Laurier Symphony Orchestra Concert Program

Nov. 7, 2022

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Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Theatre Auditorium
Pre-concert talk at 7 p.m., Concert at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets

Welcome, Introduction and Thank You!

Welcome to Ka’shatsténshera: The Power and Unity of Music and a coming together of Laurier Indigenous music makers and the Laurier Symphony Orchestra! Ka’shatsténshera means power/unity in the Kanenkehake (Mohawk) language, and this encompasses the vision and purpose of this project we wish to bring to the community this evening. This project has been in the works for two years and we are excited to finally share it with a live audience and to celebrate the power of connection and collaboration. [READ MORE]

Program Notes

This piece was written in collaboration with Indigenous hand-drummer, poet and singer Cara Loft. It incorporates Cara’s song The Good Life (Ne Ionnhí:io) as well as a short poem (of the same title), which describes the traditional way of life of Indigenous People on Turtle Island. [READ MORE]

Performers:

Laurier Symphony Orchestra
Dr. Kira Omelchenko, conductor

Collaborators on Ka’shatsténshera (Power and Unity in Music) (2022):

Cara Loft, traditional Indigenous hand-drummer and singer
Stas Omelchenko, composer
Indigenous student participants: Charlotte Knight (narrator), Adrienne Clarke, Emily Granville, Jazlyn O’Bonsawin, Chelsea Watton

Featuring Laurier Concerto Winners

Program:

Ka’shatsténshera (Power and Unity in Music) (2022)

A Coming Together of Laurier Indigenous Music Makers and the Laurier Symphony Orchestra. A new collaborative piece with Laurier Indigenous students and music makers and the Laurier Indigenous Student Centers.

Song, lyrics, and poem by Cara Loft [Lyrics and Translations]

Orchestra composition by Stas Omelchenko

Cara Loft and Kira Omelchenko, project partners

*This project is generously supported by the Student Life Levy Grant

Concerto for Viola and Orchestra by William Walton (1902-1983)
II: Vivo, con molto preciso

Anna Smilek, viola (2022 Laurier Concerto Competition winner)

Violin Concerto no. 1 in D major, op. 19 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)
I: Andantino
II: Scherzo: Vivacissimo
III: Moderato – Allegro moderato

Veda Hingert-McDonald, violin (Laurier alumna and 2020 Laurier Concerto Competition winner)

Piano Concerto in F-sharp minor, op. 20 by Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915)
I: Allegro

Lisa Santoprete, piano (2022 Laurier Concerto competition winner)

Piano Concerto in G Major by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
I: Allegramente

Sophie Kim, piano (2020 Laurier Concerto Competition winner)