It was like a scene from a movie, just before the screen fades to black and the credits start rolling.
A shot of the sun on the horizon, with orchestral music playing in the background after the film’s conflict had finally been resolved and everyone was on their way to living happily ever after.
The only difference is this movie scene was real life, and it was happening live and in person at Predator Ridge Resort near Vernon.
At 5:39 in the morning of Saturday, July 30, as the sun started to rise over the eastern horizon, the brass and percussion sections of Okanagan Symphony Orchestra started playing Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man in Predator Ridge’s Village Centre, overlooking the golf course.
It was billed as Canada’s first “sunrise symphony,” and the setting could not have been more perfect.
“This was an exciting collaboration between the OSO and Predator Ridge teams to turn this thrilling project into a reality,” OSO board director Eamonn Deegan says. “From the vision to the execution, all parties embraced the opportunity to present exhilarating music while showcasing the beauty of the Predator Ridge community. There were many moving parts to make this happen, and it came together because of the co-operation and commitment of everyone involved.
“Having the opportunity to showcase the OSO and share our music in the breathtaking landscape at Predator Ridge was a truly unique and gratifying experience.”
The orchestra, led by OSO conductor Rosemary Thomson, then performed an hour-long concert that started at 7 a.m., much to the delight of the resort’s homeowners and guests.
Musicians travelled from all over B.C. to take part in the event. That included Jim Hopson, who is one of North America’s top alphorn blowers and composers.
“One of the most beautiful things that happens every day is the spectacular beauty of the sun coming up over the horizon of the expansive grasslands surrounding Predator Ridge,” Wesbild Okanagan senior vice-president Brad Pelletier says. “This unique performance was years in the making, but we finally captured it.
“Alongside Rosemary and the OSO, everything was planned and executed perfectly and the event was truly something that many have never seen before. We are very proud to share and celebrate this amazing piece with you now and for years to come.”
This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Okanagan Edge.
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