Music from the French court era of Sun King, Louis XIV, will flow through Valentine’s Day night as Pacific Baroque Orchestra (PBO) returns to town.
Powell River Academy of Music is hosting PBO and Marc Destrubé for a performance of music from an age of artistic splendour, with lavish spectacles and musical entertainment. The music is rich in church and Parisian concert life.
To further his political ends, Louis invested in the arts, determined to make them a metaphor of political stability. He attracted to his court some of Europe’s most enlightened composers who in many ways revolutionized music.
PBO, Academy Chamber Choir and soloists join forces for a rare performance of the timeless Requiem text by 17th-century composer Jean Gilles at the end of the evening.
PBO is recognized as one of Canada’s most exciting and innovative ensembles performing “early music for modern ears.” As the only professional period-instrument orchestra west of Toronto, this group of 11 musicians brings the music of the past up to date by performing with cutting-edge style and enthusiasm.
PBO regularly features both Canadian and international guest artists in programs presented annually. To reach new audiences, the orchestra has toured BC, northern United States and across Canada as far as the east coast. Relationships formed over the last 18 years have established the orchestra as an integral part of the artistic community in Vancouver while providing ongoing collaborative opportunities. Recent collaborations have included baroque dance specialists Thomas Baird and Paige Whitley-Bauguess, fencing master Bac Tau and the Squamish Nation Eagle Song Dancers.
The concert takes place at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, February 14 at academy hall. Tickets are $22 available from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Thursday at academy box office, 7280 Kemano Street, or by calling 604.485.9633 and at the door. Students 18 and under are admitted free. For more information interested readers can visit www.powellriveracademy.org.
