Prepare for a Revolution with PEI Symphony Orchestra’s November Concert
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE — October 19, 2026 —The PEI Symphony Orchestra continues their 2026-27 Discover Our Story approach, following up October’s message of “Belonging” with a “Revolution” themed program.
“Canada may not be known as the site of a major revolution,” says Music Director Jaelem Bhate, “but I developed the 2026-27 Our Story series thinking of our country as it seeks its own identity, resolving fundamental questions. We are in a period of reflection and reaction, leading to deep change in how we see and value ourselves as a nation.”
To set the scene of Canada’s story and revolution, Maritimer Emily Doolittle’s ‘Falling Still’ opens the concert with a gentle exploration of sounds from natural processes. Originally from Halifax, Doolittle was educated at Dalhousie University, the Koninklijk Conservatorium, and Indiana and Princeton Universities. She is currently a Research Fellow and Lecturer in Composition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Emily’s work is regularly performed across the UK, Canada, the US, and Europe, and she has an ongoing musical interest in zoomusicology, the study of music-like aspects of animal songs.
The mood will darken somewhat when the orchestra presents Franz Liszt’s “Héroïde funèbre, S. 102.” ‘A Hero’s Funeral’ tells the tale of a heroism against terrible odds. Also known as Symphonic Poem No. 8, the piece is a solemn funeral march reflecting on fallen heroes, political struggle, and tragic loss. Liszt lived in an era of revolutionary unrest and he had in mind the Paris Revolution of 1830—also known as the July Revolution—when he composed this work. He reworked the piece in the wake of the Revolutions of 1848 (also called the "Spring of Nations"), a widespread wave of republican and democratic political upheavals that swept across Europe.
In contrast with Doolitttle’s contemplative opening piece, the Revolution-themed afternoon will end with a revolutionary bang with Shostakovich’s 11th Symphony of Dmitiri ‘The year 1905.’ Be prepared to be rocked out of your seat - this sonically descriptive work is terrifying for its entire fourth movement played as loud as the orchestra can deliver! This symphony recounts the story of a people fed up with tyranny and oppression, commemorating the events of the 1905 Russian Revolution—specifically the "Bloody Sunday" massacre outside the Winter Palace. It weaves together traditional Russian revolutionary and folk songs across four continuous movements.
The PEISO’s November “revolutionary” concert should be a rousing and warming experience for a Sunday afternoon in late fall!
Season subscriptions and tickets are now available through the Confederation Centre Box Office. Visit www.confederationcentre.com or call 902-566-1267 / 1-800-565-0278. For more information about the PEI Symphony’s 2026-27 season visit www.peisymphony.com.
BACKGROUND
The 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 59th season, the PEISO is a proud member of the community enriching the region through dynamic performances, comprehensive educational activities and impactful community relationships.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Laura Ono
PEI Symphony Orchestra
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