Introducing our 2017 Rising Stars

Introducing our 2017 Rising Stars

Since 2009, the Richmond Orchestra has organised an annual “Rising Stars” concert that invites young local musicians the opportunity to rehearse and perform with a full orchestra.  To practice with the orchestra leading up to the concert, to learn how to work with a conductor and other musicians, and to perform to audiences from the community helps a young player refine techniques, build social relationships within the music community and experience their music as an art rather than a skill. 

This year we are proud to feature the winners of the Richmond Music Festival Concerto and Composition Challenges: Autin Ng, Julie Wu, Ryan Zhu, Julie Wu, Matthieu Foresi and Bruno Cavalca as our 2017 Rising Stars.

Broadway Parade hosted by Rebecca Hass

We are pleased to again welcome CBC personality, Rebecca Hass, as our host for our final concert of this season.  

Rebecca Hass has a voice you might recognize.  A regular contributor to CBC Radio One and Two, she is the guest host of Saturday Afternoon at the Opera and In Concert, both classical music shows on CBC Radio 2.  Her personal essays and documentaries have been featured on CBC's The Sunday Edition, North by North West, and Tapestry.  Currently she can be heard monthly on Radio One's North by Northwest as their resident Life Coach where she speaks on wellness and happiness strategies for living.

YOMP - Scholarship Recipient - Ingrid Malmberg

YOMP-ingrid-malmberg.jpg

Hello, my name is Ingrid Malmberg and I am currently studying with Ebus Academy which is an online school.  I am in Grade 10.

Why did you choose the violin?  What got you interested in playing?

My parents are professional musicians, so they introduced me to the violin.

How long have you been playing?

I have been playing violin for twelve years now.

What are some music goals that you have?

Recently I got accepted to the Vancouver Symphony's Whistler Institute in July this year. I'm really excited (and nervous!) to play Don Juan and Rite of Spring, and I'm really looking forward to it.

What's one piece that you've always wanted to play?

Mendelssohn Violin concerto is one of my favorite pieces.

If you could go back in time, what composer would you like to meet?

Because I am Lutheran, I would want to meet Bach, and see what he was thinking when he composed all of his works for the Lutheran Church. I'd like to attend a church service in Leipzig where he worked.

If you could choose to learn another instrument, what would it be?

I have been dying to learn pipe organ for so long, but there is no organ close to me where I can practice. I also have a piano background, so pipe organ would not be too hard to learn. It's one of my favorite instruments.

If Mozart was a musician today, what genre do you think he'd write in?

I have no idea, but one thing I always wonder about is what would happen if any of the really famous composers lived today when they had access to social media. I always wonder what Mozart could have done with a YouTube channel!

What is your favorite thing about playing in an orchestra?

I enjoy working in a team, and one thing I have discovered is that no matter what my job is, I like to have colleagues. I'm not so fond of solitary practice, but I always look forward to seeing colleagues each week.

What have you learned during your time in the orchestra?

It's been a privilege to play in an adult orchestra. I am no stranger to orchestras, as I currently play in the Vancouver Youth Symphony, but most of my orchestral opportunities have been with youth orchestras. It's a whole other level of social interaction working with adults, one that has been quite enriching in my life.

YOMP - Scholarship Recipient - Pearl Chang

Hello, my name is Pearl Chang, and I am currently studying at R.A. McMath Secondary.  I am in Grade 11.

Why did you choose the cello?  What got you interested in playing?

I chose the cello because I have a cousin who played cello when I was younger. I really looked up to her, and naturally, I wanted to play cello.

How long have you been playing?

I’ve been playing cello for 12 years.

What are some music goals that you have?

My ultimate goal is to make others happy with the music I play. I would also like to play in an orchestra that plays movie soundtracks, but unfortunately those do not exist...

What's one piece that you've always wanted to play?

I’ve always wanted to play 1812 because it’s very exciting! (and the cannons, of course)

If you could go back in time, what composer would you like to meet?

