SSO CEO Mark Turner and conductor Rune Bergmann chat all about Idea of North from the travel section of McNally Robinson Booksellers in Saskatoon on February 7th, 2023.
Rune Bergmann, conductor
Norwegian conductor Rune Bergmann is currently Music Director of Canada’s Calgary Philharmonic, Artistic Director & Chief Conductor of Poland’s Szczecin Philharmonic, and Chief Conductor of Switzerland’s Argovia Philharmonic, positions he has held since the 2017/18, 2016/17, and 2020/21 seasons, respectively.
Guest engagements in the 2022/23 season bring Bergmann once again to the podiums of the Baltimore, North Carolina and Malaga Symphony Orchestras. He will also make his debut with the recently formed ADDA Simfonica in Spain.
Bergmann’s recent guest engagements include concert weeks with the Baltimore, Colorado Detroit, Edmonton, Houston, New Jersey and Pacific Symphony Orchestras in North America, and the Bergen Philharmonic, Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana, Orquesta Sinfonica Portuguesa, Norwegian National Opera Orchestra, Orquesta de Valencia, Staatskapelle Halle, Wrocław Philharmonic, and the Risør Festival in Europe, to name a few. Bergmann has also led performances of Il barbiere di Siviglia and La traviata at the Norwegian National Opera, and he made his US operatic debut in Yale Opera’s production of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as staged by Claudia Solti, while previous guest engagements have led him to such auspices as the Oslo Philharmonic, New Mexico Philharmonic, Münchner Symphoniker, Mainfranken Theater Würzburg, Philharmonie Südwestfalen, as well as the symphony orchestras of Malmö, Helsingborg, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Trondheim, Karlskrona, and Odense.
2018 saw the release of Bergmann’s first recording with the Szczecin Philharmonic, which featured the „Resurrection“ Symphony in E-minor by Mieczyław Karłowicz, a piece which has since become a major focus of Bergmann’s repertoire. He has also released recordings with the Argovia Philharmonic, including Ravel’s G-Major Piano Concerto and Mozart’s Bb-Major Bassoon concerto.
Earlier in his career, Rune Bergmann served as First Kapellmeister and deputy-Music Director of the Theater Augsburg, where he led performances of numerous operas, including such titles as La Traviata, Der fliegende Holländer, and Die Fledermaus. He has also served as Principal Guest Conductor of the Kaunas City Symphony, and has been Artistic Director of Norway’s innovative Fjord Cadenza Festival since its inception in 2010.
Jan Lisiecki, piano
Jan Lisiecki’s interpretations and technique speak to a maturity beyond his age. At 27, the Canadian performs over a hundred yearly concerts worldwide, and has worked closely with conductors such as Antonio Pappano, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Daniel Harding, Manfred Honeck, and Claudio Abbado (†).
In 2021/2022, Lisiecki presents a new recital programme featuring Chopins Nocturnes and Études in more than 30 cities all around the globe. Recent return invitations include Boston Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Filarmonica della Scala, Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra for performances at Carnegie Hall and Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. Lisiecki recently performed a Beethoven Lieder cycle with baritone Matthias Goerne, among others at the Salzburg Festival, and has appeared with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Staatskapelle Dresden, Orchestre de Paris, Bavarian Radio Symphony and London Symphony Orchestra.
At the age of fifteen, Lisiecki signed an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon. The label launched its celebrations of the Beethoven Year 2020 with the release of a live recording of all five Beethoven concertos from Konzerthaus Berlin, with Lisiecki leading the Academy of St Martin in the Fields from the piano. His Beethoven Lieder cycle with Matthias Goerne, released shortly after, was awarded the Diapason d’Or. Lisiecki’s eighth recording for the prestigious label, a double album of Frédéric Chopin’s Complete Nocturnes which he also showcases in his current recital programme, appeared in August 2021 and in February 2022 on vinyl, immediately topping the classical charts in North America and Europe. Most recently, his previous solo programme Night Music, featuring works by Mozart, Ravel, Schumann and Paderewski, was released as a digital album. His recordings have been awarded with the JUNO and ECHO Klassik. At eighteen, Lisiecki became both the youngest ever recipient of Gramophone’s Young Artist Award and received the Leonard Bernstein Award. He was named UNICEF Ambassador to Canada in 2012.
