2022-2023 Season Archives
 Musical Theatre
Guests—Oak Bay High School
April 21, 2023 Sidney 2:00 pm
April 23, 2023 Oak Bay 2:00 pm
The history of musical theatre begins with its transition from opera and operetta. In operetta and musical theatre the actors sing but they speak the dialogue. From its earliest days with shows such as No, No Nanette (1925) and Showboat (1926), musical theatre has developed to become North America’s contribution to the world arts scene. Expect to hear selections from the pen of George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers and Cole Porter.
 Autumn Serenade
Erik Abbink, saxophone
October 6, 2022 Sidney 2:00 pm
October 9, 2022 Oak Bay 2:00 pm
Autumn is the perfect time of the year for a concert embracing the Canadian landscape. The repertoire will include music by Canadian icon Robert Farnon, Vancouver composer Michael Conway Baker and arrangements by the Percy Faith Orchestra. Guest soloist Erik Abbink, saxophone, will play Four Pictures from New York by Roberto Molinelli and Ennio Morricone’s The Mission.
 A Valentine for You
Sunny Shams, tenor
February 17, 2023 Sidney 2:00 pm
February 19, 2023 Oak Bay 2:00 pm
Local Sidney tenor Sunny Shams joins the Orchestra in opera, operetta and musical theatre selections guaranteed to warm the heart. The orchestra, with conductor Charles Job, perform selections from Arthur Sullivan’s Patience and John Kander’s Chicago. A concert that brings a special romance to our valentine celebrations.
2021-2022 Season Archives
 Broadway Melody
...music from the Golden Age
Kiiri Michelsen, mezzo soprano
April 21, 2022 Sidney 2:00 pm
April 24, 2022 Oak Bay 2:00 pm
From George Gershwin to Andrew Lloyd Webber, from Cole Porter to Stephen Sondheim and from Rodgers & Hammerstein to Lerner & Loewe New York’s Broadway Theatres have presented the very best of musical theatre throughout the 20th century. Help us celebrate their artistic achievement.
 Grand Hotel
...music from a more genteel age
Pamela Highbaugh Aloni, cello
February 17, 2022 Sidney 2:00 pm
February 20, 2022 Oak Bay 2:00 pm
Today’s Palm Court Light Orchestra is not the first musical ensemble to entertain
Victoria Society.
“Victoria's famous Empress Hotel was the location in 1929 and 1930 of CPR Festivals.
William (Billy) Tickle, led the dance bands in the hotel's ballroom, and his Palm Court
trio played during teatime for over 30 years (ca 1927-1960)”*.
Enjoy waltzes, marches, intermezzos and operetta & musical theatre selections plus beautiful cello solos in a warm intimate setting.
2019-2020 Season Archives
 Canadian Impressions
Pamela Highbaugh Aloni, cello
April 2, 2020 Sidney 2:00 pm
April 3, 2020 Oak Bay 2:00 pm
One of the most respected composers of light orchestral music was Canadian Robert Farnon. We will perform some of his pieces along with the music of Vancouver composer Michael Conway Baker. We will also present a new work for orchestra by Victoria composer Mark Reed called Message to Home. Completing the afternoon will be cellist Pamela Highbaugh Aloni performing music by Offenbach, Faure, Popper and Victor Herbert as played at Prince Harry and Megan Markles’ royal wedding.
 The Titanic Orchestra
Alana Hayes, mezzo soprano
October 10, 2019 Sidney 2:00 pm
October 11, 2019 Oak Bay 2:00 pm
Concert Programme
The legend is that they played “Nearer My God to Thee” as the ship went down but the Titanic Orchestra led by violinist Wallace Hartley from Colne, Lancashire certainly played all the famous Edwardian “palm court” numbers.
 A Viennese Valentine
Lambroula Pappas, soprano
February 7, 2020 Sidney 2:00 pm
February 9, 2020 Oak Bay 2:00 pm
Concert Programme
The Strauss family and Vienna provide the perfect backdrop for this year’s Valentine celebration. Enjoy the music of Johann Jr., Edward and Josef plus the operettas of Franz Lehar and Emmerich Kalman.
