Joseph Johnson, the Principal Cello of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, joins the Oakville Chamber Orchestra as they kick off the holiday season this Sunday, November 8th with Vivaldi and Company.

The concert is filled with rhythmic energy and contrasting musical moods, from the grandeur of Corelli’s Christmas Concerto to the dramatic Quartettsatz and the uplifting sounds of Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 4. Bringing together works from the Baroque and Romantic periods, the program explores two central themes: celebrating the Christmas season and showcasing the talent of its featured soloist. Corelli’s Christmas Concerto is a particularly fitting choice for the occasion. Its final movement, a traditional Italian dance known as a Siciliana, evokes the image of shepherds in the fields watching the Star of Bethlehem. With its tranquil, faith-filled character, the movement captures the beauty and spirit of the Christmas story. 

Audiences can also look forward to Vivaldi’s Cello Concerto, full of striking energy, and Tchaikovsky’s Andante Cantabile, a beautiful showcase of the cello’s lyrical and expressive qualities.

For the orchestra's musicians, performing alongside a world-class soloist brings an added level of excitement and inspiration. An outstanding performer encourages greater focus, listening and concentration among the ensemble, ultimately raising the level of the performance. For audiences, it is an opportunity to experience a musician of Johnson's calibre right here in Oakville.

“From the audience's point of view, they get a truly world-class artist, right here in Oakville, for much less than they'd pay in Toronto! What's not to love?”, said Charles Demuynck, the orchestra’s music director.

The contrasting musical styles also offer audiences an opportunity to appreciate the different qualities of orchestral music. While Bach's intricate compositions engage the mind with their complexity, the lighter, more spirited works of Italian composers Vivaldi and Corelli offer a different kind of enjoyment. The Romantic works of Schubert and Tchaikovsky, meanwhile, bring warmth, passion and expressive depth.

“The sound of a string orchestra is homogenous (because all of the instruments produce sound in the same way), and it's really beautiful, especially with Tchaikovsky's melodies and harmonies. Pop and Jazz musicians such as the Beatles and Charlie Parker have used string orchestra because it gives a warmth that is not achievable by other musical means. The majority of films use a string orchestra sound at some point” Demuynck said.

Schubert’s Quartettsatz is a particular highlight for Demuynck who describes it as a personal favourite and a piece he has been considering programming for some time.

“Although "Quartettsatz" just means "Quartet movement", this title doesn't come close to expressing the passion and drama of the music; in those days composers didn't think about naming their works for marketing, as we do today. They just let the music speak for itself. Everyone listening takes away their own impression of what it means.”

Its dramatic and passionate character makes it especially compelling. Although Quartettsatz simply translates to “quartet movement,” the understated title does little to convey the emotional intensity of the music. Rather than giving the work a descriptive name, Schubert allows the music to speak for itself, leaving listeners to form their own interpretations.

Moving between these musical periods also requires the musicians to adapt their playing styles. Baroque works by Corelli, Vivaldi and Bach call for a lighter bow technique and more restrained vibrato, while the Romantic compositions of Schubert and Tchaikovsky require a richer, warmer sound and more expressive phrasing.

Beyond the music itself, the concert reflects the orchestra's commitment to community. Many of its musicians are volunteers who live in the area, and sharing great orchestral music with Oakville audiences is central to the organization's mission. The hope is that concertgoers will leave entertained and emotionally and intellectually stimulated.

For those new to classical music, Vivaldi and Company offers an inviting introduction, combining familiar musical qualities with the opportunity to discover something new. From the warmth of the strings to the energy of the Baroque repertoire and the expressive melodies of the Romantic period, the program promises a festive and enriching start to the holiday season.