HAMILTON, ON, March 3, 2026 — On Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 7:30PM, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) presents a magical evening of dance-inspired music led by HPO Music Director James Kahane: Dancing Through Life. Experience masterpieces by French composers Maurice Ravel, Camille Saint-Saëns and Philippe Hersant that draw inspiration from dances spanning borders and centuries before Dvořák’s symphonic portrait of Czech folklore draws the concert to a close. Returning to FirstOntario Concert Hall to perform with the HPO, Canadian violinist Susanne Hou takes centre stage as this concert’s guest soloist. 

The evening opens with Ravel’s colourful Tombeau de Couperin, a melodic and textured homage to 18th century French music, first inspired by a lively instrumental dance by French composer François Couperin. Then, virtuoso Susanne Hou lends her brilliant technique to Saint-Saëns’ passionate, Spanish-style Introduction et Rondo Capriccioso, originally composed in collaboration with violinist Pablo de Sarasate. 

Hersant’s contemporary Rondes de Nuit will transport the audience to the sounds and dances of Madrid nightlife, interwoven with other Spanish styles the composer explored while studying in the country, from medieval and Renaissance music to popular songs and zarzuelas. The concert draws to a close with Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, a jubilant journey through the songs of birds, shepherd’s pipes and dances of his homeland. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Susanne Hou back to the HPO stage for what promises to be another breathtaking performance,” said HPO Executive Director Kim Varian. “Championing outstanding Canadian artists is central to the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra’s mission, and Suzanne exemplifies the extraordinary calibre of musicians Canada shares with the world. Many in our audience will remember her remarkable 2022 performance of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, and we eagerly anticipate experiencing her artistry again this month as she takes on Saint-Saëns’ Introduction et Rondo Capriccioso.” 

HPO LAUNCHES NEW EVENT SERIES, INSIDE THE ORCHESTRA 
 
In tandem with Dancing through Life, the HPO introduces a new event hosted by James Kahane called Inside the Orchestra: Ravel on Friday, March 20. Attendees will experience the rehearsal of Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin from the stage, gaining fascinating insights into the music and a new perspective of the process. “We are absolutely thrilled to kick off our Inside the Orchestra series, offering a unique opportunity for our community to soak up James Kahane’s vast wealth of musical knowledge and feel the power of live orchestra like never before, right from the rehearsal stage!” says Kim Varian. 

Inside the Orchestra: Ravel 
March 20, 2026 at 7:30pm 
FirstOntario Concert Hall 
1 Summers Ln., Hamilton, ON, L8P 4Y2 
Tickets on sale at hpo.org 

Dancing Through Life 
March 21, 2026 at 7:30pm 
FirstOntario Concert Hall 
1 Summers Ln., Hamilton, ON, L8P 4Y2 
Tickets on sale at hpo.org 

 
About the HPO: For 140 years, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra has presented orchestral music and education programs with a mission to enrich the wellbeing of the greater Hamilton region. The HPO presents dynamic orchestral performances ranging from standard classical repertoire to popular music and world premieres by living composers. As one of Canada’s leading professional orchestras, the HPO has proudly contributed to the shaping of Hamilton’s cultural landscape.   

HPO Media Contact: 

Megan Nourse 

Marketing & Strategic Initiatives Manager 
289-216-8273 
mnourse@hpo.org