Maestro Ken Hsieh Launches VMOs 22nd Season with Guest Pianist Dr. Stephane Lemelin

The Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, under the leadership of Maestro Ken Hsieh, commenced its 22nd season at the esteemed Orpheum Theatre, showcasing the esteemed Canadian pianist Dr. Stephane Lemelin.

Dr. Lemelin serves as the Director of McGill University’s Schulich School of Music and holds the esteemed position of Professor of Piano. His prior teaching engagements include positions at the University of Ottawa and the University of Alberta, where he instructed Maestro Ken Hsieh.

Dr. Lemelin masterfully presented the formidable Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2, an exceedingly demanding and revered piece within the piano repertoire. His accolades include victories in numerous international competitions, a nomination for a JUNO Award for his recording with the CBC Radio Orchestra, performances with orchestras globally, and recognition for his interpretation of French, German, and contemporary music.

The evening commenced with a rendition of Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 4, a composition that Maestro Ken Hsieh recently conducted with the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra in China.

Robert Schumann’s Fourth Symphony has endured as a staple within the orchestral canon. Its single-movement structure is relatively unique among symphonies, and despite being recognized as his Fourth, Schumann commenced work on it in June 1841, merely months following the premiere of his First Symphony.

The orchestra’s rendition of this work commenced with a deliberate, introspective introduction founded on an intricately woven motif carried by the violins, violas, and bassoons. Throughout the symphony, the music maintained the fervent, impassioned quality of the introduction, even during moments of levity and joy.

Typically, the concerto would precede the symphony in the first half of the program; however, due to the Piano Concerto’s four-movement structure, it is often likened to a symphony in concerto form.

The evening marked not merely a commencement but a resounding triumph, establishing a lofty standard for the forthcoming 2024/2025 season. The exuberant response from the audience serves as a testament to the promising journey that lies ahead.

Learn more about the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, upcoming events, and ticket details HERE!

All images of the VMO courtesy Mayowill Photography.

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Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, and digital women's lifestyle magazine EcoLuxLifestyle.co. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.