2018-2019 Season Archives
 That’s Entertainment
April 4, 2019 Sidney 2:00 pm
April 5, 2019 Oak Bay 2:00 pm
The Orchestra joins forces with the students of Oak Bay High School Performing Arts Department to celebrate music, dance and musical theatre through the generations. We welcome the students of today to share the music of yesterday!
 The Great Caruso
Sunny Shams, tenor
October 18, 2018 Sidney 2:00 pm
October 19, 2018 Oak Bay 2:00 pm
Concert Programme
Tenor Sunny Shams is featured in this tribute to the great tenors of the age. It will include operetta, opera and those famous parlour and neopolitan songs made famous by John McCormick, Richard Tauber, Mario Lanza, Jussi Bjorling, Pavarotti and Andreas Bocelli…Bravo !
 Our Valentine to You
Shadan Saul, soprano
Sunny Shams, tenor
February 7, 2019 Sidney 2:00 pm
February 8, 2019 Oak Bay 2:00 pm
Yes, our favourite young couple Shadan Saul and Sunny Shams are back to lead our celebration of love. Duets from Puccini’s Madam Butterfly, La Boheme, and Sigmund Romberg’s The Student Prince are on the menu. The Orchestra completes the programme with some Strauss and Franz Lehar.
2016-2017 Season Archives
The Orchestra Solos
Charles Job conductor
April 20, 2017 – 2:00 pm Sidney
April 21, 2017 – 2:30 pm Oak Bay
Soloists from the Orchestra will be showcased playing Edward Elgars’ Romance for Bassoon, Victor Herbert’s Serenade for Cello, Michael Conway Baker’s Vancouver Variations, Gabriel Faure’s Sicilienne, George Gershwin’s Embraceable You and Borodin’s Nocturne, for violin and orchestra by Rimsky-Korsakov.
 The American Song Book
Barbara Blair vocalist
Karel Roessingh piano
Joey Smith guitar
October 14, 2016 – 2:00 pm Sidney
October 19, 2016 – 2:30 pm Oak Bay
October 23, 2016 – 2:30 pm Duncan
This concert is a tribute to the great ladies of song Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney and Sarah Vaughan starring vocalist Barbara Blair, jazz pianist Karel Roessingh and guitarist Joey Smith. The arrangers include Robert Farnon, Nelson Riddle and Paul Weston and scores from the BBC Scottish Variety Orchestra, the BBC Northern Dance Band and the Paul Whiteman Orchestra
 A Palm Court Valentine
Shadan Saul Guerrero soprano
Sunny Shams tenor
February 10, 2017 – 2:00 pm Sidney
February 14, 2017 – 2:30 pm Oak Bay
This concert presents Sidney tenor Sunny Shams and Vancouver soprano Shadan Saul Guerrero in a concert of operetta, opera and drawing room ballads. The orchestra presents a typical palm court concert with a selection of waltzes, intermezzos and marches plus music by Jerome Kern and Cole Porter.
2015-2016 Season Archives
 The Trumpet Shall Sound
David Michaux trumpet
April 15, 2016 – 2:00 pm Sidney
April 16, 2016 – 7:30 pm Victoria
April 17, 2016 – 2:30 pm Duncan
The title may be an aria from Handel’s Messiah but this concert celebrates the traditions of the British brass band. The programme includes Leroy Anderson’s Bugler’s Holiday, Henry Purcell’s Trumpet Voluntary, and virtuoso pieces like Napoli and Carnival of Venice.
Romantic Encounter
Shadan Saul Guerrero soprano
Sunny Shams tenor
Oct 16, 2015 – 2:00 pm Sidney
Oct 17, 2015 – 7:30 pm Victoria
Octl 18, 2015 – 2:30 pm Duncan
Enjoy love duets from Puccini’s Tosca and Madam Butterfly, solos from Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific. This is a delightful programme with more than a hint of Andrea Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins.
