MUSKOKA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA MIXES FAMILIAR, FUN PIECES WITH CHRISTMAS CLASSICS THIS WEEKEND IN HUNTSVILLE AND GRAVENHURST

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — The ever-expanding Muskoka Philharmonic Orchestra promises another “exciting and versatile repertoire,” this weekend “with many familiar pieces and some newer pieces sure to please our diverse audience.”

In addition, their two wind and string ensemble concerts in Huntsville and Gravenhurst offer choral music by the Muskoka Philharmonic Choir (both concerts), Muskoka Music Centre Children’s Choir (Huntsville concert) and Monsignor Michael O’Leary School Choir (Gravenhurst concert).

Seats are $25 for adults, $15 for students, kids 9 and under free.

The third season of the Muskoka Philharmonic Orchestra begins with Winter Awakening Saturday in Huntsville and Sunday in Gravenhurst. Both concerts are 4 p.m. FILE PHOTOS Muskoka Philharmonic

Alana Nuedling, artistic director and conductor, says: “On behalf of the board of directors and the musicians of the Muskoka Philharmonic Orchestra, I cordially invite you to our third full season; 2025/2026.

Their season begins this weekend with two concerts: ‘Winter’s Awakening’ — both at 4 p.m. — starting Saturday Nov. 22 in Huntsville at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, followed again Sunday afternoon at Trinity United Church in Gravenhurst.

The orchestra’s two other season concerts are ‘Whimsical Musings’ in March; and ‘Strawberry Moon’ in June.

All concerts are in Gravenhurst and Huntsville.

Director Alana Nuedling, right, promises a varied program that will appeal to all musical tastes.

Adds Nuedling: “We are excited to present exciting and versatile repertoire, with many familiar pieces and some newer pieces sure to please our diverse audience.”

In addition to the orchestra, they’re pleased to welcome the MPO Singers, a local childrens choirs, guests soloists and the DaCapo String Ensemble.

For more information, visit muskokaphilharmonic.ca

Program

Ouverture zu Don Giovanni ~ W A Mozart

KV 527 Konzertfassung

Danny Boy ~ Traditional, Arr. M Lewis

Eternal Source of Light Divine ~ G F Handel

Amy Wallace ~ Soprano & Debbie Silverthorne ~ Trumpet

Cinderella’s Waltz ~ S Prokofiev

Suite No. 1 from the ballet “Cinderella”, VII

Arno Liebster’s Viola ~ With Gratitude

Concerto for Two Violas ~ G P Telemann

Anneke Murley-Evenden & Behn Strople ~ soloists

~ Intermission ~

Swan Lake ~ P Tchaikovsky

Suite from the ballet “Swan Lake”, No. 1 Scene & No. 2 Valse

January Hymn ~ C Meloy, Arr. K Sinclair (MMC Jr. Choir – Huntsville only)

Paige Meunier ~ Director

Ugly Sweater ~ J Riggio (MMO School Choir – Gravenhurst only)

Bleak Midwinter’s Silent Night ~

Sarah Geer ~ Director

Cantique de Jean Racine ~ G Fauré

Muskoka Philharmonic Orchestra Singers, Jay Rosenfield accompanist

Polar Express, Concert Suite ~ Arr. J Brubaker

MPO Singers, Muskoka Music Centre Choir/Monsignor Michael O’Leary Choir (Gravenhurst only)

The growing orchestra is expanding not only its musicians, but its program offerings. This year adding not only their own choral group, but two community childrens choirs.

Meet the orchestra:

Violin I                                                              Flute

Anna Nuedling*                                             Tom Regina*

Margot Jewell                                 Jeff Robertson – Piccolo

                                                           Elizabeth McArton – Oboe I

Violin II                                              Shira Taylor – Oboe II

Allison Small*

Jolene Theriault                                             Oboe

Gita Wassmer                                                  Laura Rosenfield – English Horn

                                                                        Judith Lannucci

Viola

Anneke Murley-Evenden*                           Bassoon

Sarah Triemstra                                              Kristine Knight

 

Cello                                                                Clarinet

Behn Strople*                                                 Marielle Deurloo*

Lynda Newton                                                Ronald Jewell

 

Double Bass                                                   Bass Clarinet

Sherri Preuss                                                     Pamela Marshall Gray

Horn                                                                   Trumpet

Karen Richards*                                               Ryan Wettlaufer*

Jane Haapiseva                                                 Debbie Silverthorne **

Keyboard/Piano                                         Percussion

(Celeste/Harp)                                            Michele McCall*

Jay Rosenfield                                                  Kim Barlow Allison Bent **                 

Muskoka Philharmonic Orchestra, Board of Directors
Vaughn Adamson, Allison Bent, Carol Gibson, Gerri Mar, Alana Nuedling

Michele McCall ~ MC,  MPO Concert Volunteers, Jeff Robertson ~ Tech/Stage Management, Anna Nuedling ~ Co-Founder & Personnel Manager, Anneke Murley-Evenden ~ Social Media Liaison

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