Rising Stars 2017: Musical Heroes and More

This week we’re starting to learn more about our young talented musicians in the lead up to their Richmond Orchestra concert debut. Read more about their other talents and who musically inspires them!

To learn more about this event please visit: Rising Stars 2017 Event Page

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Corina Deng

When did you start playing the violin? And why did you choose this instrument?  
I started playing violin at age 3. My mom took me to listen to the symphonies and the soloists perform with the orchestra. I loved all instruments, but violin was my favourite. At that time, I would put all kinds of toys on my shoulder, and pretended that I was playing violin.

Who is your violin teacher? What music school do you attend? 
I studied violin with Lawrie Hill and Andrew Dawes. Now my violin teacher is Nicholas Wright at Vancouver Academy of Music.
       
Who are your three musical heroes? Why? 
Actually, I like all composers! But if I had to pick, I would pick Vivaldi, Mozart, and Arthur Grumiaux. First, Vivaldi has organs, harpsichord, and I really like the style. Mozart is happy and cheerful, and I especially like the sonatas and concertos. Lastly, Arthur Grumiaux. I really like his playing and his Mozart Sonatas accompanied by Clara Haskil.

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Ryan Zhu

When did you start playing the piano? And why did you choose this instrument?
I began studying the piano at the age of four.  When I was first introduced to this instrument, I felt a special connection which immediately made me want to pursue it further.  It was my feeling that the piano was the instrument for me to learn to understand music better.  I felt it then and still feel that the piano has a special place in my heart.

Who is your piano teacher?
I am currently studying with Kenneth Broadway and Ralph Markham. 

Who are your three musical heroes? Why?
I do not have any three specific people in mind, because since the world is so big, it would be impossible to just choose three over so many others. Each concert artist has their own good traits and bad; no artist is perfect. However a few artists that I hold in awe are:

- Claudio Arrau:  Claudio Arrau was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century.  His musicality and lyric quality move me every time I listen to him.  He is a unique artist whose interpretations are always authentic and compelling.  He can make the piano sound like thunder or delicate wisps of cloud floating just above the horizon.  
- Frederic Chopin: Chopin is a truly Romantic composer whose music can make anyone feel and incredible depth of emotion. 
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Beethoven changed the course of music.  He introduced the Romantic era to the world of music.  His pieces are written with power and anger as well as nobility and passion.

These are only a few of the many, many musical artists that I admire.

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Julie Wu

When did you start playing the piano? And why did you choose this instrument?
When I was five, my mom introduced me to piano. I loved rhythms and music back then and it felt relieving hitting those notes that produces sounds

Who is your piano teacher?
My current piano teacher is Dr. Arthur Rowe. He's a great guy!

Who are your three musical heroes? Why?
My favorite pianists are Lang Lang, Yujia Wang, and Yundi Li because I feel like their music could easily capture my attention.

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Austin Ng

When did you start playing the piano? And why did you choose this instrument? 
I started playing the piano when I was 5 years old. I chose the piano because I heard my mom playing one day and I wanted to be as good as her. 

Who is your piano teacher?  
My piano teacher is Dr Libby Yu.

Who are your three musical heroes? Why? 
My 3 musical heroes are Mozart, Chopin and Kabalevsky. They are my musical heroes because I really like their unique individual styles of music. 

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Matthieu Foresi

At what age did you start composing?
My first tries were at the age of six, but I began to compose seriously at nine years old.

Who is your composition teacher?
I study harmony, counterpoint, and composition with Mr. Ryan Trew.

What instruments do you play?
I play the piano since the age of three.

Who are your three musical heroes? Why?
I could not quite narrow my six favourite musicians down to three. I have three favourite composers who are Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin, and Franz Schubert, and three favourite pianists who include Andras Schiff, Kristian Zimmerman, and Grigory Sokolov.

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Bruno Cavalca

At what age did you start composing?
I started composing at age 7, around the same time I started learning the violin. I took a fascination with Beethoven’s symphonies, and wanted to try my hand at writing music as well.

Who is your composition teacher?
I have never had a composition or theory teacher. All of the compositional techniques I’ve learned over the years have been through my own reading, both of scores as well as from orchestration and composition books.

What instruments do you play?
I play the violin, but I also play percussion.

