The smallest symphony orchestra in Canada is playing in the big leagues now. On March 17, our very own Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra could well come home with a Juno Award for Into the Wonder, an all-Canadian album on the Analekta label, recorded at the Community Auditorium.
“It’s a thrill to be nominated for a Juno,” says Paul Inksetter, TBSO president at the time of the recording. “We, as an organization, believe in contemporary Canadian symphonic music. Whenever we can, we like to commission and premiere new works, and so to do a whole recording of new contemporary Canadian music, and have that effort recognized in this nomination, is really thrilling.”
Into the Wonder is one of five nominees in the category of Classical Album of the Year: Large Ensemble. Almost 6 years in the making, it was recorded in March 2016, released in November 2017, and conducted by Arthur Post. It was also written by young and contemporary Canadian composer Jordan Pal.
“The JUNO nomination is a testament to the quality of this orchestra,” says Gerald McEachern, TBSO’s Executive Director. “And it’s a testament to the special kind of audience, we have here in Thunder Bay.”
The nomination is indeed a testimony to the efforts and sheer talent of those involved and the award for Classical Album of the Year: Large Ensemble sets the stage for this little symphony to win big. Into the Wonder is available via the TBSO, at the Community Auditorium box office, or from record label Analekta at www.analekta.com
