2011-2012 Robbins Lighter Classics

2011-2012 Robbins Lighter Classics

From four guitars to a legendary figure skater, and a harmonica showcase to the hits of the silver screen, this series promises enjoyable evenings all around, hosted by friendly and outgoing conductors!

Thank you to our generous supporters of this series, Bill & Mary Jo Robbins.

Robbins Lighter Classics Pricing
CATEGORY  A  B  C  D  E  F
Single Ticket Price* $75 $65 $52 $38 $28 $20
*Service charges apply to single ticket purchases.

Subscriptions are no longer available for the 2011/12 Robbins Lighter Classics. Learn more about our 2012-2013 Robbins Lighter Classics!
  • Thursday, October 6, 2011, 8:00 pm
  • Four Guitars, One Orchestra
  • Tchaikovsky does Italian? Rimsky-Korsakov is Spanish? And four guitars all at once? This exciting and unique program presents the ESO debut of the Canadian Guitar Quartet, performing not one, but two works for four guitars. As well, the sunny climes of Spain and Italy have inspired masterpieces by many – including visitors from Russia.
  • Thursday, November 17, 2011, 8:00 pm
  • Harmonically Yours
  • Bonfiglio Plays Gershwin
    Robert Bonfiglio is an electrifying performer, and a charismatic stage presence. His skill on the harmonica is breathtaking, and he returns to the Winspear stage with a little of everything, from a tribute to Gershwin to some "song and dance."
  • Thursday, December 22, 2011, 8:00 pm
  • A Lightly Classical Christmas
  • Alberta boy Nathan Berg comes home once more, bringing his radiant baritone voice and engaging personality with him. Rising American conducting star Stuart Chafetz makes his ESO debut in a holiday themed program of favourites and surprises. Our Lighter Classics holiday tradition once again blends classical and just plain classic.
  • Thursday, January 19, 2012, 8:00 pm
  • Gold Medal Skates
  • One of Canada’s legendary and most influential figure skaters – Toller Cranston – guides you through the music that lit up some of figure skating’s most famous programs. From classical favourites to classic Hollywood, this concert pays tribute to that perfect combination of athleticism and art. Give it 10 for artistic expression!
  • Thursday, March 1, 2012, 8:00 pm
  • Behind the Silver Screen
  • Once again, the Lighter Classics goes a little deeper than just great film music, in a program that shows that great composers wrote great movie scores – and so much more. Bill Eddins conducts, and is joined by young American saxophone sensation Ashu, in a night full of memories and exciting discoveries.
  • Thursday, May 17, 2012, 8:00 pm
  • The Last Night of the Proms
  • Some traditions just get better with age, and the Last Night of the Proms is one of them. The yearly end of the London summer festival comes with a feast of mainstays: classical hits, exciting new music, singing traditional songs, and a special guest with remarkable talent. In the ESO’s tribute to this legendary annual event, young American soprano Mela Dailey sings Puccini, Lehár, and more. One of the ESO’s most popular guest conductors, Bob Bernhardt, is back, to turn the Winspear Centre into the Royal Albert Hall just for one night.