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Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
Categories: Shopping Musical Instruments & Teachers Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Musical Instruments & Teachers, Performing Arts, Music Venues [Edit]
205 8 Ave SECalgary, AB T2G 0K8
(403) 571-0270
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
6 reviews for Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
6 reviews in English
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Review from Kate B.
10/13/2011
Can't really add anything new to the other reviews in the way of raving about the awesomeness of the CPO, but what I will add is that they really nail variety, in that if you browse through their shows you will find there really is something for everyone. I also appreciate their Rush hour shows, which are one hour, after work shows at rock bottom cheap prices. These are a great way to introduce yourself to the CPO without making a full on committment to an evening production.
I agree, with Shannon S. - you should go.Listed in: Best of....
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Review from Genre S.
Calgary, AB
11/28/2011
I want to give this ensemble a five star rating. One's ears know this to be the irrefutable case. Yet the programming necessitates a four star review, for now. To let the reader know, I am biased against the 'war-horses' of the western orchestral tradition. Enough with the Handel!
Having said that, my model agnosticism shows when I declare that the symphonic Beethoven marathon was a feat that cemented this orchestra as a major technical 'player' globally. Especially the one-two punch of the eighth and ninth symphony. What showed me that this group knows what it's doing was at the beginning of the fourth movement of the ninth. When the leitmotifs of movements one through three are angrily refuted, then synthesized into a transformative motif which symbolizes the acceptance of the past as a Nietzschean trajectory through one's limits and flaws into a future of self-aware creation and imposition of will. This group didn't just play the notes -- they got the recapitulation of evolution as being wonderfully conflated with the development of the individual.
Another slice of technical joy recently was the performance of JS Bach's concerto for oboe d'amore -- flawless execution.
The CPO has been teasing the audience with avant programming as well. The timing and emotional electricity of Hermann's Psycho score was NAILED.
In short, a five star orchestra that only needs to be allowed the full wingspan of cutting edge programming (IE Morricone, Reich, Palestrina, et cetera) so that it may truly fly. Spread the word -- and bring your friends.
Post Script -- the Haagen Daz really makes the intermission fun. -
Review from Marc K.
Cochrane, AB
9/16/2011 8 Check-ins Here
What to say about a group of musicians who make great music and obviously have fun doing so?
What I like about the CPO is the huge variety of music they offer. It is not 'classical' only but something for every taste. They do everything from Bach to Strawinski as well as ABBA, The Beatles, film scores like Star Trek, Psycho and The Wizzard of Ozz and a lot more.
One of the important things to mention is the "cpossibilities" program, which gives young people aged 15 to 29 the chance to experience the CPO for $14 and even buy a second ticket for a guest (friend/family) for the same price, no matter which age the companion is.
So take out granny for a concert :) -
Review from Rhona-Mae A.
Calgary, AB
10/13/2009 ROTD 8/31/2011
I really wish I could get out to hear these guys more often. I suppose that means that the times I do attend a concert are just extra special these days. This review is based on my CPO concert-going experience spanning 16 years, with some specifics on the last two concerts I attended.
The CPO is truly one of the top orchestras in the country. The group has come a long way since its inception in 1955. Like all world-class orchestras, they offer the staples of concert series: Baroque (the Serenade Series), Classical and Pops. In more recent history, they have added a new music festival, a Tchaikovsky Festival and crowd-pleasing specials like Jeans & Classics, Video Games Live, Bugs Bunny on Broadway and Star Trek. Their Saturday Morning at the Symphony Series is also quite popular.
I attended the Video Games Live 2.0 concert and one of the New Works performances in May. Their website provides a lot of information to help you make your purchase. The Box Office is extremely friendly, efficient and helpful when you need to contact them with a question or group ticket purchase.
The VGL 2.0 concert experience was a blast! They had gaming stations in the lobby, a costume contest, CD's, t-shirts, giveaways, and the Nintendo people were there. Even the Blindfolded Pianist of Youtube fame made an appearance. It was a huge celebration of gaming. Members of the audience came up to play Space Invaders and Guitar Hero. The orchestra played the music to match the players' progress (or lack thereof).
In contrast, the New Works concert was a celebration of our Canadian composers. This was held at the Rozsa Centre. The group looked crowded on stage, but it somehow worked. I loved how the newest cellist waded his way to the front of the stage to make some opening remarks. There are a lot of new, fresh faces in the orchestra and they are giving the CPO a cool, hip vibe.
That's a good thing. Yes, the orchestra needs to sound good, but to attract younger audiences, they also need to exude a bit of that "coolness factor", whether they're playing Bach, Brahms, Alan Gordon Bell or Bugs Bunny.
The artists came out to talk after each performance as well.
Those Hagen-Daaz bars are a great treat too.
Venues are top notch. The Jack Singer Concert Hall has wonderful acoustics. If you're going for sound, there isn't a bad seat in the house. If you want a good view, some seats are better than others. There is a good range of tickets, from dirt cheap to top of the line to meet any budget.
Seating is really good at the Rozsa Centre. It's a smaller facility but everything sounds and looks good in there. It's got a more intimate feel to it as well.
As for the "front of house" environment, they've recently made some updates in the lobby that make traffic flow smoother, but that's the EPCOR Centre's domain so I won't go more into that.
It's really cool that they have orchestra members interacting more with the public with things like SMATS, opening addresses and the Ask a Musician section on their website.
Berthold Auerbach once said that "Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." Does the CPO deliver on this? Yes they do. They are a dedicated bunch and they play "con molto espressione".
[EDIT: To be absolutely honest, I worked @ CPO a very long time ago. It's been over 12 years ago and I don't know anyone there anymore so I trust that it's safe to review without any conflicts.] -
Review from Shannon S.
Calgary, AB
4/11/2011
You should go. The CPO is world class and definitely worth the money. Excellent musicians... it always lifts my mood to hear them play. And no... I'm not old or a musician myself. I've been going on and off since my early twenties.
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Review from David H.
Calgary, AB
12/6/2009
A -List. Recommended. The CPO creates the finest live music in the city. You can go to the Saddledome for the big names. You can visit the Jubilee for others as well. You can even turn on your high priced digital equipment at home or even your mobile iPod for that matter. However, if you are wanting to experience the essence of brilliantly written pieces expertly played that may inspire you in some way, this is for you. The conductors and musicians are first rate, the seating is varied and accessible to most, the pre-concert talks are interesting and the service is helpful and reliable. The best parking can be found at City Hall for 5 bucks and a short walk through the pedway system. Take your parking ticket stub with you and pay at the booth found halfway in the pedway system before the concert to avoid long lineups. Well done, CPO!
