Concert evokes majesty of nature in Mississauga
Published October 16, 2025 at 3:19 pm
A new concert in Mississauga evokes the majesty of nature.
The Mississauga Symphony Orchestra opens its 2025/26 season this weekend with The Pastoral Experience — an evening celebrating the majesty of nature through music, organizers said in a press release.
“The Pastoral Experience invites audiences to reflect on our deep and timeless connection to nature,” says artistic director and conductor, Maestro Denis Mastromonaco. “Beethoven, Brahms, Dvořák, and Copland each remind us that music has the power to mirror the world around us — its harmony, its turbulence, and its beauty.”
At the heart of the program is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F major, “Pastoral” — one of the most cherished works in the symphonic repertoire. Overflowing with warmth, lyricism, and joy, Beethoven’s Pastoral paints vivid musical landscapes that evoke the rustling of trees, the murmur of brooks, and the exhilaration of a storm before returning to the calm of rural life.
The evening begins with Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn, a masterpiece of ingenuity and elegance. In this work, Brahms pays homage to the Classical era while showcasing his own Romantic sensibility through a series of inventive variations that balance power and grace.
Audiences will also enjoy Aaron Copland’s Variations on a Shaker Melody, conducted by guest, Miranda Brant. Drawn from Copland’s beloved ballet Appalachian Spring, this uplifting piece transforms the humble Shaker tune “Simple Gifts” into a radiant celebration of optimism, grace, and simplicity — perfectly complementing the concert’s themes of nature and renewal.
Complementing these masterworks is Dvořák’s In Nature’s Realm, a luminous tone poem inspired by the beauty of the Bohemian countryside. Rich in melody and emotion, the work captures the serenity, grandeur, and mystery of the natural world.
The Mississauga Symphony Orchestra is recognized as Canada’s leading hybrid orchestra, combining professional musicians with highly skilled amateurs.
The concert is Saturday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m. at the Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga.
Tickets start at $50, with special pricing available for seniors, youth and families.
For tickets and more information, visit mississaugasymphony.ca, or call 905-306-6000.
Lead photo: Fotograf Jylland