We are thrilled to unveil an imaginative season filled with outstanding music and extraordinary collaborations. We welcome everyone to immerse themselves in the offerings of our 2024-25 season.
Prepare to be transported by timeless classics from Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, and Chopin, alongside fresh compositions that embody our dedication to presenting exceptional music, enriching your life with new sounds and perspectives. Experience the Canadian premiere of both Gabriela Ortiz’s mesmerizing Kauyumari and Howard Levy’s groundbreaking Diatonic Harmonic Concerto, plus a tailored suite of Love Themes from your favourite films by John Williams.
Our lineup features captivating performances by remarkable guest artists, including the multi-talented trumpeter and pianist William Leathers, recognized as one of Canada’s brightest young talents (CBC’s 2023: Top 30 under 30), and the return of internationally acclaimed violinist Stanislav Pronin. Discover the rising stars, pianist Victoria Wong (also featured in CBC’s Top 30), and soprano Ana Isabella Castro, a local luminary. Prepare to be dazzled by the Canadian debut of virtuoso harmonica player Federico Linari, blending jazz, tango, and classical influences.
As we share our passion with you, we invite you to share these precious moments with your loved ones, creating unforgettable memories together at your Oakville Symphony.
Lorenzo Guggenheim,
Music Director & Conductor
An invitation to transcendental journeys
Gabriela Ortiz: Kauyumari (Canadian Premiere)
Johannes Brahms: Violin Concerto in D major
Amy Beach: Symphony in E minor “Gaelic”
Guest artist: Stanislav Pronin, violin
Four strings and a few pieces of wood take us on an emotional journey in three movements in the hands of Stanislav Pronin – marking his highly anticipated return to Oakville. We will experience the vibrant world of the Huichol people of Mexico through Gabriela Ortiz’s rhythmic masterpiece, revealing her dynamism as one of today’s most captivating composers. Based on simple old tunes from England, Ireland and Scotland, Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony broke barriers in its acclaimed debut in Boston in 1896.
Timeless love stories
Johannes Brahms: Intermezzo op. 118 No. 2 (arr. Tal Samnon), world premiere)
Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor
Sergei Prokofiev: Selections from Romeo and Juliet
John Williams: Suite of Love Themes: Music from Star Wars, Superman, Indiana Jones and E.T.
Guest artist: Victoria Wong, piano
Four composers inspired by passion across ages –and worlds! The pianist rising-start Victoria Wong will present her vibrant renditions of the exuberant first concerto by Chopin. Inspired by the most famous and tragic love of all times, Prokofiev explores the drama in his magnificent retelling of Shakespeare’s text. And for the first time, a Suite of Love Themes by the most popular composer of our times with the music you will recognize music from Star Wars, Superman, Indiana Jones and E.T.
An ode to bravery and rebirth
Samuel Barber: Mutations
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488
Henri Tomasi: Trumpet Concerto
Igor Stravinsky: Firebird Suite
Guest artist: William Leathers, piano & trumpet
If you want to know why the local star William Leathers is rising rapidly as one of the most exciting artists of our times at only 22, come listen to him perform not only Tomasi’s virtuoso trumpet concerto, but also Mozart’s piano concerto no. 23! Delve into the beauty of Barber’s rework of Bach’s chorale “Christe, du Lamm Gottes” and Mozart’s warmth and elegance. And witness Stravinsky’s iconic The Firebird, a musical masterpiece about a tale of redemption and triumph.
A playlist inspired by dance
Ludwig Van Beethoven: Symphony No. 8 in F major
Giacomo Puccini: Musetta’s Waltz & “O Mio Babbino Caro”
Charles Gounod: “Je veux vivre” from Roméo et Juliette
Howard Levy: Diatonic Harmonica Concerto (Canadian Premiere)
Ástor Piazzolla: Oblivion
Dave Brubeck: Blue Rondo à la Turk (arr. L. Guggenheim)
Arturo Marquez: Danzón No. 2
Guest artist: Ana Isabella Castro, soprano and Federico Linari, diatonic harmonica
Enjoy this menu of rhythmic flavours where we explore the irresistible connection between music and movement. Indulge in the romance and lush worlds of operas by Puccini and Gounod sung by Ana Isabella Castro, a young local soprano that is not to be missed. And be dazzled by the Canadian premiere of Levy’s Harmonica Concerto, an energetic and extremely virtuosic work to be played by Argentine leading harmonica virtuoso Federico Linari who will also demonstrate the intricate technique of diatonic harmonica in two other selections from Tango to Jazz. Lastly, the Mexican Danzón will surely bring the season to an end in a way like no other.