UPEI Department of Music

The UPEI Department of Music continues its concert series this month with performances by the prestigious New Orford String Quartet, a faculty recital, and the UPEI Wind Symphony. All concerts begin at 7:30 pm.

On November 1, the New Orford String Quartet will perform on the SDU Stage at Dr. Steel Recital Hall. Comprised of four elite orchestral leaders and soloists—Andrew Wan, Jonathan Crow, Sharon Wei, and Brian Manker—the quartet has been described by the Toronto Star as “nothing short of electrifying.” The program will feature works by W.A. Mozart, Franz Schubert, and the PEI premiere of Métis composer Ian Cusson’s “Yume (Dreams),” inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s film of the same name.

The Department of Music will showcase several of its faculty members in recital on November 8 on the SDU Stage at Dr. Steel Recital Hall. This annual recital, popular among students and the public alike, features a diverse range of instruments and repertoire. The performance includes Stephen Bouey (baritone), Hannah O’Donnell (mezzo-soprano), Morgan Saulnier (flute), Dale Sorensen (trombone), Nicole Strum (saxophone), and Magdalena von Eccher (piano).

On November 28, the UPEI Wind Symphony will present Wind, Sand, and Stars, a program of music inspired by nature. Directed by Dale Sorensen, with guest conductor Nicole Strum, the program will include an arrangement of Bedřich Smetana’s “Vltava (The Moldau),” a symphonic poem depicting Bohemia’s great Vltava River, alongside works by Canadian composers John Herberman (“The Fisher Who Died in His Bed”), Nova Pon (“Tilting Sunward”), Dana Reason (“Currents”), and Barbara York (“River of Stars”). Of special note will be the PEI premiere of “Wind, Sand, and Stars” by Kevin Lau, commissioned in 2024 by a consortium of 25 North American wind ensembles, including the UPEI Wind Symphony. The concert will take place at UPEI’s Performing Arts Centre theatre.

Visit upei.ca/music for tickets.