Get ready for an immersive concert experience that celebrates Alberta through sound, from mountain landscapes to wild horses. Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra (RMSO) will present Sounds Like Alberta on January 31 at Bert Church LIVE Theatre and February 1 at Rockpointe Church in Bearspaw.
This unique performance combines Beethoven’s beloved Pastoral Symphony with powerful music by Alberta composers and interactive elements like live painting and audience participation.
“If you’ve never been to an orchestra concert before, this is a perfect first one. It’s welcoming, immersive, and rooted in Alberta’s stories and landscapes,” says Nelda Schulte, executive director of RMSO.
“You’ll hear music you love, experience it with lighting, and a live painter, and discover remarkable Alberta composers in the same evening.”
She adds that the performance will appeal to classical music lovers (especially Beethoven fans), families with school-age children, people looking for a unique night out in Airdrie, as well as newcomers and intercultural audiences curious about local arts and music.
“Sounds Like Alberta blends a professional orchestral experience with immersive features, including live painting created in real time during the concert, plus interactive elements that help audiences feel connected to the music.”.
Can’t make it to the show? No problem, there is another way you can make a difference.
The RMSO is partnering with newcomer youth groups — including NOW Youth — to bring junior and senior high students to the concert, many of whom have never experienced live orchestral music.
“NOW Youth is a Calgary-based youth organization supporting newcomer and intercultural communities,” says Schulte.
“RMSO is building outreach partnerships with organizations like NOW Youth to make orchestral music more accessible and culturally welcoming, and to invite new audiences who may not traditionally see themselves represented in classical concert spaces.”
Donating (through canadahelps.org/en/charities/RMSO) helps remove barriers for families and youth, creates welcoming first experiences with live music, and strengthens community connection through the arts. Donations support outreach, accessibility, and community invitation, turning a concert into an experience that builds belonging.
“RMSO is committed to making orchestral music accessible, engaging, and community-connected and Airdrie audiences are a key part of that vision,” adds Schulte.
Learn more and get your tickets to Sounds Like Alberta at tickets.airdrie.ca.