I would like to meet Saint-Saens. He is one of my favourite composers, and both Ravel and Fauré were his students, who are also some of my favourite composers. I remember playing the Swan when I was younger and loving it. He’s a really awesome composer who taught really awesome students.

If you could choose to learn another instrument, what would it be?

I would choose the viola! This instrument is very underrated, but it has a beautiful sound just like all others.

If Mozart was a musician today, what genre do you think he'd write in?

Perhaps he would write in some form of pop. Maybe electro-pop or dance pop, similar to Lady Gaga or Michael Jackson.

What is your favourite thing about playing in an orchestra?

I love how everybody plays their own parts, but they all come together to form something nobody could do on their own.

What have you learned during your time in the orchestra?

I’ve learned to listen to others because your own part itself doesn’t make up the piece- the whole orchestra does.

Beethoven & Brahms - World Premiere By Spencer Tsai

We are thrilled to announce a world premiere at our Beethoven and Brahms by 11 year old violinist, pianist and composer Spencer Tsai. He is the youngest recipient of the Royal Conservatory ARCT diplomas in both violin and piano. He has won numerous awards for both his violin and piano performances and has appeared as violin soloist with the Richmond Orchestra on several occasions.

Spencer has studied composition with Mr. KC Foong and has composed over 180 pieces including concertos, symphonic poems and he is currently working on his first Symphony. If you would like to hear more of Spencer’s music please visit www.spencertsai.com.

ADVANCE TICKETS: 

Adult: $18.00
Senior/Student: $15.00
Children (under 13): $6.00

DOOR PRICES:

Adult: $20.00
Senior/Student: $18.00
Children (under 13): $10.00

CONCERT DETAILS: 

Date: May 7, 2016
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Richmond Pentecostal Church
Address: 9300 Westminter Highway, Richmond BC

 

Richmond Sings 2016! - Fundraiser for RASS

FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT THE RICHMOND ADDICTION SERVICES SOCIETY (RASS)

“Music acts like a magic key, to which the most tightly closed heart opens.” So wrote Baroness Maria Von Trapp, the matriarch of the famous family in the film The Sound of Music.

Many Richmond choirs are hoping that their music will inspire people to open their hearts and pocketbooks during Richmond Sings, a benefit concert for the Richmond Addiction Services Society (RASS) which will take place on Monday, May 2 at 7:00pm at Fraserview Church in Richmond.

RASS is dedicated to creating a healthy and safe environment for children, youth and families in our community. Addiction services are historically underfunded but early and sustained access to counselling and treatment can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

May 2 is Music Monday in Canada, which sees musicians from all across the country come together to celebrate the power of music in our community. Helping in this endeavor will be singers from 8 to 80! The participating choirs include the Richmond Chorus, the Richmond Youth Honour Choir, the Steveston London Secondary Choir, the McNair Secondary Choir, the Canada Melody Choir, Our Saviour Lutheran Church Choir, Gilmore Park United Church Choir and South Arm United Church Choir.

With this diverse group of choirs there’s sure to be music to appeal to all musical tastes! So join us on May 2 for Richmond Sings, a wonderful night of entertainment for a very worthy cause.

CONCERT DETAILS:

Monday, May 2, 2016 @ 7:30pm
Admission by donation
Doors open at 7:00pm

CONCERT VENUE:

Fraserview MB Church
11295 Mellis Dr, Richmond, BC V6X 1L8

 

Artist Feature - Erin Burkholder - Violinist

On May 7, 2016 at 7:30pm, violinist Erin Burkholder will be performing the Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77 composed by Johannes Brahms.   Considered to be one of the greatest concerto's to be composed for the violin, we wanted to take a closer look at artist that will be performing this towering work.

 

Q: Who are your three musical heroes?

A: David Oistrakh, Martha Argerich, and Ivan Galamian. Among many others.

 

Q: What is your favourite piece of music?

