Things are going to be suds-phonic at the Cunard Centre this weekend for Symphony Nova Scotia’s annual combination of horns and hops, the always popular Beer and Beethoven.
“When I see the symphony, it is at the Rebecca Cohn and they are always dressed up and formal, but here they are buttoned down and casual,” says Heidi Petracek.
“They feel relaxed and everyone feels more relaxed. The CBC Radio personality is hosting the 16th annual concert, taking place this Friday and Saturday night.
It will be a mix of Beethoven, waltzes, marches, and Maritime music performed by Brian Doherty — of Evans and Doherty — and Jimmy Sweeney. “We will do a few contemporary songs and some sing-a-longs, songs that will suit the relaxed atmosphere of this kind of night,” said Doherty, who has previously worked with the symphony. “It will be an easy going night, and we’ll have fun with an audience.” He and Sweeney — they both come from the same small town in Northern Ireland — have worked out some special musical arrangements with the symphony. This is Sweeney’s first time attending the event. “People have been telling me it’s great fun, and I am looking forward to it. And, it is cool to work with the symphony and that big wall of sound as well.”
A fundraiser for the symphony, the night will also include a Stella pouring competition. This will be Petracek’s first time hosting, and while she has attended the event before, the experience will be somewhat different “I am like the musicians, I have to perform, so unfortunately I might not get to have as much Stella — not that I would drink copious amounts,” she says.
“I’ll still get to enjoy the music.”