Find out where Jan is performing next by visiting his website.
Sibelius’ First Symphony
Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39, is a landmark work in the history of classical music and a testament to the composer’s skill and artistic vision. Composed between 1895 and 1899, the symphony is a masterpiece of Romantic orchestral music and is widely regarded as one of Sibelius’s greatest works.
The first movement of the symphony is marked by its sweeping melodies and dramatic contrasts, with the orchestral sections alternating between lush and powerful moments and more introspective and lyrical passages. The second movement is a scherzo, characterized by its playful and energetic rhythm, with the strings and woodwinds weaving intricate patterns over a driving rhythm in the percussion section.
The third movement is a slow and contemplative adagio, characterized by its beautiful and expressive melodies. Sibelius creates a sense of stillness and introspection with delicate, sustained strings, and soft, atmospheric woodwinds. The movement builds to a climax before resolving in a peaceful and serene coda.
The final movement is a triumphant and celebratory allegro, with the full orchestra building to a rousing conclusion. Sibelius creates a sense of excitement and energy with driving rhythms and powerful brass and percussion, culminating in a triumphant and joyful finish that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.
Throughout the symphony, Sibelius demonstrates his mastery of orchestration, creating a rich and vibrant sound that is uniquely his own. He also draws on the musical traditions of his native Finland, incorporating folk melodies and rhythms into his music to create a distinctive and personal style.
Sibelius’s Symphony No. 1 is a landmark work that continues to be widely performed and recorded to this day. Its sweeping melodies, dynamic contrasts, and emotional depth make it one of the greatest symphonies of the Romantic era, and a testament to Sibelius’s skill as a composer and his contribution to music. Whether you are a seasoned classical music aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this symphony is sure to leave a lasting impression and is highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of music.
*image at the top of the page an internal photograph of the Sibelius Wind Pipe Organ
Dale Anne Brendon, drummer
Originally from London Ontario Canada, Dale Anne’s many years playing drums and percussion with the North American touring act Jeans n’ Classics have taken her from Jacksonville Florida to Anchorage Alaska, with many cities in between.
Dale Anne’s classical music career has included playing percussion with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and Orchestra London Canada to name a few, providing an opportunity for her to perform with such world-class artists such as Marie Osmond, Roger Hodgson of Supertramp, Harry Belafonte, and Mel Torme.
Presently Dale Anne is touring with Randy Bachman of the Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive, in support of the album Heavy Blues, released April 2015.
Dale Anne has also often been involved with theatre productions at the Stratford Festival of Canada, drumming for their productions of Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.
Dale Anne endorses Sabian cymbals, Yamaha drums and Promark by D’Addario drumsticks.
Steve Lucas, bassist
Steve Lucas is a Canadian session bassist and composer/producer with a wide-ranging list of recording and touring credits. He has recorded or performed with many award-winning artists and projects, including Bruce Cockburn (including the 2000 Juno Award winning album Breakfast in New Orleans, Dinner in Timbuktu), Ron Korb (including a 2016 Grammy Award nomination for album Asia Beauty), Loreena McKennitt, The Band’s Levon Helm and Garth Hudson, Big Sugar, Alan Frew, Moe Koffman, Seals & Crofts, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Rik Emmett, and the soundtrack for the 2009 Academy Award nominated film, Precious.
Steve’s original electronic music has been featured in television productions The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, The Diary of Alicia Keys (DVD), NBC Dateline, Love it Or List It, Real Housewives of Atlanta, CNN’s Parts Unknown: Anthony Bourdain, Australia’s Top Model, eTalk Profile featuring Gwen Stefani, Auto Racing TSN, Canada AM, MTV Screen, Better Homes and Gardens, and more. Steve also wrote the theme songs for The Score Network’s This is the Score, and Pride TV’s Shout news program. He also performed and composed music for Leonard Cohen’s documentary film, This Beggar’s Description.
