PEI Symphony Orchestra and Confederation Centre of the Arts Present: Once Upon a Score
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE — April 14, 2026 — The PEI Symphony Orchestra (PEISO), in collaboration with Confederation Centre of the Arts, is proud to present Once Upon a Score: The Music of Hollywood, a genre-blending concert-theatre experience on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at the Sobey Family Theatre in Charlottetown.
Following the success of last season’s May the Fourth Be With You: The Music of Star Wars, this new co-production expands the orchestra’s exploration of film music in an imaginative and unexpected direction. Once Upon a Score is not a film screening or live-to-picture presentation. Instead, it places storytelling at the centre of the performance, bringing audiences inside the creative process itself.
Created by PEISO Music Director Jaelem Bhate, the production unfolds in a lively café setting, where two actors portray a struggling screenwriter and an old friend reconnecting over questions of story, purpose, and the cultural impact of film. As their conversation evolves – at times witty, at times deeply reflective – the full orchestra brings their ideas to life through music, transforming dialogue into a vivid symphonic journey.
Audiences will hear iconic themes from some of Hollywood’s most beloved scores, including Harry Potter, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Titanic, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Avengers. Each musical selection is woven directly into the narrative, underscoring emotion, heightening drama, and adding moments of humour and surprise.
“This is a performance about storytelling itself—how music shapes it, elevates it, and connects us to it,” says Jaelem Bhate. “Rather than presenting film music in isolation, Once Upon a Score invites the audience into a living, breathing narrative where the orchestra becomes part of the story. It’s theatrical, it’s cinematic in scope, but it all unfolds live on stage.”
“We are excited to continue our collaboration with the PEI Symphony Orchestra on a production that pushes the boundaries of what an orchestral concert can be,” says Darcy Campbell, Director of LIVE @ the Centre. “This kind of innovative work creates new entry points for audiences and offers a rich, engaging experience that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.”
Smart, funny, and unexpectedly moving, Once Upon a Score blurs the line between concert and theatre—offering a fresh perspective on the music and stories that have shaped popular culture.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, May 3, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM (Pre-concert chat at 2:00–2:30 PM)
Location: Sobey Family Theatre, Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown, PE
Tickets: Available at confederationcentre.com or by calling 902-566-1267
BACKGROUNDThe Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) is one of PEI’s most respected performing arts organizations, providing Islanders with vibrant live orchestral experiences including classical, cross- genres, family and chamber-music concerts. Currently entering its 58th season, the PEISO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region through dynamic performances, comprehensive educational activities and impactful community relationships.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura Ono
PEI Symphony Orchestra
(902) 892-4333
admin@peisymphony.com
www.peisymphony.com
Laurie Kinsman
Director, Marketing & Communications
Confederation Centre of the Arts
(902) 916-0539
lkinsman@confederationcentre.com
confederationcentre.com