A Downton Abbey Valentine
Rebecca Hass mezzo soprano
February 12, 2016 – 7:30 pm Victoria
February 14, 2016 – 2:30 pm Duncan
February 17, 2016 – 2:00 pm Sidney
With "Downton Abbey" in its final season we are inspired to celebrate the music of the Victorian and Edwardian Eras. In reality it was the hey-day of the musical genre known as “palm court”. It was also the period of that other TV series "Upstairs, Downstairs" and the film "Gosforth Park." The programme will include drawing room ballads, songs from light opera and operetta and a sing-a-long from the British Music Hall.
2014-2015 Season Archives
 Around the World in 80 Days
Frederick Hodges pianoforte
April 10, 2015 – 2:30 pm Sidney
April 11, 2015 – 7:30 pm Victoria
April 12, 2015 – 2:30 pm Duncan
Victor Young’s famous song sends us on a musical journey that includes The Warsaw Concerto, music by Eric Coates, Leroy Anderson and Robert Farnon. Enjoy another unique programme from your favourite light orchestra.
Valentine Diva
Lambroula Pappas soprano
February 13, 2015 – 2:30 pm Sidney
February 14, 2015 – 7:30 pm Victoria
February 15, 2015 – 2:30 pm Duncan
This year’s Valentine concert presents one of Vancouver’s finest sopranos in a program to warm the heart. It features beautiful opera arias from Tosca, Madame Butterfly and La Boheme as well as Ave Maria and Sigmund Romberg’s Desert Song.
With a Song in my Heart
Kristin Hoff mezzo soprano
October 17, 2014 – 2:30 pm Sidney
October 18, 2014 – 7:30 pm Victoria
October 19, 2014 – 2:30 pm Duncan
A smorgasbord of light music, our concert features everything from George Frederick Handel to Richard Rodgers and includes Arthur Sullivan’s The Gondoliers and selections from the Broadway hit Damn Yankees.
2013-2014 Season Archives
Valentine 2014
Shadan Saul Guerrero soprano
Sunny Shams tenor
February 14, 2014 – 2:30 pm Sidney
February 15, 2014 – 7:30 pm Victoria
February 16, 2014 – 2:30 pm Duncan
Our Valentine to you features two young singers in love duets from Puccini’s La Boheme, as well as operettas by Franz Lehar, Sigmund Romberg, Victor Herbert, Ivor Novello and Johann Strauss.
Flying Down to Rio
Peter Soave accordion
October 19, 2013 – 7:30 pm Victoria
October 20, 2013 – 2:30 pm Duncan
October 22, 2013 – 2:30 pm Sidney
Enjoy the tango, bossa nova, paso doble, samba and The Girl from Ipanema. Join the Orchestra in a journey to Latin America including the music of Astor Piazzolla, Antônio Carlos Jobim and Leonard Bernstein.
 A Boston Pops Tribute
December 7, 2013 – 7:30 pm Victoria
December 8, 2013 – 2:30 pm Duncan
December 10, 2013 – 2:30 pm Sidney
Our celebration of Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops includes the music of Leroy Anderson, Henry Mancini, John Williams and Canadian Robert Farnon. Hits of the 1950’s include Sleigh Ride, Peanut Polka and Moon River.
2012-2013 Season Archives
 Downton Abbey
Sunny Shams tenor
November 17, 2012 – 7:30 pm Victoria
November 18, 2012 – 2:30 pm Duncan
November 20, 2012 – 2:30 pm Sidney
BBC tv’s award-winning series celebrating music from The Titanic, Upstairs Downstairs, Victorian and Edwardian ballads and the British Music Hall.
