Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre

The GP Jazz Ensemble is a big band (18-piece jazz band) featuring some of the best local musicians and rehearses on Monday nights. Our mandate is musician development and performing the most exciting arrangements in the repertoire. This concert features Silver Bells and Here Comes Santa Claus Medley (vocal tunes with big band), and Feels So Good and Land of Make Believe (tribute to Chuck Mangione). Other selections include Mercy, Mercy, Mercy; Mr. Magic, and tunes performed by Henry Mancini, Count Basie, Blood, Sweat, and Tears; Charles Mingus, Gordon Goodwin, and many more.

This version of the GPSO began in 2015 and the GPYO began in 2022. Both groups feature the best wind and string players in the community at their respective levels. Grande Prairie is fortunate in having a school orchestra program and skilled teachers directing that program who perform in this concert. This concert features the Youth Orchestra along with the Symphony Orchestra performing Haydn’s Surprise Symphony. Other selections include Beethoven Symphony no. 7, Music from The Sting (tribute to Robert Redford and Paul Newman), The Children of Sanchez (tribute to Chuck Mangione), Zampa Overture, Overture to Candide, and Christmas selections.

The GP Symphonic Wind Ensemble was established out of the GPRC music program in 2021. The group plays the best of original band works and orchestra music transcriptions. It is a 35-40 piece band including community and school musicians. This concert features Opening Night on Broadway, A Jolly Christmas Mishmash, Carmen Symphony, Famous Themes by Henry Mancini, A British Isles Christmas, Handel in the Strand and other selections.