Kamloops Symphony Opens 24/25 Season with a Once-in-a-Lifetime Concert
KAMLOOPS, B.C. – The Kamloops Symphony’s first full orchestral concert of the 2024/25 Season, part of their Fairfield by Marriott Signature Series and taking place in Sagebrush Theatre at 7:30 pm on Saturday, September 28, promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime performance, combining legendary composers with critically acclaimed Canadian pianist and composer Jean-Michel Blais. KSO Music Director Dina Gilbert returns to the podium after taking time off following the birth of her first child, which is why this concert is titled Jean-Michel Blais & Dina Gilbert.
Jean-Michel Blais is a Montreal-based pianist and composer renowned for his unique blend of classical, ambient, and electronic music. After exploring the family organ, he pursued formal training at the Conservatoire de musique de Trois-Rivières, but eventually left the institution to explore improvisation and experimentation. His travels took him to Guatemala, Europe, and eventually Montreal, where he balanced his passion for music with work supporting disadvantaged communities. Blais has released several albums combining solo piano, electronic and ambient music, and chamber orchestra, receiving great critical acclaim and receiving awards such as the Félix award for Best Instrumental Album, making it to the Polaris Prize longlist, and being considered for the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. In the summer of 2023, Jean-Michel performed in an outdoor concert at the Montreal International jazz Festival in front of over 40,000 spectators, making it the largest neoclassical concert in history. In the same year, he also composed the music for “Wonderfall,” a permanent installation by Moment Factory, playing his music every half-hour, round the clock, at Singapore’s Changi International Airport.
In addition to Blais’ own globally celebrated works, this concert features masterworks by legendary composers such as Debussy, Satie, Britten, Vivaldi, Rachmaninov, and more. Jean-Michel Blais & Dina Gilbert promises to be a transformative musical experience with something for everyone who loves music.
Adult single tickets start at $36, with Youth (under 19) tickets at $15, KSOundcheck member (age 19-34) tickets at $20, and are available from Kamloops Live Box Office by calling 250-374-5483 or visiting KamloopsLive.ca.