Rhapsody in Blue
Frederick Hodges pianoforte
February 16, 2013 – 7:30 pm Victoria
February 17, 2013 – 2:30 pm Duncan
February 19, 2013 – 2:30 pm Sidney
Our tribute to George Gershwin and the American Song Book includes selections from Porgy & Bess, Embraceable You, A Foggy Day, Fascinating Rhythm.
Over the Rainbow
Kathryn Whitney mezzo soprano
April 13, 2013 – 7:30 pm Victoria
April 14, 2013 – 2:30 pm Duncan
April 16, 2013 – 2:30 pm Sidney
Celebrate Hollywood’s MGM Musicals including Easter Parade, Singing in the Rain, The Wizard of Oz and Annie Get Your Gun. Memories of Judy Garland and Gene Kelly.
2011–2012 Season Archives
 Be My Love
The Mario Lanza Project
Kenneth Lavigne tenor
February 11, 2012 – 7:30 pm Victoria
February 12, 2012 – 2:30 pm Duncan*
February 14, 2012 – 2:30 pm Sidney
A Valentine Day celebration of romance
featuring songs made famous by America’s
greatest tenor.
*Please note this Duncan concert is at the Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre.
 Some Enchanted Evening
Andrew Greenwood baritone
November 5, 2011 – 7:30 pm Victoria
November 6, 2011 – 2:30 pm Duncan
November 8, 2011 – 2:30 pm Sidney
Salute American musical theatre with Broadway’s greatest shows including Oklahoma, Kiss Me Kate,The King & I, Showboat and Gypsy.
Roses of Picardy
Sarah Fryer mezzo soprano
October 1, 2011 – 7:30 pm Victoria
October 2, 2011 – 2:30 pm Duncan
October 4, 2011 – 2:30 pm Sidney
Sipping afternoon tea at the Empress amidst potted palms as Victoria’s high society celebrates its Edwardian heritage.
2010–2011 Season Archives
British Musical Theatre
Michelle Todd soprano
February 19, 2011 – 7:30 pm Victoria
February 20, 2011 – 2:30 pm Duncan
February 22, 2011 - 2:30 pm Sidney
London’s West End, has always been a centre of entertainment. This concert featuring Calgary soprano Michelle Todd presents music by Gilbert & Sullivan, Ivor Novello, Noel Coward and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The Romantic Violin
Ann Fontanella violin
November 6, 2010 – 7:30 pm Victoria
November 7, 2010 – 2:30 pm Duncan
November 9, 2010 – 2:30 pm Sidney
Philadelphia violinist Ann Fontanella stars in a tribute to the great violinists. Music by Fritz Kreisler and Jascha Heifetz are featured along with film music from Schindler’s List and Ladies in Lavender.
 The Roaring Twenties
Federick Hodges piano
September 25, 2010 – 7:30 pm Victoria
September 26, 2010 – 2:30 pm Duncan
September 28, 2010 – 2:30 pm Sidney
Back by popular demand San Francisco ragtime pianist Frederick Hodges headlines this concert of dance music from the 1920s featuring the Charleston, the Black Bottom and those naughty flappers.
2009 – 2010 Concert Season Archives
On a Spring Note
Karina Choe soprano
April 10–7:30 pm Duncan
April 11–2:30 pm Victoria
April 13– 2:30 pm Sidney
Our April concert will showcase the stunning operatic voice of Korean soprano Karina Choe. It features selections from West Side Story, Parisian comic opera, and even La Boheme. We shall of course include many Palm Court favourites to complete your enjoyment. The flowers that bloom in the Spring…
Blue Danube
Lambroula Pappas soprano
Janos Sandor guest conductor
February 20–7:30 pm Victoria
February 21– 2:30 pm Duncan
February 23– 2:30 pm Sidney
Journey down the Danube between the great cities of Vienna and Budapest and experience the delightful waltzes and polkas of the Strauss family, the operettas of Franz Lehar and Emmerich Kalman, and selections from The White Horse Inn. Celebrate Life and Love!
