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Let's dance, invites conductor

For the Pacific Symphonic Wind Emsemble's first show of the season at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, guest conductor Tak Maeda wants the audience to sit back, close its eyes and listen to the music.

For the Pacific Symphonic Wind Emsemble's first show of the season at the Evergreen Cultural Centre, guest conductor Tak Maeda wants the audience to sit back, close its eyes and listen to the music.

But, most of all, he wants the crowd to imagine dancers performing before them.

That's the idea behind his Invitation to Dance concert, which will feature seven songs penned for a hoe down, cakewalk and Mexican fiesta, among others.

"The concept is that music is at the centre of the stage and people who listen will enjoy the dancers in their head - a butterfly flying in the air, a ballerina twirling around, for example," Maeda said. "Everything is related to dance."

PSWE will premiere Invitation to Dance at West Vancouver's Kay Meek Centre on Saturday and follow up in Coquitlam on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m.

The program numbers are: American Barndance (Richard L. Saucedo); Butterfly's Ball (Ryan Fraley); Free Running (Robert Buckley); La Fiesta Mexicana, Prelude and Aztec Dance (H. Owen Reed); Suite of old American Dances (Robert Russell Bennett); Pineapple Poll, Jasper's Dance (Arthur Sullivan and arranged by Charles Mackerras); and Incantation and Dance (John Barnes Chance).

A graduate of the Osaka College of Music and former trumpet player with the Kansai Philharmonic Orchestra, Maeda moved to Canada in 1990 "for more of a challenge" and immediately gained work tooting the horn with PSWE, for four years.

Since then, he built a reputation in the local music community, serving as musical director for many community groups such as the Mount Olivet Lutheran Church Choir and the North Vancouver Youth Band.

Asked if he prefers conducting over playing, Maeda responded: "I enjoy both. Conducting the band is similar to playing an instrument - only bigger."

For tickets to PSWE's Invitation to Dance, call 604-927-6555 or visit www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca.

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