NOCCA will be holding its AGM at the above date and time. In consideration of COVID-19 restrictions, once again, 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.
In addition to a review of the past year, we will be revealing our plans for the coming season.
The minutes of the AGM will be distributed following the meeting.
Canadian Guitar Quartet 7:30 pm Friday March 25, 2022 BUY TICKETS
For more than twenty years, the Canadian Guitar Quartet has been performing chamber music for guitar at an international level of excellence. After their American debut in New York in 1999, classical music lovers have been clamoring for encore after encore throughout the three Americas and Europe.
It has been almost twenty years since they last performed here in Vernon and the response was the same, a resounding standing ovation. They are finally returning.
Founding member, Louis Trépanier along with fellow musicians Jérôme Ducharme, Renaud Giguère and Christ Habib will take the stage at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre on Friday evening, March 25 at 7:30 and present a program featuring transcriptions from Mozart to their own compositions.
As an original member, M. Trépanier can state that the 2022 version of CGQ is arguably the best and most versatile since the quartet’s inception, and that statement is confirmed by past members of the quartet as well.
The Canadian Guitar Quartet is the perfect example of a coming together of four amazing individual talents. In the case of the CGQ, the musical result is far greater than the sum of the parts.
The guitar can be one of the most sensual of musical instruments. Listen to the harmonies, the counterpoint and the intricacies of the melodies. Hear the response of each of the musicians to the inflections from the others. Sit back and enjoy the Canadian Guitar Quartet!
Opening for the Canadian Guitar Quartet are two of the North Okanagan’s finest young cellists, Holly McCallum and Angela Zeng. Holly comes to us from White Lake and is preparing for university. Angela is a Grade 12 student at Kalamalka Secondary in Coldstream. These amazing ladies have been members of the Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra (OSYO) and have both held the position of principal cellist during their tenure with the OSYO. Together they recently performed the Serenata for Two Cellos and Orchestra by Carlo Alfredo Piatti with the combined OSO and OSYO. Both Angela and Holly study cello with John Kadz, Johanne Perron and Morna Howie.
Click on the image/link below to view a video of the Canadian Guitar Quartet:
SINGLE CONCERT TICKETS Adults – $40 22 and Under – $20 Guest of a subscription member $35
Praised for “pure and unadulterated virtuosity”, Aljoša Jurinić has established himself on the international stage at the world’s preeminent piano competitions. Aljoša appeared as a soloist and with orchestras, at Carnegie Hall, major European concert halls, as well as important festivals in the United States and Europe. He has worked with many of the worlds most esteemed conductors, and toured China and Japan. In 2019 he was awarded the Order of the Morning Star by the president of Croatia for outstanding achievements in culture and the international promotion of his country.
A keen chamber musician, Aljoša Jurinić performs in duos with world-renowned musicians. His collaboration with Luka Šulić (cello) earned the prestigious Orlando Award at the 70th Dubrovnik Summer Festival. His discography includes a solo album, Chopin Alive, a CD box set of highlights from the 2016 Queen Elisabeth Competition, Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, and a live album featuring Schumann’s Fantasy, and Chopin’s 12 Etudes.
Aljoša Jurinić holds a Concert Diploma from the University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar, where he studied under Grigory Gruzman, and a Master’s Degree from the Academy of Music of the University of Zagreb, where he studied under Ruben Dalibaltayan. Other teachers who have contributed to his artistic development include Eliso Virsaladze, Noel Flores, and Jasna Reba. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Toronto with James Parker.
Aljoša is hailed as “a startlingly subtle and visionary pianist” with “a rare blend of charm and mastery”. He has been praised as nothing less than sublime, with flawless and formidable technique, demonstrating full command of the technical challenges. He is also known for his beautiful and expressive interpretations with well-built dynamics, and “yet sometimes whisper-soft touch.” His clear commitment to the composers, indicating he deeply understands their language and speaks it in a natural and fluid way allows the glory and spiritual richness of the melody to shine.
“The magnificence of his artistry and pianistic genius astonishes us each time. He has something truly special but is set apart from the rest by his meticulous attention to the compositional and theoretical aspects, as well as the historical context. He also devotes himself completely to the emotional aspects, without the slightest premeditation. As a listener, when you begin to absorb the music, note by note, you leave the physical realm and glory in the beauty and spiritual richness of the melody, from the first tone to the last.” – Sound Report
“One listens to a concert by Aljoša Jurinić breathlessly, without fatigue, in constant anticipation. His performance is simultaneously contemplative and dynamic, exceptionally disciplined, although there are surprising twists of a nearly rhapsodic character, historically informed but with almost a futuristic perspective of transcendental scope.” – Klasika
Opening the concert will be Salmon Arm’s Teslyn Bates. Teslyn has been playing piano for 12 years and is studying for her ARCT exam. Teslyn comes from a very musical family – both her sisters play piano and her parents are in a garage band. Music also connects Teslyn to her community, including playing every other week at a retirement home and for fundraisers for her ski team.
Come hear these two wonderful pianists – Teslyn Bates and Aljoša Jurinić!
Click on the image/link below to view a video of Aljoša Jurinić:
SINGLE CONCERT TICKETS Adults – $40 22 and Under – $20 Guest of a subscription member $35
Janelle Fung & Marina Thibeault Friday January 21, 2022 7:30 pm **** Gala Evening **** BUY TICKETS
The North Okanagan Community Concert Association is delighted to present Marina Thibeault on viola and Janelle Fung on piano on Friday January 21, 2022, at 7:30 pm at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre. This Gala opening concert of our new season marks our return to presenting live music. Marina and Janelle will be presenting works by Haydn, Mozart, Clara Schumann, and Beethoven.
