Behind the Music: A New Beginning

The RDSO's 39th season kicks off in a couple weeks, and we are excited to launch our year with A New Beginning on October 18, 2025! This season premiere is a milestone for us - it's a tribute to our roots and an exciting look at the future of the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra. Our Music Director, Claude Lapalme, says it best: "This concert is a true celebration of new beginnings," and we can't wait to share it with you!

"This concert is a true celebration of new beginnings" -Claude Lapalme

---

Pure Drama and Excitement

The program begins with the dramatic flair of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol:

What to Expect: Prepare for a stunning display of orchestral colour and energy! This piece is pure drama and excitement, and it’s going to set the perfect, energetic tone for what we promise will be our most creative and thrilling season yet.

Fun Fact: The orchestra loved the piece so much that they interrupted the first rehearsal with applause! It was such an instant hit with the musicians that the composer knew he had a masterpiece on his hands - a testament to the piece's electrifying energy and incredible virtuosity for every section.

---

A Homecoming and a Star Solo

We are thrilled to welcome home one of our own - Red Deer Royals alumnus Malena Lorenson! She’s taking centre stage to perform John Williams's Tuba Concerto.

What to Expect: If you’re used to only seeing low brass supporting the rest of the brass section, prepare to be amazed! We're giving this background hero its moment in the spotlight.

Fun Fact: John Williams (yes, the man behind the epic scores of Star Wars and Harry Potter) composed this remarkable concerto to showcase the instrument's versatility, proving that the tuba can be as expressive and virtuosic as any other.

---

A Thrilling Finale

Our program ends with a big and bold musical statement: Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 2.

What to Expect: This is Tchaikovsky at his most robust and vibrant! You’ll hear a powerful performance from a bigger and bolder RDSO than ever before.

Fun Fact: This symphony is affectionately nicknamed the Little Russian and is full of folk songs and nationalistic themes from Ukraine (which was historically referred to as "Little Russia"). Listen for those melodies woven throughout!

---

Join us for an unforgettable night of high-calibre music!

The RDSO is Central Alberta's largest and longest-running professional performing arts organization, and we're dedicated to bringing you the quality of big-city orchestras right here, without the big-city price tag.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Event Details:

• What: A New Beginning, RDSO Season Premiere

• When: Saturday, October 18, 2025

• Where: RDP Arts Centre, Red Deer, Alberta

• Tickets: Available at rdso.ca, by phone at (403) 346-0021, and in person at the RDSO office.