The Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) will perform its third concert of the season, entitled “Beethoven and Sirens” at Charlottetown’s Zion Presbyterian Church, at 2:30 pm on March 5. Under the baton of guest conductor Karem J Simon, the concert will feature masterworks by two contemporaries, Gioachino Rossini and Ludwig v. Beethoven. The guest artist is the award-winning Charlottetown-based women’s choir “Sirens,” named after the singing femmes fatales of Greek mythology.

The performance will begin with Rossini’s An Italian in Algiers Overture, a work that, according to Maestro Simon, is “among his most widely recorded works, known for its comedic character.” The voices of Sirens, will then collaborate with the PEISO in performing Randall Thompson’s cantata, The Place of the Blest—a work known for its beautiful melodies, harmonies and simple textures.

Sirens has developed a strong following of supporters. As recipient of several awards at the local and provincial music festivals, the group earned the Richard W. Cooke award at the FCMF National Music Festival, placing first in the Choral Ensemble Class in 2015. That same year, Sirens also received a nomination for Music PEI’s award for Achievement in Classical or Jazz.

During intermission concert goers can purchase fresh citrus fruit as part of the symphony’s annual fundraiser event.

After intermission, the featured classical work is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. The work was premiered in Vienna in 1813 during a gala benefit concert for wounded soldiers. Critics hailed the symphony a “triumph” with the audience clamoring for it to be repeated. Several critics, however, tossed hyperbolic slurs at Beethoven’s creation, characterizing it as the work of a drunkard or a madman. Contemporary listeners will find it a strong, intense work, with compelling rhythms that are pushed into the foreground in all four movements. Even audience members unfamiliar with the piece will probably recognize the powerful and memorable second movement which was featured in the movie “The Kings Speech.”

Tickets will be available at the door or in advance through the Confederation Centre box office for $40 and $15 for students. Visit boxoffice.confederationcentre.com or call 1-800-565-0278.

For information about the March 5 concert as well as the last concert of the symphony’s 2016-17 season which features a performance by violin soloist Marc Djokic on April 23, visit PEISO’s new bilingual webpage at www.peisymphony.com or call 892-4333.

Find solace with Sirens during this season of remembrance. PEI’s award-winning choral ensemble, along side Harmonia Girls’ Choir, will present its first concert program of the 2016-17 concert season this November. “Vigil” will be performed on Friday, November 18, 7:30pm at Park Royal United Church, Charlottetown and Sunday, November 20, 3:00pm at St. Andrew’s United Church, Vernon Bridge.

“Vigil” is an hour-long collection of meditative songs reflecting on themes of remembrance and peace. Beginning in a place of sorrow and loss, the music will eventually move to a place of tranquility and acceptance. Performing repertoire from the contemporary choral canon, including pieces by Leonard Enns, Allan Bevan, Stephen Chatman and Michael McGlynn of Ireland’s Anuna, the compositional style and close harmonies provide the perfect backdrop for personal reflection. Audience members are invited and encouraged to participate in the performance, whether sharing the name of a loved one, lighting a candle in remembrance, or simply closing their eyes to listen.  Sirens will be joined by Stephanie Cole at the piano.

Named after the singing femmes fatales of Greek mythology, Sirens is an award-winning women’s choral ensemble based out of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Since their formation in November 2012, the group has developed a strong following of supporters and has been lauded for its pure tone quality, sensitive musicality and tight ensemble. Sirens produces two full-length concert programs each season while maintaining a busy schedule performing at a variety of concerts, fundraisers, events and workshops. As recipient of several awards at the local and provincial music festivals, Sirens earned the Richard W. Cooke award at the FCMF National Music Festival, placing first in the Choral Ensemble Class in 2015. That same year, Sirens also received a nomination for Music PEI’s award for Achievement in Classical or Jazz. In past seasons, Sirens has been featured at the renowned Indian River Festival and the UPEI Department of Music Recital Series, and has collaborated with the likes of Meaghan Blanchard, Tracy Cantin, Robert Kortgaard, Sean Kemp and The Atlantic String Machine.

Committed to fostering the development of choral music in Prince Edward Island, Sirens initiated Harmonia Girls’ Choir in fall of 2015 to nurture the next generation of PEI’s female choral singers. Lead by Sirens’ Artistic Director Kelsea McLean, and accompanied by pianist Andrea Ellis, the choir provides opportunity for girls between the ages of 12-18 the opportunity to develop strong vocal technique, choral ensemble skills, and a safe place to make music.

Tickets for these performances may be purchased by clicking here.