By Nate Smelle

Published Nov. 14 2017

The Highlands Chamber Orchestra has a special treat for music lovers in Haliburton County planned for its annual fall concert. On the evening of Saturday Nov. 18 the orchestra will be performing Outlaws Lovers and Heroes at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Principal cellist and founding member of the orchestra Bethany Houghton said they began preparing for the show in early August to give themselves extra practice time with some of the more difficult pieces.

“This concert has a much fuller percussion section than we’ve ever had before” said Houghton. “We are playing a few pieces that really get to take advantage of it since our theme is all to do with our favourite movies and TV shows. I’m especially excited about playing The Batman Suite Game of Thrones and The Good the Bad and the Ugly.”

The orchestra currently consists of 40 members however Houghton said they are always looking for new musicians. By consistently bringing on new members she said they are able to continuously improve their music.

Joining the orchestra for the Outlaws Lovers and Heroes performance will be guest vocalist and local music teacher Beth Kipping. Musical director and the “driving force” behind the orchestra Daniel Manley adds another exciting element to the show said Houghton.

“The Highlands Chamber Orchestra prides itself on being an enjoyable show with great and memorable classical music” she said.

“You get to learn about the music since Dan has great skill at telling the stories and the history behind the pieces. We also have a great time so watching us enjoy ourselves is reason enough to come out and see it.”

Tickets are available for purchase at Cranberry Cottage in Haliburton or Pharmasave in Minden. The cost is $15 per person or $20 for an adult and child under 16 years of age. For more information about the Highlands Chamber Orchestra contact info@highlandschamberorchestra. ca.