At the March 17th Manitoba Chamber Orchestra concert, music lovers will hear a composition by a favourite composer of Anne Manson: Leos Janacek. Manson has planned two works by the Czech composer for this season. Also on tap is the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's principal cellist, Ariel Barnes. The concert starts at 7:30 pm in Westminster United Church.

When planning its season, the MCO had heard many good things about Ariel Barnes, who has been praised for his "luscious tone and technical prowess" (Vancouver Sun) and his ability to create "mesmerizing musical experience" (Toronto Live Music Report). It was when they heard from the VSO's Bramwell Tovey, however, that a real connection was felt.

Tovey calls Barnes "the outstanding Canadian cellist of his generation" and says that every performance he plays is an event." For this event, Ariel Barnes will perform Joseph Haydn's warm-hearted, yet challenging, Cello Concerto No. 2, in D Major (Hob.VIIb:2).

Then there's Janacek, for whom love really did hurt! We won't go into it here, but in his String Quartet No. 1 (Kreutzer Sonata), the anguish of unrequited love is given full orchestral expression in this arrangement by Michael Oesterle.

Two other works complete the programme: the gorgeous opening movement from Ernest Bloch's 'From Jewish Life: Prayer;' and 'Divertissement,' for string quartet and string orchestra, composed by the late Canadian composer Pierre Mercure (this piece was premiered by the McGill Chamber Orchestra in 1957, nine years before his tragic death in an automobile accident).

For detailed program notes, artists' biographies and much more, including videos of Anne Manson discussing in detail all the MCO concerts this season, visit themco.ca.

Special Discount To Readers of the WINNIPEG JEWISH REVIEW. Purchase tickets online at themco.ca  and receive a 20% discount on your purchase. Please use coupon code WJR1 and receive a 20% discount on your purchase. Please use coupon code WJR1.

McNally-Robinson event / At 7:30 pm on Monday, March 16th, enjoy a talk with conductor Anne Manson and cellist Ariel Barnes; McNally Robinson, Grant Park Shopping Centre.

Pre-concert event / Arrive at the concert early for more music! Hear a special presentation by cello students of Desiree Abbey; 6:45 pm.

The concert begins at 7:30 pm in Westminster United Church, 745 Westminster at Maryland.  Tickets are $30 for adults, $28 for seniors and $10 for students, including GST, and are available at McNally Robinson, the West End Cultural Centre (586 Ellice at Sherbrook), Organic Planet (877 Westminster Avenue) or through the MCO website (themco.ca).  Call the MCO's Ticketline (204.783.7377).

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MCO Guest Artist Sponsor: Stella’s Café and Bakery

MCO Concertmaster Sponsor: Elaine & Neil Margolis

The Manitoba Chamber Orchestra's 2014/15 season is sponsored by CN. Media sponsors include the Winnipeg Free Press, Espace musique 89.9, Classic 107 and Golden West Radio. Northern outreach: OmniTRAX Canada. TD 'Fiddlers on the Loose in the Libraries' and TD 'Young Composer Program.' Music for all! program: Sun Life Financial.