Palm Court Light Orchestra

Charles Job, conductor

Charles Job was born in the north of England and studied viola and conducting at the Royal College of Music, London. He joined the Halle Orchestra in 1968 under Sir John Barbirolli’s conductorship and subsequently became principal viola with the Trondheim Chamber Orchestra, Norway and the Iceland Symphony. After taking up the baton to conduct numerous musicals and operettas, Charles rediscovered his early passion for light orchestral music and in 1986 formed Vancouver Island’s Palm Court Orchestra. Charles Job is a true devotee of Palm Court music. Audiences are captivated by his humour and unaffected charm.

Charles’ knowledge of the Light Music catalogue and his mastery of this genre are incomparable.

Palm Court guest conductor Marc Fortier, Montreal Summer Pops

About the Palm Court Light Orchestra

The Palm Court Light Orchestra is celebrated for its sensitive and affectionate performance of light orchestral music, well-crafted melody, and exquisite playing. This music creatively bridges the gap between traditionally serious symphony works and the world of Pops.

Vancouver Island’s Palm Court Light Orchestra, founded by conductor Charles Job in 1986, performed its first concert in April 1987 and released its first compact disc in 1997. In 2011 the Orchestra celebrated its Silver Jubilee, 25 years of performing light orchesral music.

Palm Court's Jubilee Season

2024-2025 is the Palm Court’s 37th Season! Offering what may be the most affordable, professional, two concert season in both Sidney and Oak Bay, this 23 to 45-member orchestra attracts audiences from mid-to-southern Vancouver Island, and has a devoted, largely British, light music following abroad.

In October we present Autumn Reflections with mezzo soprano Kiiri Michelsen and songs from the Broadway stage. Our February, 2025 concert My Funny Valentine sees the return of a Palm Court favorite, Sidney tenor Sunny Shams in our usual celebration of romance and world peace. Finally in April, 2025 our concert For Your Delight presents members of the Orchestra as soloists in works by Leroy Anderson, Gabriel Faure, Fritz Kreisler and Michael Conway Baker.

Another fine season from the Palm Court Light Orchestra

“The Palm Court Orchestra is an Island treasure.”
Jurgen Gothe, CBC Radio

One of the few orchestras in the world dedicated to performing season after season of light orchestral music in the authentic, palm court style, Vancouver Island’s PCO is credited with helping to preserve this musical genre.

For some, the term palm court evokes afternoon tea at the Ritz amid potted palms and wicker furniture, dancing to Geraldo at the Savoy, cruising the French Riviera with the smart set, taking the waters at Leamington spa ~ a setting and style reflective of British High Society between the Wars.

For today’s music lover, whether Palm Court loyalist or the occasional concert goer joining friends for a nostalgic waltz down memory lane, the Palm Court Light Orchestra experience is one of being charmed by light-hearted music that transcends time. A Palm Court concert, with familiar show tunes interspersed (South Pacific, Gigi, Kiss Me Kate), revives music made popular on the radio. Unashamedly popular. Music that warms the heart. Music that people whistle and hum. In fact, at Palm Court concerts humming is often heard all up and down the aisles.

>> History & Highlights

I always leave feeling charmed, in the best sense of the word.

We enjoy the music and also the anecdotes and history provided by the conductor. We have learned so much about light music just by attending.