CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The UPEI Wind Symphony’s concert takes the stage at the Homburg Theatre of Confederation Centre of the Arts on Nov. 21.
And director Karem Simon can’t wait to welcome this year's soloist.
It’s Dale Sorensen, a former UPEI student, who has taught at Mount Allison University, Dalhousie University, Memorial University and is now assistant professor of brass at UPEI.
“Dale brings to the University of Prince Edward Island a wealth of experience as an orchestral, jazz, chamber and solo musician,” says Simon.
The concert, which includes “Into the Silent Land” by Steve Danyew, Gustav Holst’s “First Suite in E flat” and Oscar’s Navarro's “The Fly” is, in some ways, a celebration of their musical friendship.
“I happened to meet Dale in 1991 when I was interviewed for my position at the university,” says Simon, who is celebrating his 29th year at UPEI and 25th as director of the UPEI Wind Symphony.
Over the years, he has had numerous professional engagements with Sorensen as a member of the P.E.I. Symphony Orchestra, as well as through attending numerous recitals in which Sorensen has performed. The two have also collaborated on chamber music projects.
So, when Sorensen started working at UPEI several months ago, it provided another opportunity for collaboration.
“Dale is being featured for numerous reasons. Number one, he’s a first-rate, world-class musician.”
Sorensen has also had plenty of experience as a teacher.
“Dale has built a significant profile in this country but, specifically, in this region. And we are absolutely delighted to have him here, at the university.”
Since beginning his position at UPEI, the trombone player has had a “significant impact” on brass-playing at the school.
“And we look forward, as his studio grows, to the impact becoming even greater.," says Simon.
For his part, Sorensen says he’s happy to be back at UPEI.
“It’s great to come back to the place where I learned how to be a trombonist. It’s also great to be involved with the group. I appreciate Karem for asking me take part in the concert.”
The Charlottetown concert is the fourth performance of the UPEI Wind Symphony this fall. The group has already performed in Summerside, Halifax and New Glasgow.
“In all three of those performances, Dale has killed it, in terms of his musicianship, artistry and attention to detail,” adds Simon.
On Nov. 21 Sorenson and the wind symphony will get to do it all over again in Charlottetown.
“The fact that we’re at the Confederation Centre is wonderful,” says Simon, adding it’s a wonderful showcase for the wind symphony because the Homburg Theatre can handle the symphonic sound that the wind symphony produces and the producer doesn’t end up turning people away at the door, which often occurs at the Dr. Steel Recital Hall.
“So, featuring Dale as a soloist at the Homburg Theatre will provide Charlottetown area audiences with an opportunity to hear him as he should be heard.”
Sally Cole is an entertainment writer with The Guardian. She welcomes comments about her column as well as suggestions for future columns from readers. She may be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 902-629-6000, ext. 6054.
