Concert Season 2015 – 2016
VIP Event ~ Season Opener “Russian Music of XIX - XX Century” Rimsky-Korsakov String Quartet Dr. Eugene Skovorodnikov, piano Friday, October 23rd 7:30PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $30, $25 (students & seniors) Program: Shostakovich, Glazunov, Borodin SOLD OUT Founded in 1939, the Rimsky-Korsakov String Quartet is a precious heirloom of the Russian music culture. The present members Mikhail Bondarev (violin), Ekaterina Belisova (violin), Alexei Popov (viola), Anton Andreev (cello) are graduates of the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. By virtue of a shared heritage they are steeped in the grand tradition of Russian music making, achieving organic and convincing interpretations of a diverse repertoire of masterworks, Russian classics and contemporary masters. Audiences throughout Europe, Canada, U.S., Latin America, Asia and former Soviet Union recognize Eugene Skovorodnikov for his stylistic interpretation and his technical brilliance. Dr. Skovorodnikov took his post-graduate course at the St. Petersburg conservatory (Russia) where he remained teaching until 1990 when he left the country. In 2006 he was awarded an Honourary Doctorate in Musical Arts by Kharkov State University of Arts, Ukraine for his achievements in performance and teaching. To read more about E. Skovorodnikov, please visit his official website: www.eugeneskovorodnikov.com CONCERT 1 * Pius Cheung, marimba (Canada/USA) Saturday, November 21st 7PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $20, $15 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: Bach, Piazzolla, Cheung “Tuneful, neo-Romantic yet technically difficult, [Pius Cheung’s Études] not only showcased Mr. Cheung’s mastery of his instrument but also demonstrated his considerable skill and promise as a composer in his own right – one who writes the kind of music people will want to hear.”- The Washington Times Dubbed a “neo-Romantic marimba virtuoso”, Pius Cheung is widely known as a master soloist on his instrument. Mr. Cheung’s recent engagements include an appearance as concerto soloist with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra performing “Colours of Crimson” and his own arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin, as well as his own marimba concerto with the Aarhus Sinfonietta. In addition, he has presented solo recitals at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, the Library of Congress in Washington DC, Morgan Library and Museum in New York, Bejing Central Conservatory, the Manchester Music Festival, Italy PAS International Festival, Santa Fe Marimba Festival, and Nordic Percussion Festival. Mr. Cheung currently holds the post of Assistant Professor of Percussion at the University of Oregon. He is a Yamaha Performing Artist and an Innovative Percussion Signature Artist. CONCERT 2* Ransom & Kong, Piano/Viola Duo (USA) Saturday, January 30th 7PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $20, $15 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: Franck, De Beriot After winning top prizes at the Bordeaux International String Quartet Competition in France, Miss Kong has enjoyed a versatile career in both solo and chamber music performance. She had appeared in Carnegie Hall, and her live performances have been heard on NPR's Performance Today (USA), the National Radio of China, Shanghai TV, Radio France, France Musiques, and the National Radio of the Czech Republic. Miss Kong currently resides in Atlanta, where the Vega Quartet are full-time Artists-in-Residence at Emory University. “[Ransom] One of the greatest of the new generation of pianists.” La Voz, Argentina. Ransom was a scholarship student of William Masselos at The Juilliard School in New York (BM and MM), and he also worked with Theodore Lettvin at the University of Michigan (DMA) and Madame Gaby Casadesus at the Ravel Academy in France. Ransom is currently the Mary L. Emerson Professor of Piano and Director of Piano Studies at Emory University in Atlanta. Ransom is Artistic Director of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival in North Carolina and also an artist-faculty member of the Kamisaibara Pianists Camp in Japan. CONCERT 3* Hugues Leclere, piano (France) Saturday, March 5th 7PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $20, $15 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: Debussy SOLD OUT As outstanding interpreter of Debussy, Ravel and their contemporaries, Hughes Leclere teaches at the Royal Brussels conservatory and is the artistic director of the international festival Nancyphonies. His discography contains 13 recordings including world premiere of Ladurner Sonatas opus 4 and Witkovski violin sonata, as well as recordings of Mozart K488 and Ravel G major Concerto with Prague national radio orchestra. Mr. Leclere has appeared on stages of USA, Canada, Japan, China, Thailand, France, Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Italy, Spain and Portugal. CONCERT 4* Anna Vavilova, piano Eugene Skovorodnikov, piano Saturday, April 23rd 7PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $20, $15 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: Schumann, Brahms SOLD OUT Audiences throughout Europe, Canada, U.S., Latin America, Asia and former Soviet Union recognize Dr. Eugene Skovorodnikov for his stylistic interpretation and his technical brilliance. Dr. Skovorodnikov took his post-graduate course at the St. Petersburg conservatory (Russia) where he remained teaching until 1990 when he left the country. In 2006 he was awarded an Honourary Doctorate in Musical Arts by Kharkov State University of Arts, Ukraine for his achievements in performance and teaching. To read more about E. Skovorodnikov, please visit his official website: www.eugeneskovorodnikov.com At the concert E. Skovorodnikov is sharing the stage with internationally renown and celebrated pianist Anna Vavilova. Ms. Vavilova has taken masterclasses from world renowned musicians: V. Monastyrski (Israel), Aquiles Delle Vigne (Argentina), Martha Noguera (Argentina) and attended piano summer festivals in US, France and Russia. Anna appeared with Vancouver Island Symphony and was a finalist at Pacific Spotlight Competition on CBC Radio Two, and has been awarded Vancouver Foundation Scholarship (2005) and BC Arts Council Scholarship (2006). To read more about A. Vavilova, please visit her official website: https://worldofmusicandarts.com/teacher/anna-vavilova/
Concert Season 2016 – 2017
CONCERT 1 CONCERT 2 CONCERT 3 Di Cristofano, piano (Italy) Saturday, Oct.15th 7PM Program: Schubert, Chopin Tickets: $20, $15 Bergamann Duo (Canada) Saturday, Nov. 12h 7PM Program: Dvorak, Rachmaninoff Tickets: $20, $15 Vancouver Cello Quartet (Canada) Saturday, Jan. 21st 7PM Program: TBA Tickets: $20, $15 CONCERT 4 CONCERT 5 CONCERT 6 Rimsky-Korsakov Quartet (Russia) Saturday, Feb. 25th 7PM Program: Russian music Tickets: $20, $15 Alexander Tutunov, piano (Belarus/USA) Saturday, Mar. 25th 7PM Program: Brahms, Liszt, Chopin Tickets: $20, $15 Alvin Tran & Anna Vavilova, violin/piano (Canada) Saturday, May 6th 7PM Program: Beethoven, Milhaud Tickets: $20, $15 10% savings on 6 concerts subscription: $108, $81 (students and seniors) CONCERT 1 Antonio Di Cristofano, piano (Italy) Saturday, October 15th 7PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $20, $15 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: Schubert, Chopin, Liszt and Scriabin In 2006 and 2007 Antonio made the debut in Carnegie Hall – New York and in Konzerthaus and Golden Hall MusikVerein in Wien. He is often invited as a judge in international Piano Competition (Compositores de Espana – Madrid, Varallo, Cantù, Osijek, Gante – Pordenone, Parigi, Viardo – Belmont, Rachmaninov – Moscow, Iturbi – Valencia, Parnassos – Monterrey, Astana Merei International Competition -Astana, Baltic piano Competition -Gdansk, Bajic Memorial -Novi Sad, Hong Kong International Young Pianist Competition, Nordic Piano Competition - Malmoe, ecc) and to teach in Tchaikovsky Conservatoire in Moscow, in the Summer Academy in Dubrovnik, in Denver University, in the SMC Academy in Seoul, In Valletta International Piano Festival, in Thessaloniki Conservatoire and in many USA University. Recently he received the Paul Harrys Fellows from Rotary Club. CONCERT 2 "Legend & Tales: music from Bohemia & Russia" Bergmann Piano Duo (Canada) Saturday, November 12th 7PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $20, $15 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: Dvorak, Rachmaninoff The Bergmann Piano Duo’s dynamic and energetic performances of uniquely eclectic programmes have inspired audiences for more than two decades. Their recitals and concerts with orchestra have taken them to many parts of the world, including the United States, Italy, Germany, Holland, Greece and Canada. The duo has appeared at international festivals including: The San Francisco International Music Festival, MusicFest Vancouver, the celebrated Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, the Banff Arts Festival, the Royal Bank Calgary International Organ Festival and Competition, the International Two Piano Symposium and Schubertiade, Miami, the Tage für neue Musik, Darmstadt, the Braunschweiger Kammermusik Podium and at the EXPO 2000, Hannover. CONCERT 3 Vancouver Cello Quartet (Canada) Saturday, January 21st 7PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $20, $15 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: TBA Formed in 2012, The Vancouver Cello Quartet is comprised of four dedicated professionals (Olivia Blander, Lee Duckles, Christian Markos, Brian J.Yoon), who perform original works and arrangements for cellos. This ensemble of four classically trained players celebrates the unequaled sound of four cellos. Since their acclaimed debut, the Quartet has quickly won the hearts of music lovers through their performances of staples of the classical music repertoire as well as contemporary and popular works, all of which showcase the limitless possibilities of the instrument they love. The mission of the Vancouver Cello Quartet is to create an eclectic mix of repertoire for every concert, shaping the program according to each venue’s interests while maintaining our commitment to musical diversity. CONCERT 4* Rimsky-Korsakov Quartet (Russia) featuring Anna Vavilova, piano Saturday, February 25th 7PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $20, $15 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: Russian music Founded in 1939, the Rimsky-Korsakov String Quartet is a precious heirloom of the Russian music culture. The present members Mikhail Bondarev (violin), Ekaterina Belisova (violin), Alexei Popov (viola), Anton Andreev (cello) are graduates of the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. By virtue of a shared heritage they are steeped in the grand tradition of Russian music making, achieving organic and convincing interpretations of a diverse repertoire of masterworks, Russian classics and contemporary masters. Internationally renown and celebrated pianist Anna Vavilova has taken masterclasses from world renowned musicians: V. Monastyrski (Israel), Aquiles Delle Vigne (Argentina), Martha Noguera (Argentina) and attended piano summer festivals in US, France and Russia. Anna appeared with Vancouver Island Symphony and was a finalist at Pacific Spotlight Competition on CBC Radio Two, and has been awarded Vancouver Foundation Scholarship (2005) and BC Arts Council Scholarship (2006). To read more about A. Vavilova, please visit her official website: https://worldofmusicandarts.com/teacher/anna-vavilova/ CONCERT 5 * Alexander Tutunov, piano (Belarus/USA) Saturday, March 25th 7PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $20, $15 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: Beethoven, Brahms, Liszt, Chopin & Rachmaninoff Alexander Tutunov is widely recognized as one of the most outstanding virtuosos of the former Soviet Union. First Prize winner of the Belarusian National Piano Competition and winner of the Russian National Piano Competition, Tutunov's playing was described by Soviet Culture, Moscow, as "exhilarating and inspired, and which demonstrated a unique talent". Dr. Tutunov maintains a busy performing schedule in Europe, China, Mexico, and the United States as a recitalist, soloist with orchestra, and on radio and television. Dr. Tutunov is also in demand as an adjudicator for piano competitions. CONCERT 6 * "WMA Faculty Spring Concert" Alvin Tran, violin & Anna Vavilova, piano Saturday, May 6th 7PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $20, $15 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: Beethoven, Milhaud, Boulanger, Williams A native of Vancouver, Canadian violinist Alvin Tran is an active performer throughout North America. Comfortable performing solo, orchestral, and chamber music, Alvin is eager to bring music of all kinds to audiences around the world. He is a former member of the Boise Philharmonic and plays as an extra musician with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.A passionate chamber musician, Alvin has been a member of the former Ezra String Quartet, in residence at Boise State University, and is a founding member and violist of the Crimson String Quartet (CSQ). The CSQ were finalists in the Jeunesses Musicales “2012 Concerts for the Grand Public Tour” competition. They released their debut album Crimson Sunrise in 2012 and have recently released their first music video funded exclusively through crowdsourcing. At the concert Alvin Tran is sharing the stage with internationally renown and celebrated pianist Anna Vavilova. Ms. Vavilova has taken masterclasses from world renowned musicians: V. Monastyrski (Israel), Aquiles Delle Vigne (Argentina), Martha Noguera (Argentina) and attended piano summer festivals in US, France and Russia. Anna appeared with Vancouver Island Symphony and was a finalist at Pacific Spotlight Competition on CBC Radio Two, and has been awarded Vancouver Foundation Scholarship (2005) and BC Arts Council Scholarship (2006). To read more about A. Vavilova, please visit her official website: https://worldofmusicandarts.com/teacher/anna-vavilova/
Concert Season 2017 – 2018
CONCERT 1 CONCERT 2 CONCERT 3 "Chopin at the Piano" Eugene Skovorodnikov, piano (Vancouver) Sunday, Oct.1st 3PM Program: Chopin Tickets: $22, $17 "Sonorous Sonatas" Alvin Tran & Anna Vavilova, violin/piano (Vancouver) Saturday, February 24th 7PM Program: Mozart, Franck Tickets: $22, $17 "Two Sopranos: On Stage" Laura Miller & Margo LeVae, sopranos (Vancouver) Saturday, Apr. 28th 7PM Program: Mozart, Rossini Tickets: $22, $17 10% savings on 3 concerts subscription: $60, $45 (students and seniors) CONCERT 1 "Chopin at the Piano" Eugene Skovorodnikov, piano (Vancouver) Sunday, October 1st 3PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $22, $17 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: selected Mazurkas, Etudes, Nocturnes, Polonaises, Ballade in F Major (more info...) Audiences throughout Europe, Canada, U.S., Latin America, Asia and former Soviet Union recognize Eugene Skovorodnikov for his stylistic interpretation and his technical brilliance. Dr. Skovorodnikov took his post-graduate course at the St. Petersburg conservatory (Russia) where he remained teaching until 1990 when he left the country. In 2006 he was awarded an Honourary Doctorate in Musical Arts by Kharkov State University of Arts, Ukraine for his achievements in performance and teaching. To read more about E. Skovorodnikov, please visit his official website: www.eugeneskovorodnikov.com CONCERT 2 "Sonorous Sonatas" Alvin Tran, violin & Anna Vavilova, piano Saturday, February 24th 7PM World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $22, $17 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: Sonatas by Mozart and Franck (more info...) A native of Vancouver, Canadian violinist Alvin Tran is an active performer throughout North America. Comfortable performing solo, orchestral, and chamber music, Alvin is eager to bring music of all kinds to audiences around the world. He is a former member of the Boise Philharmonic and plays as an extra musician with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.A passionate chamber musician, Alvin has been a member of the former Ezra String Quartet, in residence at Boise State University, and is a founding member and violist of the Crimson String Quartet (CSQ). The CSQ were finalists in the Jeunesses Musicales “2012 Concerts for the Grand Public Tour” competition. They released their debut album Crimson Sunrise in 2012 and have recently released their first music video funded exclusively through crowdsourcing. At the concert Alvin Tran is sharing the stage with internationally renown and celebrated pianist Anna Vavilova. Ms. Vavilova has taken masterclasses from world renowned musicians: V. Monastyrski (Israel), Aquiles Delle Vigne (Argentina), Martha Noguera (Argentina) and attended piano summer festivals in US, France and Russia. Anna appeared with Vancouver Island Symphony and was a finalist at Pacific Spotlight Competition on CBC Radio Two, and has been awarded Vancouver Foundation Scholarship (2005) and BC Arts Council Scholarship (2006). To read more about A. Vavilova, please visit her official website: https://worldofmusicandarts.com/teacher/anna-vavilova/ CONCERT 3 " Two Sopranos: On Stage" Laura Miller & Margo LeVae, sopranos Saturday, April 28th 7PM at: World of Music and Arts, 6160 London Road, Richmond, BC TICKETS: $22, $17 (students & seniors) *subscription discount available: save 10% Program: Mozart, Rossini, Puccini, Brahms (more info...) Soprano, Laura Miller, was born and raised in Fairview, Alberta. After graduating high school, Laura participated in a Rotary International Exchange program in Budapest, Hungary and during her time there studied voice with Katalin Szűcs at the Erkel Ferenc Music School. In 2012, Laura received her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from the University of Victoria under the tutelage of Benjamin Butterfield, and was a chorus member with Pacific Opera Victoria. In 2012, Laura performed her first role as The First Alm’s Sister in Suor Angelica at Opera on the Avalon in St. John’s. In 2013, Laura performed the role of Golde in Fiddler on the Roof at Opera NUOVA, and sang the role of The Countess in The Marriage of Figaro at the Amalfi Coast Opera Program in Mairori, Italy. Laura performed the roles of the Fox in The Cunning Little Vixen, and Marenka in The Bartered Bride with UBC Opera, where she recently graduated with a Master of Music in opera while studying with Heather Thomson-Price. (read more...) Soprano Margo LeVae was recently honoured as the winner of the 2013 Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Clifford Poole Vocal Competition and returned as their soprano soloist for the Brahms Deutsches Requiem with the symphony March 2014. Summer of 2012 saw Margo performing the title role in Richard Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos while training at the Opera Nuova program in Edmonton where she “more than managed the exposed title role…but also held the audience with subtler, more suggestive interpretive techniques” (Opera Canada). (read more...)