The Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO) is finding new ways to fulfill its mandate of bringing live orchestral music to the north with a three-part online concert series starting on Valentine’s Day. 

For their Feb. 14 offering, the PGSO has chosen a piece composed by Wagner for his wife on her birthday. While stay-at-home romance is encouraged, musicians will be performing spread out in the spacious ballroom at the Prestige Treasure Cove Resort without a live audience.

Michael Hall will conduct the PGSO who will play for a virtual audience. Photo courtesy of the PGSO.

With the help of Russell Audio Visual, a local company that has emerged as a first choice for professional live streams in the city, PGSO's General Manager Theresa Saunders points to the unique opportunity presented by the live stream for a more immersive experience. Five cameras will be operating during the performance. 

“People will get an up close and personal look at the orchestra playing... The communication between musicians, the communication between the conductor and musicians in ways you don’t see when you’re sitting in the concert hall," Saunders said.

Like many orchestras globally, the PGSO is working to ensure a younger audience is welcomed to their performances and encourage students to attend virtually, even if they do not yet identify as fans of orchestral music. The selections for the final of the scheduled live streams, Baroque Hits!, offers popular and widely recognized music such as Pachabel’s Canon, known to many as the wedding song, Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, and other accessible favourites.

When asked about the potential barriers to access for audience members unfamiliar with live streams, Saunders says the PGSO will be available to answer questions as needed.

Tickets are available online, over the phone, and in person at the PGSO office.

For more information, visit pgso.com. 

Listen to the interview on CFUR-FM: