Playing for Canada with the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra

Playing for Canada
Featuring: The Abbotsford Youth Orchestra
Calvin Dyck, Violin
Elias Venegras, Singer
Fraser Valley Academy of Dance
Saturday, April 12th, 7:00 p.m.
South Abbotsford Church (32424 Huntingdon Road)
Tickets: $20 (plus applicable fee)
At King’s Music (Abbotsford & Chilliwack stores) and House of James

The sensational Abbotsford Youth Orchestra (AYO) presents a truly Canadian experience in a gold-medal-winning performance – “Playing for Canada” - on Saturday, April 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the South Abbotsford Church.

Made in Canada, the AYO, Abbotsford’s first-class team of musical athletes, is being joined by the dexterous Fraser Valley Academy of Dance, the energetic Elias Venegras, and of course, their illustrious coach, Calvin Dyck. “It’s going to be a really fun concert,” says Calvin. “The kids will even be in Canadian Olympic wear as we play for Canada!”

The Music - Who can deny the fun, laughter, tears, visions and exceptional artistry that is the AYO! The audience will be enraptured with familiar classical pieces from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, the Thunder and Lightning Polka, and the reflective Polish Caprice – all performed with perfect precision and passion. Then it’s time to hold on tight as the orchestra, dancers and soloists take off with popular and top of the chart hits like the music from the movie Frozen, Nickel Rag, Remote Control, Cinema Paradiso and Tall Tale. “The AYO recently performed Tall Tale for the Chilliwack Lions Club Music and Dance Festival in February and won the first place trophy,” adds Calvin proudly.

The Dance – “We’ve been absolutely delighted to have the Fraser Valley Academy of Dance these last couple of years,” says Calvin. “For this show they will be dancing to Four Seasons, and the dramatic Cinema Paradiso.” And in the ever-popular AYO tradition, “We have the orchestra choreographed for Prairie Swing and Nickel Rag.”

New Talent – There’s a new and exciting addition to the team. “We also have the winner from the 2013 PNE Talent Show, Elias Venegras singing Route 66,” explains Calvin. “He’s about ten years old and just a ball of fire; he’s so musical, energetic and entertaining.”

All for Canada – Canadian connections are woven throughout the whole program. “All Canadians are from different backgrounds and cultural experience,” adds Calvin. “Show designer Sylvia Friesen has written a unique script to tie the whole concert together.”

“Conduct Us” – Of course, no show with the AYO would be without a surprise or two. And this show is no exception – as audience members will be invited up to the stage to ‘Conduct Us’ for Pachelbel’s Canon. “I saw this done in Times Square,” explains Calvin chuckling, “Anyone who feels brave enough can come up, take hold of the baton and conduct the orchestra. There will be unpredictability in the performance as the orchestra WILL follow the tempos presented by the audience conductors.”

Words alone cannot express the brilliance and fine entertainment provided by this distinctly Canadian AYO team; they have to be seen and heard. To cheer on the AYO “Playing for Canada” visit King’s Music and House of James for your tickets - $20 (plus applicable fee). PS… and don’t forget to wear Canadian red and white to the concert!