Brahms & Saint-Saëns’ Cello

Described as “a dynamic, charismatic figure”, conducting “with exemplary clarity and a heavenly warmth”, Danish conductor Christian Kluxen makes his eagerly anticipated VSO debut with Brahms’ Second Symphony and Britta Byström’s intricately-crafted Parallel Universes. VSO Principal Cello, Henry Shapard, performs Saint-Saëns’ tour de force Second Cello Concerto.

Celebrate the Weekend with Classical Afterworks
Join us before the concert in the lobby starting at 5:30pm for live music from the VSO School of Music’s Jazz Faculty. Plus, enjoy the following drink specials for $6 + tax from 5:30-6pm:
Red Rooster Merlot or Pinot Gris VQA (BC) • Red Truck Ale Lager • Lonetree Apple Cider • Dillon’s Tangerine Gin Cocktail • Nude Vodka Soda • White Claw Hard Seltzer

Artist Update
Due to unforeseen travel complications beyond our control, Santiago Cañón-Valencia will be unable to join us for this weekend’s concerts. We are deeply grateful to our Principal Cello, Henry Shapard, for kindly agreeing to perform Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 2. Appointed by VSO Music Director Otto Tausk in 2020 when he was just 21 years, Henry performed the titular role of Richard Strauss’ Don Quixote last season under the baton of esteemed conductor, Leonard Slatkin.