It’s beginning to sound a lot like springtime.
The Winnipeg Pops Orchestra and a cast of special guests celebrate the season with their “The Sound of Spring” concert this week.
A community group of players, the programming features an assortment of lively orchestral favourites plus some selections from the beloved “The Sound of Music” score.
Music meant not only to be enjoyed by the players but the audience too, hopes conductor Owen Clark.
“(The WPO prioritizes) the importance of providing a musical experience for (the audience) that they may not get anywhere else,” says Clark.
Iconic tunes like Sabre Dance, St. Louis Blues and a Duke Ellington medley will be performed by the 65-member group of musicians.
“This is a chance to present music of an older generation,” says Clark. “Great music.”
Joining the WPO are the Springfield Theatre Company singers – who perform selections from The Sound of Music – and xylophonist Nathan Gibbens, featured soloist in Khachaturian's Sabre Dance.
Vocalist Michele Wood is set to once again collaborate with the WPO, an opportunity she’s very much looking forward to.
“It's fantastic,” she says, when asked about singing with orchestra.
A longtime performer in the city, Wood has been a part of Rainbow Stage and Gilbert and Sullivan Society productions and can be seen onstage with other bands around town.
“Michele is one of those singers that involves you with what she is presenting,” says Clark. “She’s just an all-round great performer.”
"The Sound of Spring" concert takes place on Thursday, May 16 at the Lutheran Church of the Cross (560 Arlington St.), beginning at 7 p.m.
Tickets and more information available at: www.winnipegpops.com
