-New partnership program makes Confederation Centre of the Arts the “official home” of the Symphony-

The P.E.I. Symphony Orchestra is coming home. Confederation Centre of the Arts is very pleased to announce a new agreement with the province’s large symphony orchestra.

This agreement solidifies a two-year partnership between the Centre and the P.E.I. Symphony Orchestra (PEISO), including four annual concerts in the Mainstage Theatre. The organizations will share marketing and ticketing resources to promote both PEISO programming, and other classical concerts. Audiences can anticipate more fluid and affordable access to entertainment, both live from the Mainstage and through digital presentations.

“Sustaining a symphony orchestra is an enormous challenge in any market, and Confederation Centre of the Arts applauds PEISO and Bruce Craig for providing Islanders with outstanding symphonic music as part of the Island’s rich cultural fabric,” offers Steve Bellamy, CEO of Confederation Centre.

“This partnership contributes to the stability of PEISO and supports the consistent delivery of great music in a great venue, four times each year on the Mainstage,” continues Bellamy. “The Centre is proud to be the official home of the P.E.I. Symphony Orchestra.”

According to Bruce Craig, president of the PEISO, “For years, the P.E.I. Symphony has performed from time-to-time at Confederation Centre. Today, we are delighted to announce that with this agreement in hand, when our 65-plus musicians take to the stage next season, the Island’s orchestra will have a new permanent home. This venue is one that both acoustically and visually will provide Islanders with concert experiences second to none. We are delighted to call the Mainstage our new permanent home.”

The new 2021-2023 agreement will allow the two organizations to better collaborate to deliver excellence in classical music. This marks the debut of the Centre’s new Lou MacEachern Community Partnership Program, which supports Confederation Centre initiatives to engage in strategic partnerships with a number of local organizations, such as PEISO, who share priorities with the Centre. More details on this program will be announced in the coming weeks.

The PEISO will be perform a unique chamber music event called “A Mighty Wind – Music for Brass and Organ” this spring, taking place at Zion Church in Charlottetown and St. Simon and St. Jude Church in Tignish (dates TBA).

Additionally, soloists from within the orchestra will perform at the Historic St. Mary’s Church at the Indian River Festival on July 11. Announcements will be made this summer regarding the orchestra’s 2021-22 season at the Centre and beyond.

Photo cutline: The PEISO in performance on the Mainstage at Confederation Centre of the Arts in 2019 (Derrell Theriault photo).