Steve has performed as a bassist on television shows such as The David Letterman Show, and the Juno Awards, has been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Bass Frontiers, Toronto’s NOW magazine, and has written published articles on music theory and technique applied to the bass guitar, for Canadian Musician Magazine.
As a member of the Jeans ‘n Classics music ensemble he has performed with many orchestras across North America, including Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Austin Symphony Orchestra, and Reno Symphony Orchestra.
Steve also performs in musical theatre productions, including the recent 2019 North American premiere of Bend it like Beckham, a musical based on the hit film, as well as other shows such as The Lion King, Miss Saigon, and Mamma Mia.
John Regan, keyboardist
John Regan has been a member of Jeans ’n Classics since the early 1990’s. Classically trained but conditioned by rock, pop and folk music, John’s repertoire is vast. Prior to joining Jeans ’n Classics he worked with Second City in London, Ontario and did solo work across southwestern Ontario. John cites Joe Jackson, Tom Waits, Elton John and Roy Bittan as influences.
Since becoming a Jeans ’n Classics regular performer, John has shared the piano with such notables as Roger Hodgson (Supertramp), Lawrence Gowan (Styx), as well as his good friend Don Paulton (Lighthouse, Jeans ’n Classics). He has performed with more than 50 orchestras across North America. in addition to the piano, John often plays host and emcee in J’nC concerts, offering insight and whimsy to the musical selections.
A high school teacher and football coach by day, John lives in London with his wife and two small children.
Peter Brennan, guitarist
Born in England, Peter Brennan was heavily influenced by bands like the Beatles. He studied Music Composition and Theory at Western University in London, Ontario where he now resides. During the ’70s and ’80s he toured extensively throughout North America, establishing himself as a guitarist and Music Director with a variety of groups. He also became an in-demand producer/arranger with top-ten successes in the UK, producer awards and grants in Canada, where he was selected as a Juno Awards judge.
Peter has always loved the sound of a rock band with an orchestra. In the early ’90s this dream became a reality with the establishment of Jeans ’n Classics.
The Jeans ’n Classics family features some of the finest vocalists and instrumentalists in Canada and the US. Peter has also created and developed orchestra shows for a number of headliners of worldwide note, including Roger Hodgson (formerly of Supertramp) and Martin Fry of ABC who Peter performed with at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Peter recently received the Mayor’s Award for the Arts in London, Ontario and was named to the University Of Western Ontario/Faculty Of Music “Wall Of Fame”.
Stephanie Martin, vocalist
Stephanie Martin is a bilingual Canadian songwriter, singer and actor who has performed all over the world in award-winning theatrical productions and concert tours.
In the theatre, she has played leading roles in Les Misérables, Napoleon and Schwartz’s, the musical among others. In studio, she sang the voice of Pocahontas in the French version of the Disney movie as well as performing on many cast albums. On the concert scene, she has performed with symphony orchestras across North America, Europe and Asia.
Her creative songwriting is inspired by a lifelong spiritual inquiry and a passionate conviction that music has an unparalleled unitive power. Her first recording of original songs shape, line and harmony was produced by Chad Irschick (Susan Aglukark, Ron Hynes, The Rankins) and received widespread airplay and was critically acclaimed (“Among the year’s best new releases” – CBC Radio One).
Her second album April Snow also produced by Irschick, was released in 2016 and reached #2 in the Top 100 iTunes Adult Contemporary Chart in Canada and received rave reviews (“Luminous vocalist/composer Stephanie Martin not only possesses a delicious vocal instrument, but on her new, completely appealing recording, she also demonstrates her considerable chops as a composer of accessible, highly musical material” – The Whole Note).
Katalin Kiss, vocalist
Katalin is known in the Canadian music industry for her staggering, tear-the-roof-off, goosebump-inducing vocals. In her travels she’s worked with many legends: Del Shannon, Chubby Checker, Chuck Berry, and Chaka Khan.
A much-respected member of the Jeans ‘n Classics family, Katalin lives in Picton, Ontario with her bassist husband and kids X3.
They have their own recording studio and have just begun renting a vacation cottage on their property in “beautiful Prince Edward County” over the summer months.
