Light in the Darkness

Find light in the darkness of the season. Featuring solo pianist Seho Lee.

Light in the Darkness

Sunday, November 22 2026 | 7:00 pm

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

A November concert perfectly placed just ahead of the Advent season. Mendelssohn’s Fingal’s Cave evokes the sublime power of creation, while Schumann’s Piano Concerto speaks of struggle and transcendence. The Italian Symphony closes the evening with radiant joy — a declaration that light prevails.

Program

A Musical Friendship — Mendelssohn and Schumann

Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann were two of the most important composers of 19th-century German music, and they shared a close friendship built on mutual respect and encouragement. Their connection extended beyond music, as both were deeply rooted in the Christian faith. Their sense of wonder toward God, humanity, and the created world can be heard throughout their music.

The program opens with Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides (Fingal’s Cave) Overture, inspired by the dramatic beauty of the Hebrides Islands off the coast of Scotland. The surging waves and towering cliffs are vividly brought to life through music, offering a glimpse of the majesty and wonder of nature as created by God.

We then turn to Schumann’s Piano Concerto, a work that reflects the close musical relationship between the two composers. Mendelssohn recognized Schumann’s talent early on and was among those who encouraged and championed his music. He held Schumann’s Piano Concerto in high regard, and their friendship was an important source of support for Schumann during his career.

We are especially delighted to welcome pianist Seho Lee as our soloist for this performance. Active on concert stages across Korea, China, Europe, and the United States, Seho brings an international perspective and a distinctive musical voice to Schumann’s deeply expressive concerto. We very much look forward to sharing his artistry with our audience.

The evening concludes with Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, a vibrant and joyful work filled with the energy, colour, and spirit of Italy. Through these three works, we hope to celebrate not only two remarkable musical voices, but also the friendship, faith, and artistic inspiration that connected them.

FAQs

How long is the performance?

The concert is expected to run approximately 90 minutes, including a short intermission.

Who is conducting the performance?

The concert will be led by Jeongmin Park, an accomplished conductor known for bringing energy and passion to every performance.

Who are the musicians?

The ensemble features a talented group of orchestral musicians.

Is there assigned seating?

Seating is general admission, so we recommend arriving early to secure your preferred seats.

Will tickets be available at the door?

Tickets may be available at the door if the event is not sold out. We recommend purchasing in advance to guarantee your spot.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes, St. Giles Presbyterian Church is wheelchair accessible. Please contact us in advance if you require assistance.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is limited parking available near the venue, as well as street parking in the surrounding area. Arrive early to find a spot.

Can I bring children to the concert?

Yes! This is a family-friendly event. However, we encourage parents to provide supervision to our younger concert enthusiasts.

Will there be an intermission?

Yes, there will be a brief intermission during the performance.

What should I wear?

There is no formal dress code. However, feel free to dress up for a special night out.

Who can I contact for more information?

For any inquiries, please reach out to the event organizers via office@stgiles.ca or call 403-289-6862.