Named Radio-Canada’s classical “Revelation” for 2016-2017, Marina has delighted audiences across Canada, the United States and Europe with her elegant, spellbinding performances and engaging presence. An accomplished concerto soloist, she has performed with orchestras throughout Europe, Asia and North America.
Marina’s first album, Toquade was released in 2017. Her 2020 Juno-nominated album, Elles, honours groundbreaking women composers from Clara Schuman to the present day. A passionate advocate for women’s rights, Thibeault has utilized the broad-ranging Elles project in various iterations to reach out to at-risk women and raise awareness for organizations that support this important cause.
Marina Thibeault holds numerous honours and distinctions, winning first prize in the string category of Prix d’Europe (2015), the McGill concerto competition (2015), the Radio-Canada “Young Artist” prize (2007) as well as a special prize at the Beethoven Hradec International viola competition (2008).
Marina received her Master’s degree from McGill University and is currently completing her doctoral degree. She is an Assistant Professor of Viola and Chamber Music at the UBC School of Music.
Canadian pianist Janelle Fung has performed in concert from coast to coast in Canada. Winner of the “Artist of the Year” from the BC Touring Council in 2014, her international concerts have taken her to over twenty countries on five continents.
Janelle has been a prize winner in numerous national and international competitions, including the Joanna Hodges International Piano competition, the Concours OSM-Standard Life, and the Canadian Music Competition. She has been featured on radio stations nationally and internationally.
Janelle’s interest in opera has led to collaboration with Nicole Cabell, Teresa Stratas, and William Warfield, and is currently on faculty at Highlands Opera Studio.
Born in Vancouver, Janelle began her musical studies at the age of Four. Her principal teachers have included Nelita True, Julian Martin and Marc Durand. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music, her Master of Music degree from the Julliard School and her doctorate for L’Universite de Montreal.
Opening the concert is lyric Soprano Sophia Friesen. Born and raised in the Okanagan, she is excited to be back singing at home after spending the last four years completing a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Victoria. With her combined repertoire of showtunes, arias, and art song, along with her work on and off the stage, Sophia is one of the most versatile emerging artists performing today.
Click on the image/link below to view a video of Janelle Fung & Marina Thibeault:
Janelle Fung, piano and Marina Thibeault, viola
SINGLE CONCERT TICKETS Adults – $40 22 and Under – $20 Guest of a subscription member $35
Introducing the North Okanagan Community Concert Association’s2021-2022 Season
NOCCA volunteers have been waiting, watching and anticipating improvement in pandemic conditions, allowing us to safely begin presenting concerts again, and January 2022 is the time! The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre strictly follows all Provincial and Interior Health orders – all VDPAC staff, tech crew and volunteers, as well as all artists, renters, and audience members are required to verify identity and full vaccination upon arrival. Masks are mandatory, and social distancing encouraged. We want to assure our valued audience that we are doing our very best to make your concert experience as safe and enjoyable as possible.
Subscriptions for NOCCA’s Four concert 2021-2022 season may be renewed through Ticketseller at $120 for adults and $60 for youth (22 and under). Regrettably we cannot guarantee your previous seat location as we are utilizing VDPAC at half capacity (as per provincial guidelines) and VDPAC’s seating program blocks off seats adjacent to occupied seats as tickets are purchased. Renew early for best seat selection!
Tickets for individual concerts are available at $40 for adults and $20 for youth (22 and under).
Our gala opening concert will be Friday January 21, 2022 and will feature Marina Thibeault on viola and Janelle Fung on piano. These award-winning Canadian musicians will present a program of music by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Having toured the world, both musicians bring a wealth of experience and musicality to our concert stage. Their presence and enthusiasm will fill you with wonder and delight. Purchase tickets for this concert.
On Thursday February 24, 2022 NOCCA is pleased to present Aljoša Jurinić, world renowned Croatian pianist, currently living and working in Toronto. Aljoša wins top awards at premier piano competitions and is a master of the world’s preeminent concert halls. It is no surprise that he is praised for flawless and formidable technique, and words like “pure and unadulterated virtuosity”, “nothing less than sublime”, thrilling, astonishing, and speechless infuse his reviews. He is also known for his beautiful and expressive interpretations with well-built dynamics, and “yet sometimes whisper-soft touch.” He touches the hearts of his audience with intense intimacy and an electrifying performance that will be long remembered. Purchase tickets.
Since its 1999 debut, the Canadian Guitar Quartet has established a reputation as one of the finest guitar ensembles in the world, and they will play for us Friday March 25, 2022! Featuring a repertoire of classical masterpieces and original compositions, CGQ demonstrates mastery and the brilliance of their instruments. “The Canadian Guitar Quartet made one of the greatest New York City Debuts of any artistic ensemble in decades…STUNNING !!!” Not to be missed! Buy tickets.
Joe Trio, definitely NOT your average piano trio, will grace our stage Monday May 2, 2022 at Trinity United Church. With their repertoire of classical, contemporary, and their own arrangements of popular, jazz and rock tunes they strive for diversity, versatility, unpredictability and more than a little humour. Beyond virtuosic, these fantastic performers engage their audience in ways few classical musicians can. You will leave the theatre with a smile and a new appreciation for classical music. Buy tickets.
We are very much looking forward to being able to present concerts again, hoping you are equally excited to return, and maybe bringing a few new folks along! One of the things that has been emphasized by our lack of concerts during the pandemic is how important live music is to us, and how dearly we miss it. Here’s hoping that we will all return with renewed appreciation for everything that live music has to offer.
North Okanagan Community Concert Association 