A brand-new orchestra of professional Red Deer musicians is gearing up to perform for Central Alberta audiences.
“We love playing in our own city, and we also wanted to make the local arts and culture scene more vibrant,” said Jim Bicigo, one of the co-founders of the Central Alberta Chamber Orchestra.
Many members of this new group, including Bicigo and his wife Karen Gustafson, were former instructors at Red Deer Polytechnic, which shut down its music programs in 2018.
Since then, the professional musicians, based in Red Deer, had largely been playing in Edmonton and Calgary, but wanted to be able to perform in and around their own city.
While there’s no longer a college music program here, Bicigo believes the orchestra’s birth signals that music and new educational opportunities can carry on in central Alberta.
“Sometimes you’ve got to be the one that makes it happen. Why sit around and wait if you can create that opportunity for ourselves?” added Bicigo, who believes there’s plenty of room for another professional orchestra, besides the Red Deer Symphony.
Plans are in the works for the Central Alberta Chamber Orchestra to travel in the region, bringing professional classical and pop concerts to communities that otherwise would not get a chance to hear live orchestral music. Bicigo envisions future trips to Innisfail, Rocky Mountain House and other surrounding communities.
He said the group will also be looking for ways to spread music education.
The orchestra officially launched on Thursday at its first concert at the Snell Theatre in the Red Deer Public Library, featuring music by Val Sherman and Bicigo. Performers were Bicigo, Sherman, Gustafson, Melody McKnight, Joyce Howdle, Louise McMurray, Dale Wheeler, Naomie Delafield, Josh Flynn and Danica Hoffart.
Next is a Christmas concert on Dec. 4 at the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre. Bicigo said the music and the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is on the program.
Two more performances are planned for the first half of 2023, featuring music by Copland, Schubert, Stravinsky and original compositions by group members. Bicigo hopes the next 2023-24 season will include more shows.
The Central Alberta Chamber Orchestra was formed in Red Deer as an outgrowth of the Central Alberta Chamber Players, and Trio Brio.
The Central Alberta Chamber Orchestra is now forming a non-profit board and looking for grant opportunities. Anyone wanting more information, or is interested in becoming a board member, fundraiser, or volunteer can get in touch through Facebook (Central Alberta Chamber Players https://www.facebook.com/jimbicigo), or email jimbicigo@gmail.com, or call (403) 598-3843.