PEI String Collective

On December 7 at 2:30 pm, the PEI String Collective will present its Autumn concert at St. Paul’s in Charlottetown, featuring the PEI premiere of Shostakovich’s “String Quartet No. 8” (string orchestra version). Written in 1960 and dedicated to the “victims of fascism and war,” this powerful piece feels especially relevant in today’s uncertain and tense times.

The orchestra will also welcome special guest Noah Malcolm, who will perform several of his songs, including new releases “January” and “Cereal,” with custom string arrangements written by Natalie Williams Calhoun. 

With five Music PEI and two ECMA nominations in 2024, Island singer-songwriter Noah Malcolm is making his mark. He has appeared at M for Montreal, Lunenburg Folk Fest, Cavendish Beach Music Festival, JUNOFest, and the ECMA’s, and performed with the PEI Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his folk-pop solo work, Malcolm is a versatile songwriter with CYMBA Music, attending song camps in Lunenburg, Toronto, Madrid, and Helsinki. An active composer, he has scored numerous short films, TV scores, and his first feature-length film in 2023 (Paramount Plus). He is currently working on his debut full-length album.

The program will also include “Experience” by Ludovico Einaudi, “Ghost Milonga” by Jonathan Geer, and “The Merry Go Round of Life” from Howl’s Moving Castle by Joe Hisaishi.

Admission is by free-will donation, supporting the orchestra and their guest artist.

The PEI String Collective is a community-funded string orchestra comprising professional string players, music students, and community amateurs. Founded in 2021 as part of the UPEI Music Department, it transitioned to a community orchestra this year. With members coming from as far afield as Morell and Summerside, the orchestra rehearses once weekly with conductor Natalie Williams Calhoun.