2️⃣ MCO at Home, vol. 2 - Manitoba Chamber Orchestra

Mozart and Bach from one sanctuary to another

From calculus to King Lear, more than a couple of civilization’s great achievements were reputedly produced under quarantine (with a little help from patrons, no doubt). From the many provincial towns where he lived and worked, J.S. Bach appears to have escaped the epidemics that wracked parts of Europe in the early 18th century. But he was clearly another great artist who knew something about working under conditions of isolation.

Fitting then that Karl Stobbe has chosen the metaphorically potent works of Bach, specifically his Sonatas and Partitas for violin, as the repertoire for a series of online performances he’s presenting from his home studio. While obscure for over a century, the six gorgeous, melancholic pieces now resonate throughout the world. This is lonesome music for the ages.

“This is just me in my living room, borrowing a few microphones from friends, no editing,” says Karl. “It’s scarily honest… But I guess that’s what our world is right now: fragile and honest.” Click the thumbnail to the right to listen to the first video.

While peeking down the YouTube rabbit-hole, you’ll probably want to check out another performance featuring Karl. This one, re-released today, is from the MCO’s Feb. 2015 concert at Westminster Church and is of Mozart’s 40th symphony.

Listen to this instant classic: Dinuk Wijeratne and MCO’s October 2019 premiere of Gajaga Vannama

When it’s one’s job to promote concerts, as it is mine, I think one actually struggles a little harder to describe favourites. How not to resort to the hyperbole of adspeak when talking about an experience as memorable as our October 2019 concert with pianist-composer-conductor Dinuk Wijeratne? Of course, if you follow our promotional material, you’ll hear us conveying how all our concerts are the best, though this one was for me among the bestest. So I’m very happy to say that the MCO has just released a live recording of two pieces from this concert, which you can hear here. – Conrad Sweatman

Listen to MCO’s latest Spotify playlists

Take a virtual stroll down to the MCO’s Vinyl Vault, and check out this playlist of tunes off records that frequently make appearances as the MCO’s Vinyl Vault sale. Features Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, Scott Nolan, Erik Satie and more. Listen to it here.

MCO Music Director Anne Manson has curated a playlist inspired by the MCO’s 22 April concert, entitled Moderns, Mozarts, and Mozart Imposters. You’ll hear works by W.A. Mozart, his father Leopold Mozart, and Carl Freidrich Abel whose arguably most famous work was long misattributed to Mozart Jr. The concert was also to feature works by a number of contemporary composers, including Julian Grant, Kevin Lau, and Sid Robinovitch. Where we’ve been able to find their work on Spotify, Anne has selected some interesting pieces for the playlist. Hear it here. And since Julian’s music does not appear on Spotify, you can also check out his music on his SoundCloud page here.

All our playlists are shared to the MCO’s Spotify page. Never used Spotify before? Check out this handy guide.

Consider donating your unused concert tickets

With so many arts groups being unable to avoid suspending their 19-20 seasons, many audience members are donating back their unused tickets and receiving a charitable tax receipt. While everyone feels the strain of the current situation, gestures of this sort are greatly appreciated at a time of considerable financial uncertainty for artists and presenters. The MCO is extremely grateful for their loyal supporters, and thanks everyone who has donated their tickets. Please note you may also exchange your tickets for a concert next season or receive a refund. No ticket exchange fee applies. If you prefer a refund or exchange for a given concert ticket, we ask that you please contact us no later than the date of the concert, in accordance with the MCO’s regular ticket policy. Please call the MCO at 204-783-7377 or email us at info@themco.ca about tickets, and someone will get back to you. We look forward to connecting with you online and over the phone in the coming months, and to sharing the joy of live music with you next season.

The MCO gratefully acknowledges support from the following:

Our mailing address is:
Unit Y300, Portage Place, 393 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6

Our phone number:
204.783.7377