Who are your three musical heroes? Why?
Haha, Naming only three musical heros is extremely difficult, though for the sake of the question I will try. Two of the first are living, Composers John Williams, and John Powell, and the third is the great late romantic/early modern era composer, Richard Strauss.

Introducing our 2017 Rising Stars

We are proud to present this year's winners of the Concerto Challenge and Composition Challenge from the Richmond Music Festival. Set to perform with the Richmond Orchestra on February 25, 2017 at Fraserview MB Church, we're getting to know our 2017 Rising Stars.

Save between 10%-40% off our door prices by purchasing your tickets online!  If you would like the online prices but would prefer to order over the phone, please call our office at 604-276-2747 and we will facilitate your order.

Door Prices:
Adult: $20.00
Senior/Student: $18.00  
Children (under 13): $10.0

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

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Austin Ng - Piano

Austin Ng - Piano

Nine year-old Austin Ng has been playing the piano since the age of five.  He has had the privilege of being a student of Dr. Libby Yu for the past two years and during this time, has developed his potential and love of music.

Austin has received numerous awards and recognition in local music festivals since 2013. More recently, he was awarded First Place in several classes at the British Columbia Conservatory of Music (BCCM) Festival in 2015.  As a result, he was also awarded the BCCM Scholarship for the Highest Average Mark in the Grade 8 category.

Austin was given further recognition when he won several awards at the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival in 2016. He was awarded the Charles Gilbert Jordan Memorial Scholarship for the highest mark in Intermediate Piano (Romantic), the Tom Lee Scholarship for the Most Outstanding Performance in Intermediate Piano, the Nancy Paisley Benn Scholarship, the VKMFS Intermediate Piano Romantic Composers Scholarship and the VKMFS Intermediate Piano Classical Composers Scholarship. Austin was subsequently chosen to represent the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival at the 2016 Performing Arts Provincial Festival held in Fort St. John, B.C. where he was awarded First Place in the Junior A Piano category.

From performances in festivals and recitals to bringing music and joy to the residents at senior care homes, 2016 has been a year of whirlwind experiences for Austin.  He considers it a great honour to start this New Year as a Richmond Music Festival Concerto Challenge Winner and to make his orchestral debut with the Richmond Orchestra at Rising Stars 2017.

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Julie Wu - Piano

Julie Wu - Piano

Among the many local and international competitions and festivals in which Julie has already participated, some of her many awards and prizes include a gold medal at the International Young Gifted Musicians Festival "Passion of Music 2013" and Competition in New York City followed by a performance at Carnegie Hall at the award winners Gala Concert.   Julie was also the recipient of first place at the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition 2014 in New York City, which was followed by a performance at Carnegie Hall. Julie was also a finalist at the Canadian Music Competition in 2013. This past November, Julie was a Gold Medalist Winner at the Chinese Golden Bell Music Competition National Finals.

In May 2016, Julie performed the first movement of the Chopin Concerto with conductor Paula Dewitt and the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra.

For Last year's Canadian Music Competition, Julie Wu was awarded second place in the National final, in the 14 years and under category. She participated in the Richmond Music Festival in November 2016, and received high marks and was subsequently invited to perform at the Gala Awards where she was awarded several scholarships. In RMF, Julie was also selected in the concerto challenge group to perform the Chopin Concerto in F minor in February at the Rising Stars concert with the Richmond Orchestra.

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Ryan Zhu - Piano

Ryan Zhu - Piano

Thirteen year old Ryan Zhu has been studying piano since the age of four.  He has won many awards and scholarships in music festivals and has performed at many prestigious venues.  

His most recent accomplishments include Grand Prize Winner of the 2015 Canadian Music Competition (Age 11-14 Category) which resulted in a performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 at the Gala Concert with the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.  Ryan won the Vancouver Academy of Music Provincial Concerto Competition in both 2014 and 2016 and performed with the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra at the Orpheum Theatre in October of those years.  

In 2014, he was also the Grand Prize Winner in the Burnaby Clef Concerto Competition — the youngest in the competition’s history — for musicians aged up to 23 from all orchestral musical disciplines.  Ryan won First Prize in the Crescendo International Competition (Age 10 Senior Category) in 2013 and performed in Carnegie Hall in New York City.  

