As the semester winds down, Dalhousie University’s Fountain School of Performing Arts is gearing up for an exciting few weeks ahead. Each year, students from the school, led by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, come together to present a series of productions for the Dalhousie and Halifax communities. From late November through December, the school will host several productions in the Joseph Strug Concert Hall and the Sir James Dunn Theatre at the Dalhousie Arts Centre. Whether you’re an arts junkie or just want a little break from studying, these are some productions you won’t want to miss.
DalWind Ensemble
On Nov. 23, DalWind Ensemble will perform a concert at the Joseph Strug Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. The evening will consist of a compilation of pieces inspired by music used in film scores, highlighting for audiences the role of music in shaping the atmosphere of motion pictures. The pieces are inspired by music from films such as Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke (1997), Moonrise Kingdom (2012) and the Lord of the Rings series.
According to the Fountain School’s website, the ensemble strives to push beyond the boundaries of traditional wind concerts by incorporating elements of dance, theatre and visual art. Tickets can be purchased at the box office and will range from $15 to $20.
DalOpera presents Cinderella & The Box Office
This double bill production from DalOpera, in collaboration with students in Dal’s stage design, technical theatre and costume design programs, brings together two main themes: The Box Office, inspired by the Canadian Opera Company’s box office; and Cinderella, inspired by the original fairytale. Performances will run at the James Dunn Theatre from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Dec. 1 at 2 p.m.
The show is directed by Robyn Cathcart with music direction from Cindy Townsend. The show’s first theme, “The Box Office,” cleverly uses music to portray a humorous, tense exchange between an annoyed box office attendant and an unbearable customer. Meanwhile, the “Cinderella” performance stays true to the original fairytale, while adding a more lighthearted spin to its storytelling. The performers immerse themselves and the audience into each story through the creative world of voice acting and staged productions. Tickets can be purchased at the box office for $15 to $20.
If you are new to the opera world, the Fountain School offers pre-opera chats that delve into opera’s rich history and provide in-depth explanations of each masterpiece. These chats occur prior to each performance in room 409 of the Dal Arts Centre. If you are attending the 7:30 p.m show, the chat will be held at 6:45 p.m. For the 2 p.m. show, the chat will be held at 1:15 p.m.
DalSymphony & DalChorus
On Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m., DalSymphony Orchestra, the only university orchestra in Atlantic Canada, will present a concert at Joseph Strug Concert Hall. The group performs around three shows each year, featuring performances inspired by both Baroque and contemporary styles.
On Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m., the DalChorus Ensemble will also present a concert at Joseph Strug Concert Hall. The group is composed of students, as well as experienced choristers, and places an emphasis on performing works by Canadian composers.
With an abundance of performances to choose from, Dal’s Fountain School of Performing Arts is offering a wide array of events for the student body and the public to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the wonderful opportunity to engage with the works of your dedicated peers who have brought these productions to life.
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