Beethoven’s Classic Marks Symphony NB's Return to the Stage
SAINT JOHN, N.B. – After a four-month hibernation, Symphony New Brunswick (SNB) is back in action with "Hope Springs Eternal", a thrilling program that features Beethoven's popular and majestic 7th Symphony. The program also includes the world premiere of "Symphonic Songs of Hope", created in partnership with Sophia Recovery Centre and composed by Ludmila Knezkova-Hussey of New Brunswick. The concert will open with Florence Price's lush and compelling "Andante Moderato" for strings.
"This concert is inspired by the spirit resilience", says SNB Music Director Mélanie Léonard. "Of course this is clear in the case of Beethoven, who wrote this joyous masterpiece in spite of increasing deafness. It's further amplified by our partnership with Sophia Recovery Centre, which facilitated the development of the text for "Symphonic Songs of Hope". And our soloist, internationally acclaimed Turkish-Canadian mezzo-soprano Beste Kalender, is a perfect fit for this premiere, being both a mental health clinician and social worker. We're confident the evening will help end our forlorn winter by putting a spring in our step".
Julie Atkinson, executive director of Sophia Recovery Centre, reflected on the partnership by noting, "At Sophia Recovery Centre, we know that healing is about more than just recovery—it’s about reconnecting with joy, community, and the beauty of life. That’s why we are so thrilled to collaborate with SNB, bringing the transformative power of music to the women we support. This partnership is a testament to the incredible things that happen when organizations come together with a shared vision of hope and empowerment".
"This joint project is a powerful expression of strength and creativity", added the centre’s Events Coordinator Adrienne Buckley. "Through their lyrics, the women of Sophia Recovery Centre have shared their experiences with courage and authenticity. The result is a celebration of resilience, reclaiming one's voice, and the deep connections formed when we share our stories."
The Saint John performance on Wednesday, March 19th will be prefaced by a pre-concert discussion at 6:30 pm hosted by SNB President Reid Parker. All concertgoers are invited to attend.
Schedule
Monday, March 17 at 7:30 pm: Moncton – The Capitol
Tuesday, March 18 at 7:30 pm: Fredericton – The Playhouse
Wednesday, March 19 at 7:30 pm: Saint John – Louis Vermeersch Theatre (Samuel-de-Champlain School)
Media Contact
Adam Masson
Marketing & Community Relations Manager
Symphony New Brunswick
506-634-8383
marketing@symphonynb.ca
About Beste Kalender, Mezzo-soprano
Described as “a voice to watch” (Opera Canada) and “scene-stealing” (Calgary Herald) with “an immediately captivating presence” (Opera News), Turkish-Canadian mezzo soprano Beste Kalender’s first appearance at Carnegie Hall was in 2017 as part of the Spotlight Recital Series, after which she was featured as the Artist of Month by Musical America Worldwide. She returned to Carnegie Hall in 2018 for the Marilyn Horne Song Celebration, along with several other internationally celebrated artists.
A frequent performer on concert and opera stages internationally, Beste made her professional debut in the title role of Bizet’s Carmen with Calgary Opera. Her dramatic participation on the opening night was widely acclaimed in the media: “…on one hours’ notice, mezzo-soprano Beste Kalender, originally scheduled to sing the role of Mercedes, learned that she would have to sing the title role. This she did, and with remarkable success…” (Calgary Herald).
Among her many accolades, Beste was named Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyriques in Canada and won the Sylva-Gelber Foundation Award, the Inaugural Stuart Hamilton Memorial Award, and the Prix Jeune Espoir Lyrique du Canada from Théâtre Lyrichorégra 20. Beste holds an Artist Diploma in Voice from The RCM’s Glenn Gould School. She also graduated with a Master’s Degree in Developmental Psychology from University of Toronto, where she studied music cognition and development, and is a professional mental health clinician and registered social worker.
About Symphony New Brunswick
SNB operates the province's only full-scale, full-season professional orchestra. It works in tandem with several affiliated smaller ensembles, including the Saint John String Quartet, the Dieppe-based wind quintet Ventus Machina, and Résonance, a new music ensemble in Saint John. Through top-notch performances, educational programs, and community partnerships, SNB promotes the awareness and appreciation of symphonic music in an increasingly diverse New Brunswick.