Hello NOCCA friends! We hope you are all doing well during these strange and trying times. We are still in a wait-and-see mode for many things regarding NOCCA’s 2020/21 concert season, but will be in touch with more information very soon.
In the meantime, for all of you pining for some live musical events, we wanted to tell you about the 5th annual Vernon Proms Classical Music Festival which will go ahead July 10th – August 6th with modified programming to keep Vernon and Kelowna (safely) buzzing with live classical music this summer.
Vernon Proms 2020 will be physically distanced, but socially connected and full of inspiring and uplifting music. The range of paid and free performances will take place at several indoor and outdoor venues in Vernon and Kelowna.
The decision to go ahead was made just a few weeks ago, so there still might be a couple of changes in the program. Please check their website for updates. You can find links to information and tickets at https://www.vernonproms.ca/events.
NOCCA will be holding it’s AGM at the above date and time. In consideration of COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s AGM will be held on ZOOM. If you would like to attend the AGM please email Su Lonsdale at nocca.secretary1@gmail.com and she will send you the password and instructions for using ZOOM.
The minutes of the AGM, as well as the prospects for the coming season, will be distributed following the meeting.
Buzz Brass Sunday April 26, 2020 7:30 pm CANCELLED
Unfortunately due to the Covid-19 virus outbreak NOCCA’s Buzz Brass concert on April 26th, 2020 has been cancelled. We are sorry for any inconvenience. Ticket seller will be contacting all patrons with information on how to obtain a refund or credit.
Instead we offer you some samples of Buzz Brass to enjoy from the comfort of your home. Not the same as a live performance, we know, but the best we can do for now. Stay safe and healthy.
Please click on the images/links below to view the videos:
Unfortunately due to the Covid-19 virus outbreak and other presenters in BC cancelling their concerts, Il Violincello Italiano! have had to cancel their whole BC tour. So the NOCCA concert on March 28th, 2020 has also been cancelled. We are sorry for any inconvenience. Ticket seller will be contacting all patrons with information on how to obtain a refund or credit.
Charles Richard-Hamelin (right) and Noah Wessels (seated)
Review by Jim Leonard
The concert began with 17 yr. old Noah Wessels – a student at Vernon Christian School. He began the concert with 3 Chopin pieces; the most dazzling being the “Revolutionary” Etude by Chopin. The piece has a difficult passage for the left hand that surges up and down the keyboard while the right hand issues fanfare like chords. Noah was certainly up to the task even though he began studying piano in 2015!
After hearing Charles Richard-Hamelin play only the first few passages of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.13 in Eb major (In a fantasy style), I knew I was in the presence of one of the world’s great pianists. To quote Robert Harris of the Globe and Mail (January 17, 2016) “His sense of time, harmony, above all, his structural originalities, are immensely sophisticated and daring. He seemed to be aware of the total Chopin by exposing inner voices and harmonic twists in both left and right hands.” I agree whole heartedly with Robert. All these accomplishments at the age of 30! His virtuosity never got out of hand nor did his playing become grotesque during loud passages.
During the Moonlight Sonata ( which was named such after Beethoven’s death) opening Adagio, I heard the real intention of the music with the rising sounds of sadness and despair brought forward by Richard-Hamelin’s skill. A furious Presto ensued, possibly representing anger or despair. This man gets you thinking by the way he plays!
Before intermission, Richard-Hamelin played a little known Fantasia in F sharp minor by Mendelssohn. I know why the piece was not played often – it is so difficult. No problem for our soloist. He breezed through the 3 movements with total abandon. His playing was so steady and confident throughout the piece.
After intermission we were treated to 12 Preludes, from opus 28 by Chopin. There was lots of variation in the length and character of each. They were played close together like a Suite. To finish the program, Richard-Hamelin played Chopin’s Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise op. 22. The latter of the two was a stunning close to the concert; with cascading octave runs played with great confidence and skill; giving the effect of two players. After a short encore (I couldn’t hear the title as it was announced off mic) and a second standing ovation, Charles Richard- Hamelin bid his audience adieu. What a wonderful evening indeed!
The next NOCCA concert will be on Saturday March 28, 2020 at 7:30 pm. It features a cellist, harpsichordist and archlutist. More information can be found at nocca.ca.
Hello NOCCA friends! We hope you are all doing well during these strange and trying times. We are still in a wait-and-see mode for many things regarding NOCCA’s 2020/21 concert season, but will be in touch with more information very soon.
Il Violoncello Italiano!
North Okanagan Community Concert Association 