Calgary Philharmonic Reveals 2022/2023 Season

On Saturday, September 10, 2022, the Calgary Philharmonic and Music Director Rune Bergmann return to the Jack Singer Concert Hall for Opening Night of the 2022/2023 Season. To launch its 67th Season, the Calgary Phil offers an uplifting performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. The work is considered a call for peace and freedom from oppression for all humanity and sets the tone for an enticing Season.

The upcoming Season features nearly 40 different programs, including five World Premieres, and large-scale and intimate musical happenings presented in seven different venues across Calgary. Blockbusters by renowned composers including Ludwig van Beethoven, Gustav Mahler, Igor Stravinsky, Johannes Brahms, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will inspire while the music of contemporary legends such as John Williams, Ennio Morricone, and The Beatles are a highlight. Prominent artists including Branford Marsalis, Karen Gomyo, and Tynomi Banks, as well as local stars and emerging performers take centre stage to present familiar works and musical discoveries.

"Music brings light and colour to the world - it is the expression of our lives. Whether it's joy or sorrow, passion or adventure, a live orchestra performance is an invitation to embark on a journey," comments Music Director Rune Bergmann. "The music is enhanced by seeing the musicians performing onstage and feeling the reactions of fellow concertgoers. This is what drives us to play music of all kinds for all people, and the audience is part of making that magic happen."

"As we share the experience of live music with our communities, we aim to regain balance in our lives and restore our souls as we slowly emerge from a long pandemic," says Marc Stevens, President + CEO of the Calgary Phil. "Orchestral music is for everyone and our 2022/2023 Season is filled with so much choice: enthralling concerts, blockbuster movies, performances for kids, open rehearsals, educational programs, and special presentations. In addition to offering concert series packages and deals for youth and groups, the Calgary Phil introduces a new Flex Pass for more flexibility. It's never been easier to access your Calgary Phil!"

Music Director Rune Bergmann has curated an engaging, impressive Season and leads the Orchestra with his energetic and compelling presence on many occasions. Music Director Laureate and Grammy Award-winning conductor Roberto Minczuk makes an awaited return, and Associate Conductor Karl Hirzer takes to the podium to lead several performances. The 2022/2023 Season also marks the Calgary Phil Chorus's 60th anniversary. "We are lucky to have such an incredible Chorus made up of local volunteers," says Rune Bergmann. Chorus Master Mark Bartel leads the Chorus to celebrate this occasion with a special concert in April 2023 titled Let Voices Resound.

Highlights from the 2022/2023 Season

Epic classics

Beethoven's thrilling Symphony No. 9 kicks off a Season full of light and hope, which also includes Mahler's Fifth Symphony, Stravinsky's Firebird, Saint-Saëns' Organ Symphony, Mozart's Concerto for Two Pianos, Dvořák's Symphony No. 9, Bruckner's Symphony No. 7, Brahms' German Requiem, Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances, and Elgar's Cello Concerto.

Remarkable special guests

The Calgary Phil welcomes celebrated guest musicians of international repute including superb violinist Karen Gomyo, Grammy-winning conductor Karen Kamensek, triple-threat singer-songwriter-pianist Tony DeSare, drag superstar Tynomi Banks, noted Spanish conductor Ramón Tebar, singer LaKisha Jones of American Idol fame, multiple Grammy Award-winning conductor JoAnn Falletta, and three-time Grammy Award winner saxophonist Branford Marsalis.

Canadian brilliance

The 2022/2023 Season spotlights many outstanding artists from Canada including piano virtuosi Charles Richard-Hamelin and Ryan Zhu, cello sensation Stéphane Tétreault, renowned soprano Jane Archibald, brilliant pianist Katherine Chi, charismatic conductors Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser and Lucas Waldin, singer-songwriters Shawnee Kish and Celeigh Cardinal. The Calgary Phil also presents works of Canadian composers such as Samy Moussa and Donovan Seidle, including World Premieres by Andrew Balfour, Allan Gordon Bell, Jocelyn Morlock, Laura Hawley, and Calgary Phil's New Music Advisor Vincent Ho.

Blockbusters, Pops, and Family-Friendly Performances

To the delight of Calgary music lovers, the Calgary Phil also presents many entertaining events such as Tribute to The Beatles: Classical Mystery Tour, Rhapsody in Blue Eyes: Sinatra + Beyond, Heroes of Film, The Best of Whitney, Brass Transit: Music of Chicago, and Movie Magic: Morricone + Bernstein. Families will enjoy Firebird for the Family, Charlotte + the Music Maker, Beethoven Lives Upstairs, and Will's Jams. Films with Live Orchestra include Disney in Concert: Frozen, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in ConcertTM, Marvel Studios Presents Black Panther in Concert. Home Alone in Concert is part of the Cheerful Holiday Season presentations which include Rune's Christmas, Traditional Christmas, and Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert.

Thrilling Collabs

The Calgary Phil continues its tradition of partnering with organizations in the city, including I Rise with Pink Flamingo, Stravinsky's Firebird with Alberta Ballet School, Brahms v. Radiohead with One Yellow Rabbit which is featured in the 2023 High Performance Rodeo, Chamber Music at the Bella with Mount Royal Conservatory, and Marvel Studios Presents Black Panther in Concert with the Calgary International Film Festival.

The Calgary Phil is continuing to take a cautious approach to in-person events that prioritizes the health and safety of audience members, musicians, and staff. While masks are no longer mandatory, they are strongly encouraged when attending Calgary Phil concerts and events.

For more information on the 2022/2023 Season and for a full list of concerts, visit calgaryphil.com.

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