Michael Kaeshammer makes his orchestral debut with the Victoria Symphony

Victoria, BC ’Äì On December 19, at the Royal Theatre, charismatic jazz sensation Michael Kaeshammer makes his orchestral debut with the Victoria Symphony. Performing uniquely stylized Christmas favourites and songs from his latest album lovelight, this concert provides a brilliant and broad range of entertainment.

Michael Kaeshammer, the triple threat sensation singer/songwriter/pianist, selected the Victoria Symphony for his orchestral debut. Conducted under the baton of Giuseppe Pietraroia, The Days of Christmas concert features charming seasonal songs such as ’ÄúMerry Christmas Baby,’Äù ’ÄúI'll Be Home for Christmas,’Äù ’ÄúMarshmallow World,’Äù and ’ÄúMary's Little Boy Child’Äù along with the gorgeous pop ballad ’ÄúIsabelle’Äù and a cover of Sam Cooke’Äôs ’ÄúCupid’Äù with lyrical piano playing and a jaunt melody.

’ÄúHaving my orchestral debut with the Victoria Symphony is a very special moment for me. Victoria is my home and I started my career here, so performing my music with the Victoria Symphony Orchestra means a lot to me. It being Christmas makes it even more personal. I can’Äôt wait!’Äù exclaims Michael Kaeshammer.

Kaeshammer’Äôs live rhythm section, noted Toronto players Marc Roger (bass) and Mark McLean (drums) will join the Victoria Symphony’Äôs orchestra on stage, providing a broad stylistic range of songs. Kaeshammer’Äôs vocal work is both relaxed and convincing, exhibiting an appealing confident and sexy swagger. His boyish good looks, natural and quick-witted sense of humour, and endless talent sells out his shows nationally and internationally.

Michael Kaeshammer’Äôs on stage charm has helped him become an in-demand entertainer across North America and Europe, recently selling out across Germany and in Toronto. He has received a Juno Award nomination for three of his albums and, in 2002, Kaeshammer won the West Coast Music Awards in the Musician of the Year and Performer of the Year categories. Kaeshammer has been nominated for three Smooth Jazz Awards in the categories Male Vocalist of the Year, Keyboardist/Pianist of the Year, and Best Original Composition (for ’ÄúIsabelle’Äù), just announced last month.

Giuseppe Pietraroia, conductor in residence for the Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria, has been the Music Director of the Victoria Choral Society since 2005. Giuseppe Pietraroia is the recipient of the George and Jane Heffelfinger Pacific Opera Victoria Artist of the Year Award and the Canada Council’Äôs Jean-Marie Beaudet Award in Orchestral Conducting.

The Victoria Symphony is Vancouver Island’Äôs largest and most active arts organization performing for more than 125,000 people each year, including 10,000 schoolchildren. Showcasing the outstanding talents of its musicians and guest artists, the Victoria Symphony’Äôs 2009-2010 season offers a diverse and exciting line-up of over 50 concerts led by its vibrant Music Director Tania Miller.

Michael Kaeshammer ’Äì The Days of Christmas

December 19 at 8:00pm, Royal Theatre

250.385.6515 or 250.386.6121

$12, $35, $45

www.victoriasymphony.ca.