Music Director Rune Bergmann on our 2024/2025 concert lineup
My dear friends,
After eight incredible seasons of music with you, the 2024/2025 Season marks my final one as Music Director with your Calgary Phil. While programming this Season, I enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on the past and joyfully revisit some of the wonderful memories we made together here in Calgary. It’s been a journey filled with both excitement and challenges, navigating transitions in our world and organization, especially amidst the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic years. Yet, we’ve persevered admirably, emerging stronger and more resilient for the love of music in this city.
In a rapidly changing world, a vibrant city like Calgary needs a vibrant orchestra. The whole world is changing very fast, and we must not lose sight of our place in it — we know what we create can be transformational — we must continue the important work of remaining relevant and meaningful to our community, adapting to the evolving needs and dynamics of the communities we serve.
It’s why it brings me great pride to present to you the 2024/2025 Season, a season rich in offerings and pulsating in musical virtuosity — it’s a culmination of what we have built these past years together and provides the foundation for what is to come for this remarkable city and brilliant Orchestra.
This year, we open with the spectacle of Carmina Burana alongside the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus and a lineup of remarkable soloists. Further along the season, we welcome exceptional guest artists from Yo-Yo Ma and James Ehnes to Pop and Singer-Songwriter sensations Kiesza and Chantal Kreviazuk. We are also eagerly looking forward to new music from Cris Derksen and the return of an audience-favourite dual-birthday party marking both my birthday and Mozart’s in Mozart’s Birthday Party featuring the composer’s Prague Symphony and Mass in C Major. Plus, we keep the party going in celebration of Anton Bruckner’s 200 year anniversary with one of the most beautiful symphonies ever written, his Eighth Symphony.
Cozy holiday favourites return in the form of choral splendour. Also returning are our ever-popular Symphony Sundays for Kids and Education Shows — many of which sold out last season! This season we pay special tribute to music legends including Tina Turner, Nirvana, ABBA, Drake, and a special orchestral show honouring Bob Marley’s 80th birthday, co-produced with Arts Commons and Jones & Jones Productions.
One of the most cherished memories during my tenure in Calgary was experiencing Mahler’s Second Symphony. It feels fitting to conclude my time here with such profoundly meaningful music. Mahler holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to sharing this beautiful evening with my colleagues and our supportive audience.
Lastly, I thank you for the immense privilege you’ve given me in leading your Phil. It’s an honour and responsibility I took with great pride. As we embark on this final chapter together, I hope more than ever, you feel this is your Phil for Calgary. Thank you for being a part of our journey, I can’t wait to experience this unforgettable season with you.
Rune Bergmann
Music Director