A: I have a firm belief that it is a musician's job to genuinely find a way to fall in love with every piece they play. In line with that, I try not to think in terms of favourites and unfavourites. So for this concert, the Brahms Violin Concerto is my favourite piece. That said, I do get a special thrill from re-listening to pieces that I've played before and that are associated with special memories - Schubert's Octet, for instance, which I performed last year with a group of my dearest friends and colleagues; or Mahler's 5th Symphony, which was the first piece I performed as part of a full-size symphony orchestra.

 

Q: Who is your favourite composer?

A: The above answer applies here as well. But Prokofiev, Messiaen and Janáček are the composers whose music I think mine would most resemble if I had any talent for composition. Their approaches and styles make a lot of sense to me.

 

Q: What are the most challenging aspects of the Brahms concerto?

A: I would say its size, and I mean that in all senses of the word. It's long, difficult throughout, and the powerful sound it demands of the soloist is unparalleled among the other major violin concertos. The orchestra is so musically integrated: very rarely does it play the role of simple 'accompaniment', and it takes a lot of stamina for the soloist to maintain a sound that can cut through everything going on underneath.

 

Q: Who are five people (real or imaginary) you would most like to invite to dinner?

A: Honestly, I would probably pick five of my real-life closest friends. If I really wanted to pick the brain of a historical figure or a fictional character I think I would want much longer than one meal to do so. I'd rather have a lengthy written correspondence, and save dinner for the company of my friends.

 

Q: If you could choose a super power, what would it be?

A: It's definitely a bit unethical, but I sure would love to be able to read minds!

#OneforYouth - National Bank Recognizes ROCA

#OneforYouth - National Bank Recognizes ROCA

Bill Brooks, Treasurer of ROCA representing Richmond Orchestra and Chorus on March 16, 2016 at National Bank of Canada receiving an award for our youth programs. They recognized our Music in the Schools program in which we take a chamber orchestra to elementary schools in Richmond to introduce students to instruments and orchestral music. We also have a Young Orchestra Mentorship Program which recognizes talented high school students.

Thank you to National Bank for their support! #OneforYouth

To learn more visit: https://www.nbc.ca/committees

Rossini: "Petite Messe Solennelle" - From Rehearsal to Concert

From the rehearsal to the concert, here are a few images from our performance with the North Shore Chorus on March 12, 2016.

If you would like to enjoy this incredible work by Rossini again, we will be performing it on April 2, 2016 on the North Shore. To view the details of the next concert, please visit: http://www.nschorus.com/event/rossinis-petite-messe-solennelle/?instance_id=63

#OneForYouth - ROCA School Concert Series Receives Support from National Bank

Our Elementary School Concert Series aims to introduce students to classical music and its instruments with an "up close and personal" look.  Our mission is to encourage students to learn how to play an instrument and further encourage music integration into the general school curriculum.  

We are very proud that our Elementary School Concert Series project was chosen by National Bank's One for Youth Program.  We are thrilled about this since our organization will be benefiting from additional financial support to help our youth. #OneforYouth

Rossini: "Petite Messe Solennelle" - Saturday, March 12 @ 7:30pm

The Petite Messe Solennelle is the most substantial of the works written by Rossini during his later years, and is one of the most remarkable compositions of his entire career, demonstrating his ability to write beautiful melodies, unfailing sense of colour and drama, and great contrapuntal skill. The Petite Messe Solennelle is neither petite nor solemn and reflects Rossini's characteristic wit.

Join us Saturday, March 12 @ 7:30pm at Fraserview MB Church for an evening of Rossini. We will be joined by the North Shore Chorus and guest artists Catherine Laub, Jennifer Stephanson, Matthew Stephanson, George Roberts and Barry Yamanouchi, and anchored by our own accompanist Tom McPherson.

