The Nelson Overture Concerts Society is pleased to announce its 54th season of classical music performances.

This season’s four-concert schedule offers the usual brilliant musicality that the series is accustomed, as well as some extra spice for those who are not as familiar with the classical concert series.

Building from last season’s acclaimed success, the Overture board is thrilled to bring a record number of performers to the Capitol Theatre this season.

“We have a very ambitious schedule”, said Overture Series spokesman Ron McDougall,” but the fruits of our labour will definitely pay-off.”

The first concert in this year’s program is Friday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre in Nelson,

“We are proud to present Vancouver-based Quartango for this season’s premier performance”, said McDougall of the award-winning group.

Comprised of four highly accomplished musicians who are bound by their shared passion for the tango.

Quartango are driven by an unceasing desire to make a close connection with their audience.

Quartango offers a performance filled with subtle nuances and a blend of colours that reflect both the classical and modern effervescence of the milonga.

The second concert is Saturday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. and features the prize-winning Czech pianist Alexander Tselyakov and his son Daniel.

Tselyakov has performed as a guest soloist with some of the world’s most renowned orchestras including the Leningrad Philharmonic, the Moscow Philharmonic, and the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra.

On Sunday, March 7, the Nelson Overture Concerts Society — with generous sponsorship by The Nelson and District Credit Union — welcomes the Vancouver Chamber Choir.

The choir is one of Canada’s outstanding professional vocal ensembles. Conductor Jon Washburn and his 20 singers continue to impress audiences with the depth of their interpretive skills and a repertoire that encompasses chant, folksong, traditional, avant-garde, a cappella, orchestra and jazz.

The ensemble has gained international distinction in the United States, China, Hong Kong, Finland, Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and has performed frequently with distinguished ensembles such as the Stockholm and Moscow Chamber Choirs; conductors Tonu Kaljuste and Andrew Litton; singers Ben Heppner and Ian Partridge; and the Canadian Brass.

For the final concert, NOCS is pleased to showcase the Symphony of the Kootenays. “For the second year in-a-row, the Nelson Credit Union stepped up when we had the opportunity to bring in this large ensemble. Their support means the entire community benefits from music of this caliber,” saidNOCS spokesman McDougall.

Under director Bruce Dunn, flautist Lorna McGhee and harpist Heidi Krutzen - the internationally celebrated duo will join the Symphony of the Kootenays.

This orchestra is a perennial favourite with Nelson audiences and the only orchestra providing live classical music concerts in the Kootenays.

“We are proud and excited with our concert line up this year. We hope to see full attendance for each and every show”.

Series tickets are now available at the Capitol Theatre Box office. Single concert tickets will be released before each performance.

For tickets or further concert information call the Capitol box office at 250 352 6363.