The Okanogan Valley Orchestra & Chorus present a line-up of sophisticated music on Sunday (Feb. 8) that will appeal to families and children of all ages.
The orchestra, under the direction of Don Pearce, will play favorites by Leroy Anderson, an accomplished composer of light classics. This medley includes his “Blue Tango” and “The Syncopated Clock,” whose stealthy rhythm and melody will be familiar to many in the audience. The group will also play the aptly named “A Hectic Overture,” an award-winning composition for school orchestras.
“A Disney Super Time” — an assortment of songs from Mary Poppins, including “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” will bring back memories for adults and enchant younger members of the audience.
A particular highlight of the concert is local, through and through — the world premiere of “Stampede!” written for the orchestra by Okanogan Chorus director Jonathan McBride. Through inventive rhythmic and melodic variations, McBride conjures up the sunrise, cowboys, a hoedown and the Stampede itself.
In addition to leading the choir and teaching music in Pateros from kindergarten through 12th grade, McBride has had several of his compositions published.
McBride will conduct the chorus in a medley from the Disney favorite Frozen, including the songs “Fixer Upper,” “For the First Time in Forever” and “Love Is an Open Door.”
Another highlight is an a cappella arrangement of “Some Nights,” made popular by the Grammy-nominated group Fun., with lyrics that explore the meaning of life.
The Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts” and an arrangement of a piano prelude by Frederic Chopin for choir round out the chorus’ performance. Several vocal soloists will be featured in the concert.
The audience is invited to come early and join orchestra members for the Kids’ Corner, where children can learn about different instruments and hear the sounds they make. During the concert, kids will be invited onstage for an up-close-and-personal sense of music-making when the orchestra plays the songs from “Mary Poppins.”
The concert starts at 3 p.m. at the Omak Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for youths, and free for those under 12.
Masquerade ball fundraiser
Supporters of the Okanogan Valley Orchestra & Chorus — and lovers of dance and delicious food — are invited to a Masquerade Ball on Valentine’s Day.
People can grab their favorite friend or loved one — or come on their own — for dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions. Attendees are encouraged to don their best formal attire and masks, although that is not required. Dinner is catered by the Breadline Café.
The fundraiser ball is on Feb. 14, at the Old Flour Mill (96 Pine St. in Okanogan) at 6 p.m. Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are $40 per person. They are available from Lynn Hoover at (509) 322-0261 or Lisa Lindsay at (509) 560-3828.