Ryan has consistently received the highest marks in British Columbia for his Royal Conservatory of Music Piano Exams. He was the RCM Gold Medalist for Grade 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 Piano from 2011-2015.
 
Ryan is currently studying with Kenneth Broadway and Ralph Markham. He enjoys reading, writing, public speaking, swimming and badminton in his spare time.

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Corina Deng - Violin

Corina Deng - Violin

Corina (BeiBei) Deng was born in December, 2007. She began her violin lessons at the age of three at the Vancouver Academy of Music. She studied with Lawrie Hill and Andrew Dawes. Currently, she studies violin with Nicholas Wright. Corina made her orchestral debut at age of 8 with the VAM Symphony Orchestra in the Orpheum Theatre after winning the 2016 VAM Provincial Concerto Competition.

In March of 2016, Corina won the VAM Edith Lando Gifted Youth Competition and was awarded the Edward & Eugenie Yeung Scholarship. In 2015, Corina won the First Prize in her age group at the Canadian Music Competition. In the Richmond Music Festival, Corina was awarded the Most Promising String Player both in 2015 and 2016 and was the overall winner in the Mozart Celebration Class in 2016. In addition to that, she has been awarded several top prizes in many other competitions including the Coquitlam Music Festival and the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival. Corina nurses an aspiration to be a musician to share her musical gifts all around the world.

Corina also studies piano with Lorraine Ambrose at the VAM. In her spare time, she enjoys playing duos with her older sister Athena Deng.  She also enjoys reading, dancing and traveling with her family. Corina is currently a Grade 4 student at Aspenwood Elementary School in Port Moody.

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Matthieu Foresi - Composer

Matthieu Foresi - Composer

Matthieu Foresi was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 2005. Showing an interest in music from a very young age, Matthieu started piano lessons with his grandmother, Tanya Shevtsova, at the age of three. He has been composing seriously since the age of 9 and is currently taking composition and theory lessons with Ryan Trew.

Some of his achievements include: Richmond Music Festival scholarship for the most promising composer in 2015 & 2016, First place in CFMTA Student Composer Competition BC in 2016, 2nd place in CFMTA national finals in 2016, Best Composition Award in the Kiwanis Fraser Valley Festival in 2016. 

Last September Matthieu was accepted in the Victoria Symphony program called the vsNew, an innovative program in which young, local composers write new works for a small ensemble. He has the opportunity to write a quartet for Victoria Symphony musicians under the guidance of Jared Millar, composer in residence. This composition will be performed in May 2017 at the Royal Theatre in Victoria. 

As a pianist Matthieu has participated and won many local competitions. At the recent Richmond Music Festival’s Gala Concert he was awarded a second prize. As a winner of the Concerto Challenge class competition at the Richmond Music Festival 2015, Matthieu performed Beethoven’s 1st piano Concerto with the Richmond Orchestra in February 2016.

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Bruno Cavalca - Composer

Bruno Cavalca - Composer

Bruno Cavalca started showing interest in learning the violin at three years of age. He began taking lessons at age seven with Tatyana Kravsun, at the Richmond Music School. After three years, Bruno started taking lessons with Alana Lopez. Who introduced Bruno to the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra, with which he played in for five years.  During that time, be began to show interest in the way music came to be, how it worked, and eventually fell in love with not only playing it, but writing it too. After years of composing for fun, (and while studying Violin with James Malmberg) Bruno decided he did not have the energy to become a violinist, and so seriously turned to composition, and has begun constructing a career in composition.  His music has been described as: "Intense", with "Beautiful orchestration" and "Adventurous Drama."

Bruno's Piece "In Storms" was premiered in February 2016 with the Richmond Symphony.

Bruno is currently studying with violin with Nancy DiNovo, and hopes to begin studying music at VCC in September, and to later pursue a degree in composition at UBC.

Harpist Matt Dupont to Perform with the Richmond Chorus

The Richmond Chorus starts its 31st season with two performances in December at Gilmore Park United Church. Joined by harpist Matt Dupont and pianist Toby Aldren, artistic director Brigid Coult leads the Richmond Chorus for an evening of Benjamin Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols" and other music for the Christmas season.

