The Vancouver Island Symphony presents a Valentine's Special with Tenor Ken Lavigne

The Vancouver Island Symphony presents
Back... by Popular Demand: Ken Lavigne
Conductor: Pierre Simard
Saturday, February 9, 7:30 p.m.
Qualicum Civic Centre - Tickets: Mulberry Bush Books, Parksville & Qualicum
Sunday, February 10, 2 p.m.
Port Theatre, Nanaimo - Tickets: 250-754-8550 www.porttheatre.com

Romancing with tenor Ken Lavigne

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, Chemainus tenor Ken Lavigne, a popular charmer, storyteller, songwriter and humorist says; “I think Valentine’s Day is one of those days that strikes terror in men to be ultra romantic.” Then he paused while thinking about his upcoming Back... by popular demand concerts with Pierre Simard and the Vancouver Island Symphony at the Qualicum Civic Centre on Saturday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m., and the Port Theatre in Nanaimo on Sunday February 10 at 2 p.m.  “You can only give so many cards and chocolates. If you want to be creative, don’t give your loved one ‘things’, give them an experience, like this concert!”

He’s quite the salesman, a tenor who obviously believes passionately in his art and performance.  “I’ll be singing a lot of romantic tenor love songs through the ages – love songs with a symphony orchestra – definitely stirring! There will be romance from around the world – French, Italian, German, Scottish... and of course there will be surprises!”

Lavigne has been working on not doing the same-old, same-old. “We are crafting the show to use the VI Symphony to its greatest ability, and to highlight the songs and time of year. Pierre is an absolute dream of a conductor. We have such a wonderful time together on stage.”

It’s been a busy year: Lavigne has added to his list of great easy-listening recordings with Show Time, released in June. “It was inspired by the desire to finally record some of my favourite musical theatre ballads. I love these songs and each one is special to me. Keep Holding On is doing well. The title song was chosen to represent the mission of the Salvation Army and was used to kick off their media campaign for their annual Christmas Kettle drive.”

Back to shows and opera: In 2012 Lavigne performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Chemainus Theatre Festival, Fallujah for City Opera Vancouver, and Rattenbury with the Other Guys Theatre Company in Victoria. “When getting back on stage in my own show it’s a much more relaxing environment; it’s second nature to me to sing a few songs and spin a few stories.”

A romantic journey: Lavigne’s choice of song and often hilarious unscripted stories embrace the audience as he takes them on an inspiring journey of life, love, dreams, hope and parenting. That’s real entertainment, warm and fuzzy style with the rapturous sounds of a full orchestra. “In any kind of romance you have to build trust,” he explains. “The first two or three songs of any concert are about building a trust with the audience so they can go on a journey with you for the next two hours knowing they are in good hands.” That’s romance, Ken Lavigne style! With Lavigne the audience will indeed be in good hands on a cozy, exciting and amorous musical journey.

Tickets for the Qualicum Civic Centre are at Mulberry Bush Books in Parksville and Qualicum, and for the Port Theatre call 250-754=8550. For more information visit www.vancouverislandsymphony.com. Keeping Music LIVE! For information and formal biography of Ken Lavigne visit: www.kenlavigne.com.