Alexander’s Ragtime Band
Frederick Hodges pianoforte
November 7–7:30 pm Victoria
November 8–2:30 pm Duncan
November 10-2:30 pm Sidney
All the way from Berkeley, California ragtime pianist Frederick Hodges presents the music of the Roaring Twenties and the age of the silent movie. Music by Hubie Blake, Scott Joplin and Irving Berlin will have you snapping your fingers, tapping our toes and dancing the Charleston or the saucey Black Bottom. Absolutely daring and outrageous!
2008–2009 Concert Season Archives
An English Country Garden
Nancy Washeim, soprano
Charles Job, conductor
May 17–2:30 pm Duncan
May 24–2:30 pm Victoria
May 26–2:30 pm Sidney*
*Date on the 2008-09 Concert Season print brochure is incorrect.
Named after Percy Grainger’s famous tune, this concert puts a spring in our steps with wonderful music in the true Palm Court style. Waltzes, marches, romantic intermezzi and show selections all make for a wonderful afternoon. This year we feature music from Carousel and Brigadoon.
O Danny Boy
Kenneth Lavigne, tenor
Charles Job, conductor
October 11–7:30 pm Victoria
October 15– 2:30 pm Sidney
October 19– 2:30 pm Duncan
Join the Orchestra in the Emerald Isles to celebrate the songs of the great Irish tenor John McCormick including Danny Boy, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, and Macushla. At this concert, the Orchestra and Ken Lavigne will release their new CD, Love’s Old Sweet Song.
Gypsy Carnival
Marianne Olyver, violin/conductor
March 7– 7:30 pm Victoria
March 8 –2:00 pm Duncan
March 10– 2:30 pm Sidney
British violinist Marianne Olyver leads the Orchestra in an exuberant, fun-filled concert of gypsy music including Brahm’s Hungarian Dances, Monti’s Csárdás, the Tango Jealousy and selections from Fiddler on the Roof. Get out your dancing shoes!
2007–2008 Concert Season Archives
An English Country Garden
Timmy Chooi, violin
Charles Job, conductor
2:30 pm May 18 Mill Bay
2:30 pm May 20 Sidney NEW!
2:30 pm May 25 Victoria
A wonderful gift for Mother’s Day! Beautiful music and fragrant flowers provide the setting for this first annual English Country Garden celebration of Spring. Conductor Charles Job and the Orchestra feature Victoria violin prodigy, Timothy Chooi, in a program of music by violin virtuosos-turned-composers Pablo Sarasate, Henri Wieniawski and Vienna’s Fritz Kreisler. Memorable music performed in the authentic Palm Court style. Join us in the lobby for our 21st Anniversary retrospective display.
Embraceable You
Barbara Blair , vocalist
Charles Job, conductor
7:30 pm October 6 Victoria
2:30 pm October 14 Mill Bay
2:30pm October 23 Sidney
Join Victoria diva Barbara Blair and the Orchestra featuring pianist Karel Roessingh in a tribute to the great voices of Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney and Sarah Vaughan accompanied by the Hollywood arrangements of Paul Weston and Nelson Riddle. Enjoy the songs of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern and Richard Rodgers.“Barbara’s voice is like warm cocoa on a winter’s night.” Leonard Camplin, Okanagan Symphony
 Operettas of the Silver Screen
Charlotte Corwin , soprano
Dr Donald Hunsberger, guest conductor
Charles Job, conductor
7:30 pm February 9 Victoria
2:30 pm February 10 Mill Bay
2:30pm February 12 Sidney
From New York’s renowned Eastman Wind Ensemble, Donald Hunsberger guest conducts Montreal soprano Charlotte Corwin and the Orchestra in the great operettas of the silver screen. Enjoy the music of Victor Herbert, Rudolf Friml and Sigmund Romberg in selections from The Desert Song, Rose Marie, Naughty Marietta and The Student Prince. The program evokes memories of screen idols Nelson Eddy, Jeanette MacDonald and Mario Lanza. Romance your sweetheart this Valentine’s.
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