Learn more about our Ceremony of Carols concerts on December 10 and 11, 2016 from our Facebook event page: Ceremony of Carols Event Page

This event is over 60% sold!  Purchase tickets online or by calling our offices at 604-276-2747, Monday-Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm.:

December 10, 2016 at 7:30pm
Gilmore Park United Church
8060 No. 1 Road, Richmond

December 11, 2016 at 3:00pm
Gilmore Park United Church
8060 No. 1 Road, Richmond

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Matt performed with the Richmond Orchestra & Chorus Association last season, but we're getting to know a little more about our favourite harpist and what inspires him.

1. Who are your three musical heroes?

Johann Sebastian Bach is my first musical hero.  I am currently practicing his fugue from the Sonata in G minor for Violin.His language is very diverse and interesting.  Every time I play his music I am amazed by the beauty of it.  And I always find something different as if it was a new piece.  Every detail is key in his music. 

Nicolas Charles Bochsa is my second musical hero.  This man is a famous French harpist of the 19th century.  He wrote a huge amount of works for solo harp or featuring harp.  I read some books and articles about it and his life seemed to be very exciting.  He opened the Royal Academy of Music in London, improvised  amazingly after opera highlights, traveled all around the world.  But also extorted money to buy harps had double life, married twice before getting the first one divorced… A very colorful character that knew the meaning of Carpe Diem!

My current harp teacher Heidi Krutzen is my last but not least musical hero.  She is the principal harpist of the Vancouver Opera, the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, UK and a member of the Turning Point Ensemble.  I admire her as a harpist, a teacher, a musician and as a human being.  I've been under her tutelage for a year now and I can tell how I've grown up as a musician and an individual because of her.  I am really thankful to know her.

2. What is your favorite piece of music?

If I have to choose one among all pieces I like, I would say Ravel's Introduction et Allegro for flute, clarinet, string quartet and harp.  It's similar to chamber concerto for harp.  I had the opportunity to perform and record a video of it this past summer. 

3. What are the most challenging aspects of "A Ceremony of Carols"?

I think that every single song has its own challenging aspect.  It can be a matter of tempo or sonority or again a matter of what we want to deliver at the end of the song.  Performing with a choir is very challenging for a harpist as we are trained to play in chamber music with other instruments.  It is a great opportunity for us to play with voices.  And I believe singers share the same opinion.  Choirs and singers are used to play with piano but not with harp.  And this is the challenge I am looking forward to taking up.

4. This past summer you rehearsed and performed with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada as principal harpist, can you describe your experience?  

I had the most amazing summer of my life.  The NYO program is very intense, you are living with 89 other young musicians and faculty during two months.  You receive a tremendous amount of coaching by the faculty and make huge progress in a short period of time.  You rehearse, perform, hang out and eventually make new friendships with your future colleagues.  It is so much more than just playing.  I personally grew up as a harpist, a fellow musician but also as an human being.  I recommend to all musicians eager to have an experience to audition for the National Youth Orchestra program.

5. What is your favourite Christmas treat or indulgence?

Sitting in a sofa with a soft blanket while listening to Michael Bublé's Christmas album and drinking a hot chocolate.

Mariya Orlenko performs with the Richmond Orchestra

In the lead up to our season opener, we have taken the time to hear from this amazing local talent and learn about Mariya's rising career in music.  Join us October 29, 2016 at 7:30pm for an incredible performance from international piano competition winner Mariya Orlenko.  

Russian Romantics
October 29, 2016 7:30pm
Richmond Pentecostal Church
9300 Westminster Highway, Richmond

Learn more about our Russian Romantics concert on October 29, 2016 from our event page: http://www.roca.ca/roca-concert-season/2016/10/29/russian-romantics

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1. Who are your three musical heroes?

My first hero is J.S. Bach, because he uncovered so much of the potential of the new instrument that he had in front of him - the Well Tempered Clavier - that we still feed off his discoveries today in composing new music. My second hero is Michael Jackson, because he was living and breathing the music he created - he beat boxed every little track in every song that you may not even notice at first, but it all came from inside him, he was music in the flesh. He wanted to make people happy all over the world, and if you didn't take a closer look at the way his life unfolded, you'd think that he was the happiest man in the world. My third hero is Prokofiev. He sacrificed his comfort and security so that his own people - the people of USSR - could have the opportunity to know his music. He left the civilized world, where he was already popular and successful. He decided to spend his life in a totalitarian society where he was even deprived of the right to be buried decently after his death.

