Joanna Schwarz
Special to The Chief
If Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were alive today, he would be 250 years old.
In honour of this special anniversary, local teachers and students will perform an all Mozart program on Friday, March 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Anglican Church in the Garibaldi Estates.
The talented line-up features Kristine Miles, Rachel Grant and Nicola Everton in a flute, cello and clarinet trio. Louise Martin and Carol Grolman are set to perform a recorder and piano piece; Julie Murikami and Tracy Stuchbery will play Mozart 4 hands. There are also student performances on piano, clarinet, violin, and flute.
"There's a real mix of abilities and ages," said organizer, Kristine Miles.
Local actor, Skai Stevenson, will be the emcee for the evening.
"Mozart Mania" is a fundraiser for Access Music Education (AME). All proceeds go into a fund to aid deserving students with music lessons.
"Music education is becoming harder to access," said Tracy Stuchbery, Howe Sound Performing Arts president. "I really believe it should be assessable to all. So this is one small way we're trying to make that happen."
Presented by Howe Sound Performing Arts Association, the AME fundraiser marks the first concert with HSPAA's grand piano in its new home. The grand piano made the move from the Eagle Eye Theatre this past Monday to the Anglican Church on Diamond Road.
HSPAA is pleased to partner with the St. John's congregation in the coming year. The acoustics in the church are particularly good for singers and chamber music and HSPAA directors said they feel the new location will enhance accessibility.
If teachers or individuals wish to book lessons, rehearsal time, or recitals, the cost for the hall is reasonable. In lieu of piano rental, a donation will be accepted towards the AME program. For all inquiries contact the church secretary at 604-898-5100.Finally, what is it about Mozart that is so fascinating?
A precocious child, Mozart was composing minuets by the age of five. His father, Leopold, took over his education and the following year traveled with Wolfgang and sister Nannerl throughout Europe to play for kings and queens - the ultimate "home-school road trip."
Mozart's memory was prodigious. While in Rome at age 14, he heard an oratorio in the Sistine Chapel that so haunted him, he spent most of the night writing down the entire score from memory.
In his own compositions, Mozart's melodies are beautifully crafted and elegant. What heights could he have reached had he lived longer than 35 years? Thankfully, Mozart's music endures. Now two and a half centuries later, is still able to stir the mind, lighten the spirit and touch the heart.
Tickets to Mozart Mania are available at the door for a minimum $5 "donation". Tax receipts will be issued for amounts over $20.
