A young Burnaby pianist will be taking to the stage at Carnegie Hall.
Jasper Liang is one of a group of students from the Donna Fishwick Piano Ensemble that earned their way to the Carnegie stage after auditions for the Crescendo International Piano Competition held in December in Vancouver.
The students earned first place in their category at the local auditions and will be performing in the Big Apple on Feb. 17.
He was joined by fellow Fishwick students Angela Hu, Brandon Jong, Ryan Zhu and Jasper Yoo.
Fishwick has run her award-winning piano studio in Burnaby for 50 years.
The students' recent achievement is just the latest in a string of successes for the studio.
Angela, Brandon and Ryan will all be earning gold medals at the Royal Conservatory of Music's convocation ceremony at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts on March 2 - the medals are awarded to the students who have achieved the highest marks in B.C. in piano examinations at their grade level. Angela is the Grade 4 medallist, Brandon topped the Grade 5 standings and Ryan was head of the Grade 7 exams. (Both Jaspers, incidentally, have won gold medals in previous years).
The performers also recently came off a stellar performance with Lions Gate Sinfonia, under the direction of Clyde Mitchell, Jan. 26 in North Vancouver.
Each played one movement of a piano concerto.
Fishwick said the comments from the audience after their performances were nothing short of amazing.
"It's just unbelievable!" she said.
Kudos to Fishwick and all the students - and enjoy the stage at Carnegie Hall. Chances are it won't be the last time you'll perform there!
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Dancing makes you smarter.
That's the message from Georgie Cole, who's offering line dancing every Monday at Deer Lake United Church hall.
Beginners are welcome.
The sessions are held at 10 a.m. on Mondays. Call Georgie at 604-522-5647 for information.
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This is an early heads-up, but it sounds delightful, so I thought I should let you know in time to get it on your calendars!
Burnaby Mountain Secondary is putting on a production of The Rocky Horror Show in March.
The twist? It's an entirely student-run production.
Isaac Caverzan, a Grade 12 student, is directing and starring as Frank-N-Furter.
An email from student Allegra Wright let us know that Isaac is taking an Independent Directed Study course based off Directing 12, and he has recruited a team to assist him in all aspects of the production - including dance, vocals and lights.
He ran auditions and cast students from grades 9 through 12.
"This production is entirely student-run (with the exception of two alumni) and we have been rehearsing together two days a week since November," Allegra wrote. "We are extremely excited about this upcoming show."
It's onstage March 5, 6 and 7 at 7 p.m.
Watch for more as the date approaches.
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Here's another early heads-up - this one for choral music lovers.
Mark Saturday, March 8 on your calendars - that's the day that the Amabilis Singers are bringing Of Heaven and Earth to the stage.
The concert pays witness "to the sacred wonders of the earth and the heavens," as a note from the choir explains.
"Discover how our world inspired the gifted pens of Austrian composer Gustav Mahler and America's Morten Lauridsen. Hear the heartbreaking poetry of Sara Teasdale find voice in a stunningly beautiful setting by Frank Ticheli. And how did Leonardo da Vinci's dreams of flying inspire choral superstar Eric Whitacre?"
The concert will also feature the premiere of a new work by artistic director Ramona Luengen, based on the prayer of Padre Pio.
Of Heaven and Earth runs at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave. in Burnaby.
Tickets are $20, or free for children under 12. Call 604-437-9200 or buy from choir members; they will also be available at the door.
See www.AmabilisSingers.org for more details.
(Author disclaimer: Yes, I sing with Amabilis. You'll find me in the alto ranks, so if you come to the concert, be sure to say hi!)
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Got an idea for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment stories to Julie, [email protected]. You can also find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan.
