This weekend it’s all about things Nordic, Big Band music, Vivaldi and Chopin.

 The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra presents its Nordic Festival. The week-long festival which runs through to Nov 1st, opens Friday night (Oct 24) and Saturday night (Oct 25) with a concert called Sigrun Plays Sibelius. Icelandic violinist Sigrun Edvaldsdottir will be taking on the music of Sibelius which includes his violin concerto in D minor. Also on the program is Finlandia and his Symphony No 7 in C major. Manitoba’s own Prairie Voices will be performing a new work by former Sigur Ros keyboardist Kjartan Sveinsson called Credo. Showtime is 8:00 PM for both tomorrow night and Saturday night. Check out the full schedule for the festival so you can see all the events happening this week as part of the Nordic Festival. They include more concerts with the Winnipeg Phil, University of Manitoba Orchestra, Chamber Music, Film and even a roundtable with WSO Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate and James Manishen at McNally Robinson Booksellers this coming Tuesday night.

We found this mini documentary on Sigrun Edvaldsdottir but it is entirely in . . . Icelandic? Enjoy regardless!

 

 

Festival organizer Matthew Patton stopped by the Classic 107 studio this week to talk to Diamond Lane host Sarah Jo Kirsch. Listen to the interview below!

 

 

 

The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra launches its 2014/2015 season this weekend with drummer Steve Houghton and Saxophonist Jon Gordon and a concert called Matters of Time. The program will take you through the dynamic range of big band repertoire including classics by Woody Herman and others, Steve Houghton is also presenting rare arrangements by Oscar award winning composer John Williams –plus a really unique take on My Fair Lady. There are 3 performances – Saturday night (Oct 25) at 7:30 PM and then Sunday afternoon (Oct 26) at 2:00 PM and in the evening at 7:30 at the beautiful Winnipeg Art Gallery. Tickets $35 for adults or $15 dollars if you are under 30.  Jazz After 9 host, Neil Coligan spoke with Saxophonist Jon Gordon earlier this week.

 

 

Drummer Steve Houghton also stopped by Jazz After 9. If you missed the interview. Listen below!

 

 

On Sunday (Oct 26) there a few events happening. At 3:00 PM the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir launches its new season as part of the Nordic Festival I was talking about earlier. They will be presenting a concert called Nordic Sagas. Under the direction of Yuri Klaz, this program will showcase some of the most beautiful choral music ever written by composers Sibelius and Grieg. Guests Artists include soprano Tracy Dahl and tenor PJ Buchan. The concert takes place Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM and the Westminster United Church. Tickets are $30 for adults with special pricing for seniors and anyone under 30. You can get them at McNally Robinson Booksellers or by calling 204.896.PHIL (7445).

 

Sunday night (Oct 26) Winnipeg Doctor Jonathan Wong will be hosting a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity where he’ll be performing selections from his CD Keys To Home – A CD of Chopin music he recorded where 100 % of the proceeds go to the Manitoba arm of Habitat for Humanity. The concert takes place at 7:00 PM at the St. Mary’s Road United Church. – 613 St. Mary’s Road. Tickets are $10

 

Looking ahead to the week to come - - -On Tuesday (Oct 28) The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra presents its second concert of the season with guest conductor and violinist Scott Yoo. Ann Manson is the Music Director of the MCO.

 

 

Showtime is 7:30 PM Tuesday night (Oct 28) at Westminster United Church. Tickets are $30 for adults with special pricing for seniors and students. You can buy them at McNally Robinson Booksellers. The West End Cultural Centre, Organic Planet or by calling the MCO’s ticketline at 20.783.7377.

 

Listen to the Classic 107 Arts & Entertainment Calendar every Thursday, Friday & Saturday twice a day with host Claudia Garcia de la Huerta on Morning Light, The Diamond Lane, Música Clásica and Saturday Afternoon Classics.