Photo by Patrick Chondon

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra (TBSO) is thrilled to be returning to the stage of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium for their first Masterworks program in two and a half years.

On Friday, November 18, the TBSO presents Transcending. This very special concert is an homage to resilience, to overcoming, to going beyond, to creating beauty in and from darkness. This is illustrated by Jocelyn Morlock’s emotionally evocative “My Name is Amanda Todd.” This JUNO winning orchestral composition by Vancouverite Jocelyn Morlock is not a requiem, but an empowering declaration of determined optimism.

As Morlock says, “I wanted to include how bright and wonderful a person she was, rather than just [the idea that] she was a victim, because she was so much more than that (…). The message is one of hope and empathy, not of redemption.” The inclusion of this piece is timely, as Todd’s bully was recently convicted of all crimes perpetrated against her and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Sitting alongside this piece is Sibelius’ “Violin Concerto” performed by concertmaster, Thomas Cosbey. A complex, gripping piece that sounds like no other concerto in the violin repertoire. It is vulnerable and beautiful, and at the same time speaks to something dark and brooding. Capped off by Tchaikovsky’s stunning “Symphony No 4,” a piece of which the composer said, “I adore terribly this child of mine; it is one of only a few works with which I have not experienced disappointment…this is my best symphonic work.” This musical celebration of the beauty and exuberance of life will include 19 extra musicians playing on stage alongside the TBSO.

Linda Penner, TBSO Board president said, “there are few words to describe the wonder one experiences being in the midst of the soundscape of our marvellous symphony orchestra within our wonderful TBCA – one of the greatest experiences afforded us in our community. I’m as excited for the privilege to see and hear as I know the musicians are to perform at this long awaited opportunity.”

In celebration of their return to the stage, for the 2022/23 season, the TBSO continues to offer special Welcome Back Pricing. With $25 tickets for all Masterworks, Hilldale Classics, and Family shows, and free admission to Masterworks and Hilldale Classics programs for children under 14, the TBSO hopes to make music even more accessible to everyone in our city and region and hopes you will bring the whole family to this incredible show.

For details and tickets, visit TBSO.ca