2. What is your favourite piece of music?

My favourite piece of music is the one I am working on now, so it's Prokofiev’s Third Concerto.

3. What are the most challenging aspects of the Prokofiev concerto? And why did you choose this concerto?

Well, actually, I am not the one who chooses the concerto. Maestro Malmberg chose this for me :) I would say the most challenging part is that this music is so crazy, so insane, but I am coming out with a beautiful dress, like a princess. And you can't be so crazy when you're a princess, you know. It’s hard to find a balance.

4. In 2015, you won first prize at the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition. Can you describe your experience?

Before, I had read about love between an artist and an audience. However, when I went up on stage, I only felt anxious and afraid that the audience wouldn’t like me. But after finishing my first round at the Virginia Waring Competition, I heard someone yell "Bravo!” And I felt so grateful, so thankful that they liked me even though my Bach was a disaster. So it’s really during the Virginia Waring Competition that this mutual affection between me and the audience was born.

5. How was your experience in Beijing?  And what experiences did you take from it?

It was really great. Eye opening. Being in Beijing, it was my first time in a city where I don’t even have the slightest idea of what people are saying around me. But even being in a new city, with tall buildings everywhere, and dusty air, I felt at home. I don’t know how to explain it. The people there are so kind, and you can just feel it, even though you don’t speak the language.

2016-2017 ROCA Concert Season Announced

Season Ticket Prices

Season package subscribers receive up to 30% off regular ticket prices, priority seating and a special invitation to a subscriber appreciation reception.

Order Online

Adults: $90.00
Senior/Student: $75.00
Children: $30.00

Order by Phone

We welcome the opportunity to speak with our subscribers directly.  If you would like to place your order by phone, please call our office at 604-276-2747 and we will be happy to assist you.

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Russian Romantics

October 29, 2016 7:30pm   
Richmond Pentecostal Church
9300 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC V6X 1B1           

The Richmond Orchestra kicks off our 2016-2017 Concert Season with music from the great Russian composers from the Romantic Era.  We are joined by pianist Mariya Orlenko, winner of the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition, and the Best Interpretation of a Canadian Work Prize at the OSM Manulife Competition.

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Ceremony of Carols

December 10, 2016 7:30pm
December 11, 2016 3:00pm
Gilmore Park United Church
8060 No. 1 Road, Richmond, BC V7C 1T9

With harpist Matthieu Dupont, Richmond Chorus marks the season with Ceremony of Carols, featuring the classic work of that title by Benjamin Britten, along with carols old and new to warm the heart.

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Rising Stars 2017

February 25, 2017 7:30pm
Fraserview Mennonite Brethren Church       
11295 Mellis Drive, Richmond, BC V6X 1L8                   

The Richmond Music Festival's Concerto Challenge and Composition Challenge are annual events in which winners are selected by a jury to perform for the Richmond Orchestra's Rising Stars concert.  Who will be our Rising Stars this season?

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YOUNG @ HEART

April 1, 2017 7:30pm
South Arm United Church
11051 No 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V7A 1X3

Richmond Chorus welcomes Vivo Children's Choir from New Westminster in a program that speaks of and through children. Featuring the delightful “Five Childhood Lyrics” of John Rutter, we offer lullabies, nursery rhymes and children’s games as well as music to make you smile on this April 1 concert.

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Beethoven & Mendelssohn

April 29, 2017 7:30pm
Richmond Pentecostal Church           
9300 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC V6X 1B1

The Richmond Orchestra welcomes violinist Isabel Lago performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto.  We are pairing Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto with the exhilarating Symphony No. 8 by Ludwig van Beethoven.

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Canada 150: Music from Coast to Coast

June 3, 2017 7:30pm
Fraserview Mennonite Brethren Church   
11295 Mellis Drive, Richmond, BC V6X 1L8  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA! Richmond Orchestra and Chorus join in the celebrations marking our country’s 150th anniversary with music from coast to coast to coast.  Come and celebrate the songs of our great Canadian singer-songwriters, including Gordon Lightfoot, Stan Rogers, Joni Mitchell and the Rankin family.

