Epic Spirit may be the Vancouver Symphony’s season finale but it’s also the world premiere of the composition Inventions.
Inventions was composed by Pierre Simard, symphony artistic director, in collaboration with Nathalie Cusson, a film director and artist, and Vancouver composer Jason Nett. The piece also includes narration by Nadya Blanchette. The four artists combine to form the group Plan Omega Collective.
“I found software which has brought me to the world of music for video games, TV and cinema – music I am very interested in,” said Simard in a press release. “I discovered recordings of live instruments and libraries with very high level samples. This has driven my composing and creative process in new, unexpected and exciting ways.”
For the first time, the Vancouver Island Symphony will combine the orchestra and symphonic choirs with electronic tracks that Simard will control from his conductor’s podium.
The composition features 14 movements that take people through time, paying homage to inventions and their inventors through the ages.
It includes audio visual elements. There are a series of movie-type trailers for each invention, including the wheel, compass, printing press and others.
“Not only am I composing original charts for the musicians and choirs, but creating computer generated music that will fill the theatre,” said Simard. “Onscreen will be original movies incorporating tradition film, computer-generated motion graphics and stock footage.”
The VIS Symphic Choir and Children’s Choir will also be performing.
Epic Spirit also features Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.
The concert is Saturday (April 22) at 7:30 p.m. at the Port Theatre. Tickets for Epic Spirit range in price from $33 to $54 or are $18 for students available in advance by calling 250-754-8550 or by visiting www.porttheatre.com. There is a pre-concert chat at 6:30 p.m.
For more information about the Vancouver Island Symphony, please visit www.vancouverislandsymphony.com.