Open Dress Rehearsals | Winspear Centre

Presented By Del Dilkie

For Grades 7 - 12 | Now on sale!

Catch a sneak peek of the ESO at work in our Open Dress Rehearsals! Students gain an inside view of the rehearsal process through a live blog feed broadcast in the hall. Students will be engaged in directed listening and gain an introduction to the historical context of great contemporary and classical symphonic works. There may even be a Q&A during the rehearsal break with the composers, conductors, or other special guests. This is the ultimate experience for both orchestral newbies and die-hard musicians!

Program length: 1.5 – 2.5 hours

Tickets: $11.50 / student

Includes one free supervisor ticket for every 10 student tickets purchased. Some subsidies are available for qualifying schools attending Education Concerts and Open Dress Rehearsals. Check here for details.

ENCORE: A NIGHT OF FAVOURITES

SOLD OUT

Friday, November 20, 2026 • 10:00 AM

Experience a variety of classic and popular melodies you know and love in this celebration of incredible talent from your orchestra and beyond – including dancers from Alberta Ballet. This special program, curated by ESO Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni, features memorable tunes from lighter classics, Broadway, film, and American standards.

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GERMAN GREATS

Friday, January 22, 2027 • 10:00 AM

This program of influential German composers features ESO concertmaster, Robert Uchida, and principal cello, Rafael Hoekman, in the powerful “Double” Concerto for Violin and Cello by Johannes Brahms. Explore the depths of emotion in this music drawing inspiration from spirituality, compassion, and redemption.

Polar Trip: The Glorious Arctic

Thursday, February 18, 2027 • 10:00 AM

In this special tribute to the northernmost reaches of the Earth and life that exists there, hear Canadian composer Vincent Ho's vivid Arctic Symphony. Inspired by his experiences during a trip to the Arctic region, Ho combines elements of Western music with features of traditional aboriginal music to create the beautiful majesty and unforgiving power of the far north. Plus, Lara Poe's Kaamos reflects the unique limbo between darkness and daylight during the Polar Night.

LA VIDA LOCA: LATIN POP HITS

SOLD OUT

Friday, March 5, 2027 • 10:00 AM

Get on your feet and Let's Get Loud as the ESO plays the greatest hits of Latin pop! Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez ignites the Winspear with vocalists celebrating superstars Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and more. This is a party you don't want to miss!

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KEVIN CHEN PLAYS CHOPIN

Friday April 16, 2027 • 10:00 AM

Calgary's Kevin Chen will perform Chopin's charming Piano Concerto No. 2, written when the composer was just 20 years old. Plus, in this program of early romantic works, hear conductor Mario Venzago's own "Finished" version of Schubert's "Unfinished" Symphony, along with a dramatic overture by Bellini.

ORCHESTRA AND ACCORDION

Friday, April 30, 2027 • 10:00 AM

Have you ever heard an accordion solo with an orchestra? Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla's signature South American flair is showcased in his concerto for this unique and unusual instrument. As a winner of the world's most prestigious accordion competitions, Radu Ratoi performs this work, plus an impressive arrangement of Bizet's famous Carmen Fantasie.

THE MUSIC OF STUDIO GHIBLI

SOLD OUT

Friday, May 28, 2027 • 10:30 AM

Step into the wonderous worlds of Studio Ghibli through the timeless scores of Joe Hisaishi. From the soaring skies of My Neighbor Totoro to the epic landscapes of Princess Mononoke and the spellbinding journey of Spirited Away, this concert celebrates the heart and imagination of these iconic films. Hisashi’s creative collaborations with director Hayao Miyazaki have led to some of cinema’s most emotional moments, with tender melodies and sweeping orchestration that have captivated audiences for generations.

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Payment Policy

If payment is not received by the payment deadline (one month prior to the concert date), your booking will be cancelled.

Cancellation / Alteration Policy

You are required to provide written notice of cancellation or alteration of your booking via email to edbookings@winspearcentre.com. For cancellation, a fee of 50% of the cost of the original booking will be charged. If less than one week’s notice is given, the full cost of the booking will be charged.

No-Show Policy

Refunds will not be granted for groups who do not attend the field trip. If possible, arrangements will be made for the group to attend at a later date. In extreme circumstances, partial refunds may be granted at the discretion of the ESO/FWCM.