Maestro Darlington in London

Jonathan Darlington

Vancouver Opera’s Music Director Jonathan Darlington has arrived in London, Ontario to conduct the National Youth Orchestra of Canada’s 2011 tour. The project begins with a “boot camp” in London before moving on to Stratford Summer Music 2011.  

Other stops on the orchestra’s 2011 tour include Ottawa (July 27), Brockville (Aug. 7) and Kingston (Aug. 8) before it ends at Toronto's Koerner Hall on Aug. 9.  Unfortunately for us in the west, the tour concentrates on the centre of the country (other tours have played in BC). Our friend Jacques Lacombe, who is conducting this fall’s Romeo et Juliette for VO, has also conducted the Youth Orchestra.

Sharman King

Jonathan arrived at the "boot camp" in London from recent appearances with The Duisburg Philharmonic Orchestra and the Dresden Semperoper.  He was last in Vancouver for last winter’s La Clemenza di Tito.

We are all so pleased that Jonathan was able to come back to Canada for this tour. "We are delighted to add maestro Jonathan Darlington to our roster of internationally-renowned conductors," said NYOC executive director Barbara Smith. 

Vancouver Opera Orchestra trombonist Sharman King is on the NYOC board of directors, which is chaired by Vancouver arts enthusiast David Lemon.

Note:  I have quoted from The London Free Press, which was sent to me by former VO employee Brenda Corby, for this posting.

- James Wright, General Director