Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Brings Ravel’s “Boléro” to Surrey Stage

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is set to captivate audiences in Surrey with a concert featuring the iconic composition “Boléro” by Maurice Ravel on March 1, 2024. Under the baton of conductor Naomi Woo, the performance will take place at the Sullivan Heights theatre, starting at 15:30. The concert will also showcase the talents of Scottish percussionist Colin Currie and a selection of VSO musicians.

The afternoon’s program begins with Joseph Haydn’s “Drumroll” Symphony (No. 103), followed by Nicole Lizée’s innovative piece “Blurr is the Colour of My True Love’s Eyes.” The highlight of the concert, Ravel’s “Boléro,” is renowned for its distinctive snare drum rhythm, building toward one of the most celebrated climaxes in classical music. This 15-minute work has gained a reputation for its sensuality, particularly following its use in the 1979 film “10,” which featured a memorable scene with actors Bo Derek and Dudley Moore.

According to a post on yourclassical.org, the piece began to emerge in sensual contexts during the 1970s, notably soundtracking a documentary about gay erotica. The repetitive nature of “Boléro,” with its two-bar rhythm played 170 times, has been described as turning the performer into an “orchestral automaton,” as noted by classical-music.com. The composition uniquely evolves through Ravel’s orchestration, maintaining a singular, monumental crescendo and culminating in a surprising modulation.

In addition to “Boléro,” Currie will perform Lizée’s “Blurr,” which has been described as a “tour-de-force inspired by techniques found in stop-motion film and photography,” according to vancouversymphony.ca. Concert tickets are available starting at $45, allowing audiences to experience this dynamic musical evening.

Prior to the main concert, attendees are invited to enjoy a prelude performance at 14:45 in the Bell theatre lobby, featuring the VSO School of Music Chamber Ensemble. This event will also include an awards ceremony honoring recipients of the Werner and Helga Höing Award from the Surrey School District.

The VSO’s concert promises to be an engaging exploration of classical music, where the allure of Ravel’s “Boléro” will resonate with both seasoned concertgoers and newcomers alike.