Tickets are now available:

• Online through our website at www.roca.ca
• By calling the Richmond Orchestra and Chorus office at 604-276-2747
• In person at Long and McQuade (6760 No 3 Rd in Richmond)

Subscribe to our Facebook event page for a chance to win tickets, a behind-the-scenes look at our rehearsals and a closer look at what you can expect at our concert on March 12, 2016 @ 7:30pm: https://www.facebook.com/events/1196193960410148/?active_tab=posts

ADVANCED TICKETS: 

Adult: $18.00
Senior/Student: $15.00
Children (under 13): $6.00

DOOR PRICES:

Adult: $20.00
Senior/Student: $18.00
Children (under 13): $10.00

FRASERVIEW MB CHURCH DIRECTIONS:

 

Rising Stars 2016 - World Premiere by Bruno Cavalca

Rising Stars 2016 - World Premiere by Bruno Cavalca

A world premiere by young composer Bruno Cavalca, is one of many incredible surprises that audience members can expect on February 27, 2016 @ 7:30 pm at our Rising Stars 2016 concert.

In the composers own words: "“In Storms” came about in a rather unusual way. It began in 2014 as simply an experiment with mood and orchestration, mimicking elements of the weather through music. As time
went on however, doing that became boring, and the idea was filed. Eventually, those old ideas were brought back to light, and after much rewriting and re-orchestration, “In Storms” came to be. It became a dramatic narrative of life’s ups and downs, and how all of it is of vital importance."

The Richmond Orchestra is thrilled to be performing "In Storms" by Bruno Cavalca at Richmond Pentecostal Church on February 27, 2016 @ 7:30pm.

Rising Stars 2016 - Artist Feature - Sue Wang

Rising Stars 2016 - Artist Feature - Sue Wang

Sue Wang - Piano

How long have you been playing the piano?

About 7 and a half years.

Why did you choose to play the piano?

I’ve loved music since I was very little, so my parents wanted me to try out different instruments to see if I liked any of them. When I started piano lessons (which was the first instrument they offered me), I loved the piano and continued to play until now.

What other instruments do you play?

My second instrument is violin, which I play in the Coquitlam Youth Orchestra. I also play bassoon and double bass in my school band.

Why did you choose to perform this concerto?

My teacher gave me a choice between two different piano concertos, and I chose this one because I really liked it. The entire piece is gorgeous with its contrasts, drama, and beautiful melodies. The key (G minor) is one of my favourite keys as well.

What were the most challenging aspects of learning your concerto and why? And how did you overcome them?

 The hardest part was probably keeping my energy up throughout the concerto – the piece has nearly no breaks or rests, and because of my small hand size I found playing the octave sections tiring. As I practiced it more, I gradually got better at playing through until the end without getting really tired, but it’s still something I’m hoping to improve on.

Who is your favourite composer and why?

My favourite composer is Chopin because, well, his music just sounds good. One of the reasons I like Chopin is that his music can be found in so many different moods and emotions. From triumphant to hauntingly beautiful, from simple to virtuosic - and he does all of it so well. Another reason is that I like the style of the Romantic Era a lot and Chopin is basically one of the representatives of that style.

When you are not practicing the piano you are probably…?

Reading, drawing, doing other music related things (practicing other instruments, listening to music, writing music, etc.), or doing schoolwork.

Rising Stars 2016 - February 27, 2016 @ 7:30pm

Rising Stars 2016 - February 27, 2016 @ 7:30pm

With only one week to go before our Rising Stars concert, the concerto competition winners from the Richmond Music Festival will have their first dress rehearsal with the Richmond Orchestra on stage at Richmond Pentecostal Church this coming Tuesday.

This concert not only features incredible works by Frédéric Chopin, Felix Mendelssohn, Camille Saint-Saëns and Ludwig van Beethoven, but also local Rising Star composer Bruno Cavalca, who's composition "In Storms" will be performed by the Richmond Orchestra.

Few concerts are more exciting than those which feature up and coming young musical talent. ROCA is proud to present Richmond Music Festival winners violinist Isabel Lago, and pianists Sue Wang, Helen Yu and Matthieu Foresi performing on stage with the Richmond Orchestra.  

Tickets for this event are available: 

• Online through our website www.roca.ca
• Calling Richmond Orchestra and Chorus office at 604-276-2747
• In person at Long and McQuade (6760 No 3 Rd in Richmond)
• In person at Tom Lee Music (3631 No 3 Rd #150, Richmond)

We gratefully acknowledge our partners and sponsors for their generous support: