For the close of the Strathcona Symphony Orchestra’s (SSO), 20th Anniversary Season, Music Director Helena Jung has chosen the pieces for the Bravo! concerts. Performances are on May 24 at 7:00 p.m. and May 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Courtenay’s Filberg Centre.
Winners of the SSO Concerto Competition, local flutists, Antonia Mahon and SSO musician, Christine Constabel, will be playing Cimarosa’s first movement, Concerto for Two Flutes. Elliott Nakagawa, a talented young violinist from Nanaimo, is also a winner of the event, and he will be performing the first movement of Bruch’s Violin Concerto.
The Bravo! performances mark the final concerts for Jung’s involvement with the local community orchestra.
“It is a deeply personal milestone for me, as it marks my last concert as SSO Music Director, ending this inspiring chapter in my life,” said Jung.
“The SSO’s journey has been one of growth and achievement. Before my time with the SSO, the orchestra performed an arrangement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, Third Movement. When I first listened to the orchestra play that piece, I felt a strong resolve to hear the musicians perform the original work, rather than an arrangement. That dream came true for my final concert as Music Director with the orchestra, fulfilling a long-held promise to myself and the musicians.”
Jung has also chosen classical masterpieces, such as the powerful fourth movement from Dvořák’s New World Symphony, the Allegro vivace movement from Grieg’s Holberg Suite, Op. 40, and Rossini’s William Tell Overture, to a lush orchestration from Hisaishi’s Merry Go Round of Life from Howl’s Moving Castle and a nod to K-pop megastars, BTS with the song, Dynamite.
“When I introduced Dvořák’s original score to the SSO in 2021, all members, including myself included, were daunted by the challenge. Was this piece truly within our reach?” said Jung. “The performance outcome was astonishing which led me to introduce works like Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, and soloists, such as violinist Gregory Lewis, to our musicians and audiences.”
Jung’s passion and commitment to excellence will be missed by the SSO members and the local community. Her tenacity for the musicians to stretch their abilities while still enjoying the process of rehearsing and performing, is a fruitful continuation for the success of the SSO for years to come.
“Bravo to all SSO musicians, sponsors, and fans,” said Jung . “Now, I step back and join the ranks as your most enthusiastic fan. Thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you - it has been one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of my life.”
Tickets for Bravo! can be purchased at . Ticket prices are $25 for adults and $15 for children twelve and under. The SSO’s raffle fundraiser tickets can also be purchased online.
For more information, please visit .
