The season premiere of the Okanogan Valley Orchestra & Chorus (OVOC) on Oct. 20 will involve the audience in a fun quest for answers to musical “trivia” questions.
While audiences may be accustomed to requests to silence their cell phones, at OVOC’s “Musical Pursuit,” audience members will be invited to test their musical knowledge as they respond in real time, competing for the championship. Or they can simply sit back and enjoy the communal experience of listening to live music.
The orchestra has a dramatic program for the concert, including Grieg’s “Peer Gynt Suite,” Hector Berlioz’s “March to the Scaffold,” “Mars” from “The Planets” by Gustav Holst, and a waltz from “The Sleeping Beauty” ballet by Tchaikovsky.
The choir is performing “Bohemian Rhapsody” and selections from several musicals and movies — from “La La Land,” Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore,” and “May It Be” from The Lord of the Rings. They’re also indulging in a humorous number called “Beethoven’s Wig” and a Chopin prelude.
The orchestra and chorus welcome newcomers and encourage anyone interested in singing or playing an instrument to join. Chorus rehearsals are Mondays at 7 p.m. in the Omak High School choir room. Orchestra rehearsals are Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Omak High School band room.
This is OVOC’s 28th year of live concerts at the Omak Performing Arts Center. As part of their mission of introducing music to young people, OVOC has always offered free admission to youths. This season, admission is free for everyone under 14.
“Musical Pursuit” is on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 3 p.m. at the Omak Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, and free for those 14 and under. Season tickets (includes a ticket to OVOC’s spring musical) are $55 for adults and $50 for seniors.
