Saturday, April 9, 2011 
8 PM
Conexus Arts Centre
Guest Artist: Stephen McLellan, double bass
Conductor: Victor Sawa

We celebrate the talent in our own backyard with a concert featuring two of the RSO’s own. Stepping up from stage left and into the spotlight will be the RSO’s Principal Double Bass, Stephen McLellan. The evening will also feature a world premiere composition by the RSO’s Principal Viola, Jonathan Ward before concluding with the power and brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4.

Programme:

Borodin: In the Steppes of Central Asia

Jonathan Ward: Russian Overture World Premiere

Koussevitzky: Concerto for Double Bass

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4

Stephen McLellan, double bass

Performing Koussevitzky: Concerto for Double Bass

Stephen McLellan studied with the legendary Thomas Monohan, at the University of Toronto. His beginnings however were really as a bass guitarist playing Rock, Rhythm and Blues, and Jazz in a number of Toronto bands. He has also performed in everything from Broadway musicals like Phantom of the Opera, Grease, and the touring company of Forever Plaid, to tours with the National Ballet of Canada and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet that have taken him all over the continent. He has played bass guitar for the late, great Chet Atkins and has worked as a studio musician for performers like Anne Murray. He has recorded widely with the CBC, and appeared, playing his bass, in the film Youkali Hotel. Stephen is the Principal Bassist with the Regina Symphony Orchestra. He is also a member of the True Jive Pluckers.

http://www.truejivepluckers.com/about/steve_mclellan.php

Jonathan Ward, composer

Russian Overture World Premiere

Jonathan Ward studied viola in his hometown of Sudbury, Ontario with Metro Kozak, and at the University of Western Ontario with Ralph Aldrich and Betty-Jean Hagen. He gained a great deal of orchestral experience with several Ontario symphony orchestras before relocating to Regina in 1989 to take on the role of Principal Viola.

 In addition to having many performance opportunities, he teaches a large number of students for the Regina Public Schools Co-curricular Violin Program. Several years ago his duties were expanded to include the continued instruction of eleven inner-city students who were involved in "Strings Across the Sky", a program made possible through the partnership between the Regina Symphony Orchestra and Regina Public School Board. The program has grown and now includes many new students. He recently joined the faculty at the University of Regina Conservatory for the Performing Arts.

As a composer, Jon has seen a considerable amount of success. He is currently an Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre. His compositions have received a significant number of performances, including World Premieres by the Regina Symphony Orchestra and national broadcasts on both CBC Radio and Radio Canada. Outside of Canada, his works have been performed in the United States, Mexico and Europe, including orchestral performances in Vienna and Salzburg.