Dreams & Dances
Sunday Nov. 22, 2026 @ 2:30pm
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre – Partridge Hall
| Farrenc | Overture No. 2 |
| Dvořák | Cello Concerto |
| Joseph Johnson, Cello Soloist | |
| Mendelssohn | Symphony No. 5, “Reformation” |
Fantasy, Fire, and Symphonic Grandeur
The concert bursts to life with Louise Farrenc’s Overture No. 2, a spirited and dramatic showcase of a composer whose music is finally receiving the attention it deserves. Brimming with energy, bold orchestral colours, and irresistible momentum, Farrenc sets the stage for an exciting evening.
Then, acclaimed cellist Joseph Johnson takes centre stage for one of the most beloved works ever written for the instrument: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. With its sweeping melodies, fiery drama, and moments of breathtaking tenderness, the concerto demands both extraordinary virtuosity and deep expression – the perfect showcase for Johnson’s remarkable artistry.
The evening concludes with Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5, “Reformation,” a work that journeys from mystery and tension to celebration and triumph. Its grand finale unleashes the full power of the orchestra, bringing the concert to an exhilarating close.
An inspiring journey through fantasy, tradition, and musical discovery.