Canadian composer on board for PEC Opera Project

Victor Davies, one of Canada’s most successful composers will help craft the new Prince Edward County Opera Project with accomplished conductor Michael Reason.
Over the past 20 years as a professional conductor working across Canada and beyond, Reason has developed a close working relationship with Davies.
“Victor has been commissioned by many orchestras, choirs and organizations to compose music in many forms including a three-act opera for Manitoba Opera, a Jazz Piano Concerto, a full length ballet, a large scale choral work and numerous film television scores,” Reason says. “His music is full of great melodies, exciting orchestrations and is always uplifting. One of his most recent commissions was to compose music for segments of this year’s opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.”
Reason and Davies have long talked about creating a one act community based opera featuring a mix of local and professional performers and involving local residents in the development process right up to the performances – scheduled to take place in Picton Dec. 3, 2011.
“We believe that we have found that community in Prince Edward County. The success of the Regent Theatre’s satellite presentations of operas from the Metropolitan Opera, the success of the Prince Edward County Music Festival and the overall cultural renaissance of this area have all been factors in our decision to establish this exciting project in the County for next year,” said Reason. “Funding applications have recently been submitted to both provincial and federal government agencies so now is the time to tell everyone all about it.”
An information session is set for Friday, Nov. 19 from 5 pm to 6.30 pm at the newly renovated St. Andrew’s Church at 31 King St. Picton.
Everybody’s welcome to attend to learn about the project, meet the composer and see how residents and business owners can get involved. Light refreshments and a cash bar, courtesy of Karlo Estates. The session is open to everyone but  an RSVP would be appreciated to ensure seating. RSVP to michaelreason@sympatico.ca

Victor Davies -Tony Nardella photo

Victor Davies’ music ranges from children’s songs for television to chamber music, symphonies, choral music, ballet, opera, musical theatre having been commissioned by such performers as, The Winnipeg Symphony, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The Boss Brass, Ofra Harnoy, Vancouver Symphony, Bramwell Tovey and Manitoba Opera. He has written scores for radio, film and television, for CBC, CTV, NFB, PBS, 20th Century Fox, and Warner Bros. In 2003 he received a Gemini for his score for “Honour Before Glory”. His works, heard live and on record, performed by acclaimed performers, have been broadcast and televised worldwide.

Michael Reason, of Picton, is a professional musician (conductor, arranger, keyboards) who has worked for many symphony orchestras including Hamilton Philharmonic (Music Director), Niagara Symphony (Music Director) and guest conducted Calgary Philharmonic, Edmonton Symphony, State of Mexico Symphony, and North Czech Philharmonic.
He has also worked with wide range of contemporary artists including Anne Murray, Roch Voisine, Lousie Pitre, Rankin Sisters, Rita Macneil and Wayne Marshall.