Orchestra presents Dreams of Vienna Jan. 1

The Guelph Symphony Orchestra will per­form its fifth annual

concert on Jan. 1 at River Run Centre at 3pm.

The annual Viennese-style musical feast is now a popular New Year’s Day tradition, this year bringing the delights of re­nowned soprano Laura Whalen and fun-loving baritone And­rew Tees. The orchestra will feature waltzes, marches, and polkas, complete with dancers gliding over the stage.

“This New Year celebration has become a tradition in Guelph, and is a great way to swing into 2010” said artistic director Simon Irving. “This year we have two top-class sing­ers lighting up the stage with romantic duets and solos, plus old and new Viennese or­chestral favourites. It’ll be a lot of fun.”

The orchestra acknow­ledg­es the receipt of a grant from the Ontario Arts Council in support of the 2009-2010 season. The GSO is a semi-professional orchestra, based in Guelph and using primarily Guelph-area players. The en­semble consists of 35 to 50 or more players, depending on the repertoire requirements.

Founded in 2001, it has given 55 concerts to date, cov­er­ing a broad repertoire of classical music. The orchestra also provides opportunities for young emerging professional performers. For details about Guelph’s Own Orchestra or information on becoming a Friend of Guelph Symphony, visit www.guelphorches­tra­.ca. Tickets for all concerts are available at River Run Centre, at 519-763-3000.