Coles Woodwinds

PRESS RELEASE

January 15, 2008.

According to Barb Parker, General Manager of the PGSO, Simon Cole approached Les Dala, Music Director, almost two years ago with an idea for a composition subsequently named One Song Universus. The organization felt that Simon’s inspiration provided a message that had universal relevance to audiences and that would lend itself well to the mission of the PGSO which includes serving northern BC specifically, developing new audiences, providing opportunities for cultural bridging, and connecting with youth. Thus, the “Northern Quest” project was born, to include the commission of One Song Universus by Simon Cole, a mainstage concert premier on May 17, 2008 in Prince George, school performances in Prince George and northern BC, plus a northern BC tour.

Simon’s piece, written for soprano and orchestra, tells a story set in northern Canada. The themes include beauty, grandeur, the balance of nature, the interconnectedness of all things, and the need to look inside ourselves for enlightenment. The story depicts a land where all things are bound together in harmony by a common musical thread or song. As the people get busier and busier, the musical thread is lost and chaos ensues. The people go on a quest to find the lost song and after searching the world over and overcoming many obstacles, they discover that the source of the song is inside them and they come to understand that to hear the music in the world, it must be heard first inside.

Simon Cole wrote the soprano narrative specifically for Marion Newman, a first Nations soprano from Bella Coola who is a sought after Canadian soloist. Ms. Newman is excited about this project and the opportunity to share this work with First Nations communities.

The Vancouver Foundation recognized the value of this composition to the PGSO and northern BC. This $16,000 award is the first project award made to the Symphony from the Foundation. The PGSO is grateful for the monetary assistance and the recognition of the importance and relevance of this project.

Other organizations who have also contributed to the “Northern Quest” project include Canada Council, The Spirit of BC Fund, the Leon and Thea Koerner Foundation, and the Hamber Foundation.

One Song Universus will be premiered May 17, 2008 at Vanier Hall as part of the “Universal Brotherhood” concert that will also include Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Tickets are $29 for adults, $19.50 for seniors and students, $12 for youth and are available at Studio 2880. General inquiries and communities who are interested in a performance of this spectacular new work should contact the PGSO General Manager at Barb@pgso.com or 562-0800.