Multiple Juno Nominee Jim Witter & Band Make Red Hot Debut
LONDON – Orchestra London returns to its Red Hot roots this holiday season with Christmas Memories for two shows, December 14 & 15 at Centennial Hall at 8pm. The Orchestra welcomes dynamic front-man Jim Witter and his band for their first ever show with Orchestra London. Renowned clarinetist Airat Ichmouratov conducts the Orchestra and Witter for two rockin’ nights of Christmas favourites.
Holiday selections will include classic traditional carols such as Joy to the World, Silver Bells and O Holy Night as well as rocking tunes like Jingle Bell Rock and a sneak peek at three 2013 Red Hot shows; The Music of Simon and Garfunkel, Music of the Beatles, and the Music of Elton John and Billy Joel.
Witter makes his solo debut with Orchestra London after a few years away.
“I haven’t been on stage with Orchestra London since I was a regular guest singer with the Jeans and Classics shows,” recalls Witter. “I always enjoyed my time with the Orchestra and I found the audiences in London to be some of the most enthusiastic and responsive audiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of performing for. I am excited about my return!” he adds.
Also featured in the holiday extravaganza is Airat Ichmouratov, who will conduct Witter and the Orchestra.
“I am humbled to be working under his direction,” says Witter. “He is truly inspiring. It’s always a pleasure to work with someone who lives and breathes his art and I’m truly looking forward to the experience.”
Christmas shows have become a Red Hot Weekends annual tradition, and Witter assures audiences this year’s show will continue the holiday cheer.
“First off…the show is full of recognizable holiday classics,” explains Witter. “I would imagine some people will be singing along with every piece, and I totally encourage that,” he adds.
Music Director Alain Trudel is excited about this season’s first return to the series famous format. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Jim and his band to perform with the Orchestra in the first of our Red Hot tribute shows this year,” says Trudel. “Jim is a consummate performer of numerous styles and will put on a Christmas show with the Orchestra that is perfect for anyone looking to gear up for the holidays.”
Tickets for the December 14 and 15 performances are available at the Orchestra London Box Office, orchestralondon.ca, and at the door.
CONCERT DETAILS
What:
Orchestra London’s Red Hot Weekends series presents Christmas Memories, a rockin’ concert full of holiday favourites.
Selections to include:
Joy To The World, Silver Bells, Jingle Bell Rock, White Christmas and I’ll Be Home For Christmas.
Who:
Orchestra London; Airat Ichmouratov (conductor), Jim Witter (vocals, piano, guitar) & Band
When:
Friday, December 14 and Saturday, December 15 at 8 pm
Where:
Centennial Hall, 550 Wellington St.
Cost:
Adults: $37-$60; Students $15; Family $76
(all prices plus tax and service charges)
For more information:
Orchestra London Box Office (519) 679-8778 or visit orchestralondon.ca
Orchestra London Season Sponsors: Delta London Armouries, The London Free Press, Stevens Exhibit Design Group, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, City of London.
About Airat Ichmouratov
Holding a Ph.D in orchestra conducting from University of Montreal, Airat Ichmouratov has frequently been invited as a guest conductor of the Tatarstan’s State Symphony Orchestra, the Kazan Chamber Orchestra “La Primavera” (Russia) also l’Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal, Laval Symphony Orchestra, New Brunswick Symphony Orchestra, I Musici of Montreal and 13 Strings (Ottawa). During 2009-11, Airat was appointed to the position of Assistant Resident Conductor of the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec. In August 2011, Mr Ichmouratov conducted I Music de Montreal during a tour in Brazil and Peru and in October 2011 he made his debut with Tatarstan State Opera and Ballet Theatre (Russia) and has been invited to conduct Puccini’s Turandot during the summer 2012 in Russia and in October on tour Holland.
Born in Kazan, Russia, Airat Ichmouratov studied clarinet at the Kazan State Conservatory. In 2000 he obtained a Master degree at the University of Montreal. He then founded the Muczynski Trio, who have recorded for CBC and given performances in Canada, China, Russia and Europe.
Also In 2000, Mr. Ichmouratov joined the klezmer group Kleztory, where he plays clarinet, composes and arranges. Airat is a prolific composer; his compositions have been performed in Canada, USA, Russia, Israel and Europe.
Since September 2009, Airat Ichmouratov has been a guest professor at the Université Laval Music Faculty.
Mr.Ichmouratov currently resides in Montreal with his wife Elvira, a violist, and their two daughters Alina and Louisa. During the few moments of free time that his schedule of activities and travel affords him, he enjoys his hobbies; rock climbing, windsurfing, alpinism and scuba diving.
About Jim Witter
Jim Witter has been entertaining for over 20 years…
Whether it be his country music, contemporary Christian, or the music of Billy Joel and Elton John, Jim’s versatility as an artist has allowed him the opportunity to reach out and share his music and his infectious personality with audiences of all ages across Canada and the United States. His unique approach and comfortable rapport makes each member of his audience feel as though they are a part of a private concert in the comfort of their own living room. This, along with his rich, powerful voice and ease of manner at the piano, make him a favourite with theatre goers everywhere.
A few years ago, Jim came up with the concept for the show “The Piano Men”; a musical journey through the 70’s featuring the songs of Billy Joel and Elton John. This multi-media rock musical has turned out to be a hit, receiving rave reviews from music critics all across North America, Europe and Japan.
Jim has had 10 top ten radio hits in Canada, 7 hit videos on CMT, and impressive chart action in the U.S. on Billboard and R&R. Jim’s music and songwriting have been recognized on both sides of the border, earning him multiple awards and nominations from the Canadian Country Music Association, the Juno Awards, and most recently the Dove Awards, where Jim’s album “Forgiveness” was nominated for Inspirational Album of the year.
A devoted family man, Jim is very active in his community, supporting numerous charities.
About Orchestra London
Orchestra London has been making music in the London Community since 1937. Officially incorporated in 1957, Orchestra London performs over 50 concerts each season across six different series. Education & Outreach programs have introduced the orchestra to more than 30,000 schoolchildren since 2000 and the community at-large. Orchestra London welcomed Alain Trudel as Music Director in 2011.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Terri Anne Moses, Sales and Marketing Manager
Phone 519.679.8558 x 241 or email [email protected]