Broadway Parade - June 4, 2016 @ 7:30pm

Broadway Parade - Hits from the 50's
Saturday, June 4, 2016 @ 7:30pm

Fraserview MB Church
11295 Mellis Drive
Richmond, BC - V6X 1L8

The Richmond Orchestra and Chorus is pleased to again welcome CBC personality Rebecca Hass as our host for this fun night of music from Broadway. Come and hear all your old favourites from:

• Guys and Dolls

• The King and I

• The Sound Of Music

• West Side Story

• My Fair Lady

• Paint Your Wagon

• Gypsy

• Music Man

Join us June 4, 2016 , as we celebrate the last concert of the season and the end of our 30th season, we hope everyone can join us!   You’ll want to sing along!

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Venue Details

Fraserview MB Church
11295 Mellis Drive
Richmond, BC - V6X 1L8

 

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.

Rebecca began her career as a classical mezzo soprano.  She has appeared across Canada with almost every opera company and numerous symphonies as a principal performer in operas and concerts by composers from Mozart to Wagner.  A swing in the Toronto Cast of Phantom of the Opera, Rebecca continues to perform and teach in the field of music theatre.  She is currently on staff at the Canadian College of Performing Arts teaching upcoming triple threats. She has been a featured music theater performer with the Belfry Theatre and Theatre Skam. With these companies she has also been able to perform and produce her own new works.  Most recently, she created "Living Soundtrack" a work that explored sound and emotional journies, for The Spark Festival at The Belfry Theatre Victoria.  She is a regular host and raconteur for Victoria's Gotta Getta Gimmick's Cabaret nights and a passionate fan of Broadway musicals.  Her favourite role to date is Bloody Mary from South Pacific (Edmonton Opera) and Rebecca still dreams of the day she learns to tap dance. In the meantime, she lives in Victoria BC with a home full of family and laughter.  

Come and enjoy this incredible evening of entertainment with the Richmond Orchestra and Chorus, featuring MC, Rebecca Hass.

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Broadway Parade - Broadway Hits from the 50's
Saturday, June 4, 2016 @ 7:30pm

Fraserview MB Church
11295 Mellis Drive
Richmond, BC - V6X 1L8

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

Beethoven & Brahms - May 7, 2016 @ 7:30pm

Erin Burkholder - Violin

Beethoven & Brahms - The German Symphony

Beethoven and Brahms, two of the most influential composers spanning the transition from Classical to Romantic music, make for a thrilling evening of music. Artistic Director, James Malmberg, leads the Richmond Orchestra in Beethoven's exhilarating Symphony No. 7 and violinist Erin Burkholder performs the towering Brahms Violin Concerto.

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

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CONCERT VENUE:

Richmond Pentecostal Church
9300 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC

 

YOMP - Scholarship Recipient - Ingrid Malmberg

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.

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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

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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)

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“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.

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CONCERT DETAILS:

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

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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

 
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

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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

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

If you are a school that would like to benefit from our Elementary School Concert Series, please feel free to contact us by phone at 604-276-2747 or by email at roca@roca.ca

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 Concert - Today at 7:30pm

We hope that you can join us this evening at the Richmond Pentecostal Church for our Rising Stars concert at 7:30pm.  This annual event will feature some of the most talented young musicians in the Lower Mainland performing with the Richmond Orchestra.  

For a sneak peak of this evenings events, visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1549856141991834/

Tickets are available through our website:

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

 

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.

Tickets 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)

Rising Stars 2016 - Artist Feature - Sue Wang

On February 27, 2016 at 7:30pm, Sue Wang, one of four winners of the Richmond Music Festival Concerto Competition will be performing the first movement from Camille Saint-Saën's Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22.  In our weekly artist feature, we asked our Rising Star to answer a few questions:  

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.

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RISING STARS 2016

Saturday, February 27, 2016 - 7:30pm
Richmond Pentecostal Church
9300 Westminster Highway Richmond, BC, V6X 1B1 Canada

ADVANCED TICKETS:

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

Advanced tickets can be purchased online or in person at Long and McQuade in Richmond (6760 No 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C2).

For detailed event information please visit: http://www.roca.ca/2015-2016-concert-season/2015/12/30/rising-stars