Otto Von Selmer Orchestra
The name is a playful spoof of European dance orchestras and the group is actually the brainchild of musician/composer/arranger Bill Runge. Bill forsaw a need for a traditional “High Society” style dance band that incorporated such elements as Strauss Waltzes, Foxtrots, Latin Style Ballroom, Swing and Classic Pop. Performed by a 17 piece orchestra, these fun dance stylings come alive with rich musical textures provided by top musicians from the Symphony/Opera world and Jazz/Broadway Show fields.
Since it's inception, the OVSO has been a fixture at the Wall Centre Christmas Balls and it's many society functions including the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation Gala and the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation Fundraiser Auction. The group has also worked at Araxi in Whistler for the huge Cornucopia event several years running.
Bill Runge is a Vancouver based Multi-Instrumentalist/Arranger/Composer
who has with many name acts such as Natalie Cole, Bob Hope, Jim Byrnes, Dal Richards, Michael Buble, Dee Daniels, Colin James, Ben E. King, The Funk Bros., Michael Burgess, Carol Burnette, and Tracy Ullman. Bill's career has successfully spanned 30 years involving nearly every facet of the music business.
Featured vocalist Rebecca Shoichet starred in the Playhouse Theatre production of “The River”, a tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell and performs with several groups including “Mimosa”, “Soulstream”, and “Famous Players” and is a first call session singer and cartoon voice artist.
The OVSO contains Vancouver's finest symphonic and jazz musicians, many having national reputations.
The Otto Von Selmer Orchestra:
Vocalist -
Rebecca Shoichet
Leader/Alto Saxophone/Flute/Accordion -
Bill Runge
Tenor Saxophone/Clarinet -
Tom Colclough
Trumpets -
Derry Byrne, Vince Mai
Trombone -
Rod Murray
Piano -
Tilden Webb
Bass -
Jodi Proznick
Drums -
Buff Allen
Violins -
Gwen Thompson,
Mark Ferris,
Jesse Zubot,
Maya De Forest,
Debra Fast,
Sandra Fiddes
Viola -
Marie-Claude Brunet
Cello -
Harold Birston
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