises to leave you energized and uplifted.

Program

Program

Celebrate the season with the timeless beauty of Handel’s Messiah, performed by the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. A cherished holiday tradition, this masterwork’s soaring arias, powerful choruses, and radiant melodies have captivated audiences for centuries. From the triumphant Hallelujah Chorus to the stirring For Unto Us a Child is Born, this moving performance will fill you with joy, reflection, and the true spirit of the season. Join the TBSO, talented soloists, and a full choir for an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance — a perfect way to celebrate the holidays with family, friends, and our vibrant community.

Handel – Messiah

Program

Program

Embrace the warmth and wonder of the season at Candlelight Christmas, an intimate evening of festive music performed by the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Gather close for a magical concert filled with charming seasonal favourites and delightful musical bonbons, all set in a cozy, candlelit atmosphere. This enchanting performance blends joyful melodies with moments of quiet reflection, the perfect way to pause, connect, and celebrate the holiday spirit. Join us for an evening of glowing lights, beautiful music, and heartwarming cheer, a Christmas tradition to remember.

Program

Get ready to celebrate the season with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops, an evening brimming with festive cheer, heartwarming traditions, and musical surprises! This delightful program features beloved selections from The Nutcracker, a lively audience sing-along, and Craig Courtney’s show-stopping Musicological 12 Days of Christmas. Adding to the festivities is Adam Shugar’s Hanukkah Overture, complete with a surprise klezmer clarinet solo that’s sure to dazzle. With something for everyone, this joyful concert is the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the season. Gather your friends and family, and join us for a night of unforgettable holiday music!

Program

Pack your musical passport and join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for a thrilling World Music Tour! This vibrant concert will take you on a journey across the globe, featuring popular music inspired by cultures and landscapes from around the world. From lively Latin rhythms to soulful European melodies, rich African beats to enchanting Asian harmonies, this performance is a celebration of global soundscapes and musical diversity. Whether you’re drawn to bold brass, sweeping strings, or toe-tapping percussion, this exciting program offers something for every listener. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical adventure, no passport required!

Program

Program

Prepare to be dazzled as the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO) joins forces with the dynamic Badanai Theatre Company for an unforgettable evening of cabaret-style entertainment! This unique collaboration blends the lush sounds of a live symphony with the energy and charm of musical theatre, promising a night of show-stopping performances, powerful vocals, and captivating storytelling. Experience iconic Broadway hits, jazz standards, and beloved cabaret classics reimagined with the full richness of the TBSO. Featuring talented vocalists from Badanai Theatre Company and thrilling orchestrations performed by Thunder Bay’s finest musicians, this lively concert will transport you to the heart of a vibrant cabaret club. Whether you’re a longtime theatre lover or new to the world of cabaret, Cabaret Nights offers something for everyone. Prepare to laugh, cry, and tap your toes as the magic of music and theatre come together in this spectacular performance.

Program

Join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for an exhilarating evening of musical brilliance featuring the extraordinary pianist Matt Herskowitz. Known for his genre-defying artistry and dazzling technique, Herskowitz brings a fresh and dynamic energy to this unforgettable program. A masterpiece of Baroque elegance, Bach’s concerto in D minor is a showcase of intricate dialogue between solo piano and strings, brought to life with Herskowitz’s signature flair, while Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue blends jazz-infused rhythms with classical brilliance. Tom Berens’ new realization of Gershwin’s most famous work is based on the intimacy, power and drive of the original instrumentation from Paul Whiteman’s jazz orchestra. Finally, Beethoven’s Symphony no 7 is a thrilling journey from brooding intensity to triumphant joy! This symphony’s unforgettable rhythms and soaring melodies promise to leave you spellbound. With Herskowitz at the piano and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra in full flight, this concert offers a powerful blend of precision, passion, and pure musical excitement. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of rhythm, rhapsody, and revelry!

Bach – Concerto in D minor

Gershwin arr. Berens – Rhapsody in Blue

Beethoven – Symphony 7

Program

Join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for a captivating evening showcasing the art of the concerto, led by our own Resident Conductor, Frederic Alexandre Michaud. This special performance, part of Michaud’s PhD recital, highlights his deep exploration of the conductor’s role in balancing the soloist’s voice with the full symphonic sound. Featuring a diverse selection of concerto excerpts, the program will spotlight virtuosic brilliance, emotional depth, and the delicate interplay between individual expression and collective unity. Each work invites the listener to experience the dynamic dialogue between soloist and orchestra — a conversation shaped and guided by Michaud’s insightful artistry and the culmination of his academic research. Don’t miss this powerful evening of music, where technical mastery meets musical storytelling in an unforgettable exploration of the concerto form.

Program

Set the mood this Valentine’s Day with Candlelight Valentine, an unforgettable evening of romance and music with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Treat your special someone to the ultimate date night experience. Surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight, enjoy a captivating program of heartfelt melodies, tender ballads, and timeless love songs. Whether you’re celebrating new love, lasting romance, or a cherished friendship, this intimate concert promises to fill the evening with beauty, warmth, and unforgettable moments. Let the magic of music make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

Program

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra presents Dean Burry’s lively and imaginative orchestral adaptation of Jacob Two-Two and the Hooded Fang! Based on the beloved Canadian children’s book by Mordecai Richler, this musical adventure follows young Jacob, who famously says everything twice — landing him in big trouble with the fearsome Hooded Fang. With a captivating narrator and the full power of the TBSO behind the story, this expanded orchestration brings Jacob’s daring journey to life like never before. Perfect for families and audiences of all ages, this vibrant performance combines storytelling and music in a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this chance to join Jacob on his brave and exciting quest!

