Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra shuffles schedule in light of restrictions

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This article was published 26/01/2022 (1345 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The music lives on, even if the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s concert lineup must be tweaked.

Rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in Winnipeg have forced the WSO to reschedule a Feb. 5 performance of Two Pianos: Mozart, Hotoda & Woo, featuring guest conductor Rei Hotoda and WSO assistant conductor Naomi Woo, to March 5 at the Centennial Concert Hall and on its streaming platform, mywso.tv.

Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North, a musical theatre piece focusing on the life of Manitoba Métis leader Louis Riel, was planned for Feb. 11-13, but has been postponed indefinitely.

Instead, the WSO, led by Julian Pellicano, will host two concerts of classical favourites starring Winnipeg soprano Andrea Lett on Feb. 12 and 13.

Also set aside were shows featuring Russian pianist Alexei Volodin (Feb. 18-19). On Feb. 19, WSO principal oboist Beverly Wang will perform two concerts of Mozart’s Oboe Concerto in C major, with music director Daniel Raiskin leading the orchestra.

March 4 and 5 screenings of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, accompanied by the WSO, have been moved to May 18 and 19.

The changes announced Tuesday coincided with the opening night of the WSO’s showcase event, the Winnipeg New Music Festival, which runs until Friday. Its schedule was also adjusted and shortened, owing to the pandemic, but includes live performances for audiences of up to 250 people at the concert hall, in line with provincial health regulations.