Music students at Langley's Trinity Western University will transport their guests to France and Spain during two shows they're presenting this weekend in Langley and Abbotsford.

Two TWU ensembles, the orchestra and concert band, will be performing on Friday and Saturday nights - first Nov. 16 at Langley's Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, and the next night (Nov. 17) at the Peace Lutheran Church in Abbotsford.

Highlights of the musical journey will include Fantasia Espanol by John Higgins, the lively Latin sounds of Bobrowitz's Sonidos de Sevilla, Washburn's carefree island-inspired piece Martinique, and Offenbach's rousing Ballet Parisien, explained conductor Allan Thorpe.

But the heart of the concert is a story of Spain immortalized by a French composer - the suite from Bizet's beloved opera Carmen, he said.

"This fall our concert band has been exploring these evocative pieces with particular focus on presenting character and atmosphere," explained Thorpe, who is no stranger to the theatrical after taking on the duties of musical director and forming the Klezmer Band for TWU's spring drama production of Fiddler on the Roof.

"We are pleased to invite our audiences along on this European excursion, with appealing repertoire that showcases the talents of our student instrumentalists," Thorpe elaborated.

He pointed to one such student, a promising flute soloist, Charmaine Tai. A third-year music major who hails from Richmond, Tai will be featured in Cecile Chaminade's Concertino.

Conducted by Jon Thompson, the School of Arts, Media, and Culture's (SAMC) 40-piece orchestra will conclude the concert's European journey "with flourish," Thorpe said.

The orchestra, taking a cue from Mendelssohn, will take a side trip to Scotland with The Hebrides overture and Symphony No. 2 in A Minor. Profoundly affected by the rugged beauty of the Hebrides Islands, Mendelssohn began drafting the music for this symphony and overture while on a tour through Scotland in 1829.

Admission to these shows is by donation, with organizers suggesting a minimum of $5 each. The concerts both start at 7: 30 p.m., and more details are available at www.twu.ca/samc.

CHOIRS PERFORM IN RICHMOND

In addition to this week's concerts, the TWU choirs will be performing in Richmond next weekend.

Dulci Jubilo, a musical celebration of Christ's birth, will be presented at the Richmond Pentecostal Church at 9300 Westminster Hwy., at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25.

TIckets for that show are $15 at the door or in advance online at indulcijubilo.eventbrite.ca.