Program

Join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for Noondaagotoon, a powerful concert that amplifies Indigenous voices and stories through music. This program features the evocative work of Cree composer Cris Derksen, who draws inspiration from the traditional practice of controlled burns — an Indigenous method of wildfire management that has safeguarded ecosystems for centuries. While recent years have seen devastating wildfires dominate headlines, Derksen’s composition explores fire not as a force of destruction, but as a vital tool — one that nurtures and protects the land. By carefully burning select areas in the spring, when the earth is still damp, Indigenous peoples have long managed forests, preventing more intense fires later in the season. In Derksen’s stirring piece, the crackling embers of a controlled burn transform from threat to instrument — a reflection of resilience, wisdom, and the power of living in balance with the land. Experience this compelling blend of tradition and innovation at Noondaagotoon, where music becomes a bridge between past and present, and sound tells the stories that have always been here.

Program

Join the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for a captivating evening of music that spans the ethereal, the intimate, and the transcendent. The program opens with Akasha by Canadian composer Glen Buhr,, a mesmerizing work that evokes the unseen forces that connect us all. Next, experience the serene beauty of Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll, a tender musical gift composed for his wife and performed as a quiet morning serenade — a work filled with warmth, love, and delicate orchestral colours. The heart of the evening is Mozart’s profound Requiem, an emotional masterpiece that transcends time. With its powerful choral forces and haunting beauty, this work offers a moving meditation on life, loss, and hope. The concert concludes with Mozart’s exquisite Ave Verum Corpus, a brief yet deeply moving piece that speaks to the soul with its simplicity and grace. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of stirring music, where moments of intimacy and grandeur unite in a powerful journey of reflection and beauty.

Buhr – Akasha

Wagner – Siegfried Idyll

Mozart Requiem

Mozart – Ave Verum Corpus

Program

Get ready for a high-energy night of toe-tapping tunes and unforgettable fun as the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra presents Celtic Kitchen Party. Backed by the rich symphonic sound of the TBSO, this lively concert promises infectious rhythms, spirited melodies, and the warm camaraderie of a true East Coast kitchen party. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Celtic music or simply looking for a night of joyful celebration, this concert will have you clapping, dancing, and embracing the lively spirit of the Maritimes. Don’t miss this unforgettable fusion of symphony and tradition!

Program

Get ready for a whirlwind adventure through the music of Mozart like you’ve never heard it before! Mixed-Up Mozart: A Magical Journey is a playful and interactive concert where the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra brings Mozart’s iconic music to life — with a twist! In this fun-filled performance, Mozart’s melodies get turned upside down, inside out, and delightfully mixed up. With a little magic, a lot of laughter, and plenty of surprises, this enchanting concert invites families and young audiences to explore the joy of classical music in a whole new way. Perfect for curious minds and music lovers of all ages, this magical journey is a celebration of creativity, imagination, and the timeless genius of Mozart. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical adventure!

Program

Step back in time to the roaring 1920s as the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra presents Speakeasy, an unforgettable evening of underground jazz and vintage charm. Immerse yourself in the sultry sounds and infectious rhythms that defined the wild days of Prohibition-era speakeasies. From smoky blues to lively swing, this concert will transport you to a world of hidden bars, secret passwords, and dazzling jazz melodies. Dress to impress, sip a cocktail, and let the TBSO set the mood with a night of music that’s bold, brassy, and irresistibly fun. Don’t miss this one-night-only trip back in time — where the music swings and the good times never stop!

Program

Sometimes you just don’t want to play by the rules, getting up to no good has been a remarkable inspiration for composers of all stripes. Prepare for an evening of passion, drama, and mischief as the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra presents Behaving Badly— a concert that explores characters who challenge the rules, embrace desire, and defy convention. Mozart’s Overture to Don Giovanni is a thrilling curtain-raiser to one of opera’s most infamous tales of seduction, revenge, and moral reckoning. With its dark opening chords and fiery energy, this overture sets the stage for an evening of bold storytelling. The selections from Ethel Smyth’s operatic masterwork The Boatswain’s Mate shines a light on a rollicking and rebellious slice of opera, filled with lively characters and rich vocal textures, celebrating the spirit of those who live outside the rules. Finally, Carl Orff’s iconic Carmina Burana is presented here with an intimate yet powerful arrangement that brings the beloved piece’s pulsating rhythms and dramatic intensity to life. With thunderous percussion, soaring vocal solos, and mesmerizing choral power, this work explores themes of fate, desire, and excess. With standout performances from soprano, tenor, and baritone soloists — plus the enchanting presence of harp — this evening will revel in the chaotic beauty of characters behaving badly. Join us for a night of unforgettable music where passion reigns supreme!

Mozart – Overture to Don Giovanni

Smyth – Mrs. Waters’ aria and tavern scene

Orff – Carmina Burana

Program

Juno and Gemini-nominated Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah Slean pays tribute to the legendary Joni Mitchell and her albums Both Sides Now & Travelogue, Slean will sweep you away as she pays homage to a Canadian music hero with beautiful musical arrangements by 6x Grammy Award-winning artist Vince Mendoza.

Program

Turn back the clock and experience the ultimate date night with Meet Me at the Drive-In. The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra brings the magic of the silver screen to life with a captivating program inspired by iconic movie moments. From sweeping romance to thrilling adventures, these unforgettable film scores will transport you straight to Hollywood’s golden age, all with a symphonic twist. Whether you’re rekindling old memories or creating new ones, this nostalgic and heartwarming evening promises to be a perfect night out. Grab your sweetheart, your friends, or your family, and let the TBSO provide the soundtrack to your ultimate date night!