What do a luthier, a CPA intern, a university psychology major, a retired Calgarian teacher, a former naval officer and a university professor all have in common? All are members of the Civic Orchestra of Victoria (COV) who are rehearsing for their March 12th concert when internationally acclaimed violinist, Moshe Hammer, will perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall in Victoria under the baton of Yariv Aloni.
Born in post-war Budapest, Moshe Hammer was raised in Israel and became a Canadian citizen in 1975. Hammer has studied with Ilona Feher at the University of Tel-Aviv’s Rubin Academy of Music and the Julliard School in New York and was privileged to take part in special classes with Jascha Heifetz in Los Angeles and Yehudi Menuhin in London. He has performed extensively with orchestras and as a soloist throughout North America and Europe and is also the founder and namesake of the charity The Hammer Band (from violence to violins) that provides violins and lessons to children living in “at-risk” communities in Toronto. “Mingle with Moshe,” a charity soirée, with limited tickets, will be held on March 13 with proceeds to benefit the COV and Hammer Band.
Since 1983, the Civic Orchestra has dedicated itself to providing an opportunity for musicians of varying ages and abilities to perform a wide repertoire of symphonic music. From September through May, some 50+ musicians meet Thursday evenings to rehearse for each of four concerts during the year. Membership is $175 a year but assistance is available to anyone who is unable to pay these fees. However, a passion for your instrument and orchestral music is essential!
Anyone seeking further information about playing with us is invited to contact us through our website (www.civicorchestraofvictoria.org). In keeping with our mandate to provide quality performances at affordable prices, this year’s season tickets for four concerts is $75 ($55 for seniors). The final concert of our 2015-2016 season on May 7 is entitled Animals Through the Ages, with Brian Wismath conducting, and will feature Bob McDonald, host of CBC’s Quirks and Quarks, narrating.
