The holiday season is just around the corner, and one way to start or continue a family tradition is to attend the Sooke Philharmonic’s Festive Harmony concert in Sooke on Saturday Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sooke Baptist Church.
And needn’t worry if you miss it on the Saturday, as the Philharmonic will return on Sunday, Dec. 6 at the Quarterdeck Ballroom at Royal Roads University in the Westshore at 2:30 p.m., as part of Royal Roads’ 75th anniversary celebration.
Norman Nelson and the Sooke Philharmonic Chamber Players will be joined by the Sooke Philharmonic Chorus, under new Choral Director Nicholas Fairbank.
The performers will be showcasing several well-known works by Handel: Water Music Suite No. 1 in F and selections from Messiah, one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music. Returning soloist Nancy Washeim will be featured in Messiah, which was originally written as an Easter offering but is now also a musical rite of the holiday season.
Also on the program will be movements from Suite No. 2 in B minor by Johann Sebastian Bach and the third movement of his Concerto for two Violins in D minor, known as the “Bach Double” - one of his most famous works and considered one of the best examples of the late Baroque period. This piece will highlight two young sisters: Robin and Marijn Butterfield.
The B minor Suite, also known as the “Flute Suite” is vibrant and fast-paced, leaning towards the entertainment side of pure music. This suite gave Bach a chance to write for transverse flute, which had just started to become fashionable at that time. Listen to it played by Sooke Phil flautist Patricia Hollister
The local artisan for this performance will be Bev Petow and her metal art, which was a huge success at the Sooke Garden Tour and on the Stinking Fish Art Tour. Bev is donating a piece of her art as a door prize.
There is still time to become a member of the Sooke Philharmonic Society and be eligible for the members’ draw of Chef Propose dinner for two with glasses of wine at Stickleback Westcoast Eatery.
Youth 16 and under are always free. Tickets are available at sookephil.ca where you can also find a list of our Sooke/Westshore/Victoria ticket outlets and information on membership. For more information, please call: 250-419-3569. Tickets are also available at the door.