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NBYO to perform Feb. 9 at Imperial Theatre; Saint John musician is featured soloist
FEB. 3, 2025. SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK: The largest New Brunswick Youth Orchestra ensemble in its history will take centre stage at the Imperial Theatre in Saint John at 2 p.m. on Feb. 9, the latest concert in the NBYO’s ‘Orchestrating a Legacy of Excellence’ 60th anniversary celebrations.
Saint John-area patrons will be treated to the “Titan Project,” a performance of The Symphony No. 1 in D major by Gustav Mahler. Previous concerts in Miramichi and Moncton were magnificent events, said Kenn Mainville, NBYO president and CEO.
“Momentum has been building with each performance. We recently played to an audience of 1,400 in Moncton, and we’re hoping for a sold-out show at the Imperial Theatre. Audiences continue to be amazed by the talent and dedication of our young musicians, with each concert raising the bar even higher,” Mainville said. “We have a dedicated following of long-time patrons, and we’re thrilled to see new faces at every concert. Word is spreading about the extraordinary experience of hearing these musicians live, and many first-time attendees leave completely blown away by the level of artistry and passion on stage.”
Maestro Tony Delgado, NBYO’s conductor and musical director, said the Saint John concert will feature a performance of the "Première Rhapsodie pour Clarinette et Orchestre" de C. Debussy featuring Saint Johner Clarinetist Kalvin Rowe, the winner of the orchestra’s soloist competition. The musicians will also play "Dance of the Knights" from Romeo and Juliet by S. Prokofiev, Glosa SInofonica Margaritena by I. Carreno, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the "El Sistema" program in Venezuela; and Mahler’s Symphony No.1.
“With each concert our musicians get better and more confident, you can see their enjoyment of the music,” Delgado said. “Audience response to such a complex piece of music has been fantastic, and we have no doubts that in Saint John people will enjoy it immensely.”
Don Matheson, Director of Community Engagement for NBYO, said the Imperial Theatre stage has been expanded to accommodate the large orchestra. He explained the accomplishments of featured soloist Kalvin Rowe is an example of the NBYO program’s success.
“He has been honing his clarinet virtuosity since he was a young boy… at Sistema NB Saint John, through years with the Saint John Youth Orchestra, and now as Principal Clarinet of the NBYO. I am certain these musical masterpieces and our talented youth musicians, led by Maestro Delgado, will mesmerise concertgoers,” Matheson said.
“We were honoured to enjoy the company of some of Saint John’s orchestral blue blood at our Jan. 25th GALA Dinner…including The Buckley family, who received the Community Champion Award for three generations of exemplary engagement with the NBYO. Members of NBYO Founder—Philip Oland’s family were also on hand.”
Mainville encouraged music lovers to attend the concert and be inspired by what they see and hear.
“What stands out most is their professionalism - they approach this music with a level of dedication and artistry that rivals professional orchestras. It’s a testament to their hard work and to the power of music education in shaping young lives,” he said.
Tickets for all NBYO concerts are available at https://www.nbyo.app/tickets
