Through projects like this, I’ve started discovering something new: extending storytelling beyond the screen and into the physical world.
From filming within a cello to compositing performances inside the instrument… to designing and building an interactive kiosk for audiences to experience in person, this project became something far bigger than a single film.
A look behind the scenes of “Meet You at the Phil.”
From Bollywood to Dollywood, Mozart to Munsch, your Calgary Phil’s 2026/2027 Season is packed with renowned conductors, spectacular concerts for all ages and tastes, and an incredible line-up of guest artists, including five-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo and highly distinguished Master of the King’s Music, Errolyn Wallen. We can’t wait to ‘Meet you at the Phil’ starting in September 2026!
We can’t wait to ‘Meet you at the Phil’ for our stellar 2026/2027 Season! For our 71st year as Calgary’s Orchestra, we’re presenting 71 concerts led by 29 renowned conductors and featuring many incredible guest artists. A big thank you to 26/27 Season Sponsor National Bank for all of their incredible support.
The Calgary Philharmonic is devastated by the news of Cris Derksen’s passing earlier this weekend. An astonishingly innovative composer and cellist, Cris served as the Calgary Phil’s Artistic Advisor since 2021. We know that Cris’ legacy will live on through their music, commitment to music education, championing of new works, and in establishing supports and opportunities for Indigenous artists. Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts are with her family, friends, and everyone who was impacted by Cris.
Photos: Cris and the Orchestra with former Music Director Rune Bergmann at the Calgary premiere of their composition Controlled Burn in March 2025; Cris leads an Education and Outreach visit for students at Niitsitapi Learning Centre, also in March 2025.
Thank you for joining us at Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert! The live reactions to the music on the stage and the action on the screen made this full hall feel magical. There’s still a handful of seats left for tomorrow’s performances, grab one if you can! Check out our stories for more details!
Don’t miss globally renowned cellist Steven Isserlis in his first-ever appearance with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra! The celebrated musician is sure to dazzle with Robert Schumann’s exquisite Cello Concerto, plus conductor Earl Lee and the Orchestra also make it a May to remember with Gustav Mahler’s magnificent First Symphony. 22 + 23 May at the Jack Singer Concert Hall!
This May long weekend, set a galaxy far, far away as your family destination when your Calgary Phil performs the classic score to Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert! Friday 15 May / 7:30PM + Saturday 16 May / 2:30PM + 7:30PM at the Jubilee Auditorium.
The final Symphony Sundays for Kids concert of the season was a great way to spend Mother’s Day. Wandering with Wonder creator Samantha Whelan Kotkas narrated and many of the artists whose works are featured in the production played alongside the Orchestra — all led by Resident Conductor Juliane Gallant. Thanks to Samantha and composers Chris Andrew (piano), Matt Epp (guitar), Sherryl Sewepagaham (vocals) and Walter MacDondald White Bear (narration and Indigenous flute), as well as percussionist Jamie Cooper for helping us to find the wonder that’s in everyone.
Conductor Cosette Justo Valdés led the Orchestra — and the audience – on an inspired Italian journey tonight at Postcards from Italy. Highlights included the double bass solo from Igor Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, performed by Jonathan Yeoh, a new view for Principal Harp Emily Melendes with the celeste + piano during Ottorino Respighi’s Trittico Botticelliano, and an epic finale courtesy of Felix Mendelssohn’s Fourth Symphony (aka Italian Symphony). 🇮🇹 A big thank you to our Concert Sponsor @mawerinvestmentmanagement , whose generous support helped make this concert possible. 🙏
One week ago, your Calgary Phil performed the first of two sold out Alberta in Harmony: The Planets concerts with @edmontonsymphony at @winspearcentre (the second show was held in Calgary last weekend). We had such a great time connecting and collaborating with our wonderful colleagues that we decided to share a photo blog post offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the hard work and great fun that was had on this road trip. Just visit our profile to see more!
