On January 24, NOCCA presented its fourth concert of their seventy-first season and once again the audience was beguiled by the offerings showcased by the performers.
The introductory duo opened with Evy Erickson on violin accompanied by Jenny Sunderland on piano. The pair performed an energetic interpretation of O. Rieding’s Concertino in A minor. This piece was beautifully contrasted by the slow and emotive music of Jules Massenet, Meditation from Thais. Both pieces were played expertly from memory. When Ms. Erickson and Ms. Sunderland concluded their presentation, the audience seemed spellbound as it took several seconds for the resounding applause to occur.
Elizabeth Lee and David Fung graced the stage for the main section of the concert and treated the audience to a cornucopia of modern composers including Debussy, Ravel and Gershwin. The musicians performed with technical brilliance and passion. They encapsulated the different genres of music into a highly complex offering for the concert-goers. It was evident that Ms. Lee and Mr. Fung were thoroughly enjoying themselves as they exuded pleasure both on their faces, smiling widely and in their body language. They were one with their music, their instruments and with each other.
Their playing evoked many images; someone rushing around the streets with a great need to get somewhere fast, to the warm, relaxed ‘Summertime’ of the southern states.
They received a well-deserved standing ovation and were enticed back to the stage three times before offering the audience more brilliant musical prowess in an intensely beautiful, intensely Gershwin finale.
Review by Shannon V Marsh and Gerald Sholomenko.
NOCCA’s next concert will feature: Guitarists Adam Cicchillitti and Steve Cowan on Tuesday April 23, 2024. Tickets can be purchased atticket seller.ca or phone (250) 549-7469. For more information visit our website nocca.ca
On November 28th, Autumn Sunderland opened NOCCA’S 3rd concert of the season. Accompanied by Paul Dykstra on piano, Autumn offered concert goers two delightful pieces, Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise followed by Suk’s Burleska. She played both from memory with confidence and skill. This was demonstrated through the voicing of her violin’s delicate tones. Her fingers rapidly moved over the neck of her instrument as she exhibited incredible agility in her bowing technique. Ms. Sunderland brought together two highly complex musical arrangements in what seemed to be an effortless manner.
The concert’s showcase, Quartetto Gelato, consisting of Colin Maier, oboe, vocals and musical saw, Tino Popovic, violin and vocals, Matti Pulkki, accordion and Kirk Starkey, cello presented the audience with an evening of outstanding, eclectic entertainment. We went on a musical journey that sent us on a wild romp from Klezmer to Gypsy Jazz, Scottish to Country (Spaghetti Roads), and ended the evening with the finale of the theme music from the Flintstones and The Simpons. Throughout the evening, the audience was invited to participate by clapping, snapping their fingers, singing and letting out their joy.
Each musician played with amazing technical expertise and mastery of their instruments. The interplay between the musicians was cohesive, seamless and flowing. This was not an ‘ordinary quartet.’ This was a classical crossover quartet! They created a “mashup musical melange.” Not only did they exquisitely mash together Mozart and Brubeck, they also mashed their instruments into multiple unique voices; the oboe became a bagpipe with cello and violin becoming the drones. The accordion became an impressive pipe organ within a massive European cathedral, The sheer athleticism of the “musiceletes” was impressive. The concert goers could not take their eyes off of Quartetto Gelato. The entire performance was captivating, mind boggling and exhilarating.
Review by Ann Dorval, Shannon Marsh and Gerry Sholomenko.
NOCCA’s next concert will feature: Haerim Elizabeth Lee (violin) & David Fung (piano) on Thursday January 25, 2024. Tickets can be purchased atticket seller.ca or phone (250) 549-7469. For more information visit our website nocca.ca
On Wednesday, October 11th, Anders Erikson, accompanied by his mom, two sisters and grandfather opened NOCCA’S 2nd concert of the season with Hadyn’s Concerto in C major 1st Movement. Anders played nimbly. His fingers moved over the strings of the cello with grace and the notes wafted beautifully to the audience. The piece was marked by high concentration on the part of the young cellist as he played from memory.
The 2nd offering was a well known rendition of Phantom of the Opera in which the musicians played their parts well exemplifying their familial talent.
What a night of Klezmer music! The group Okotpus, stretched its tentacles from Montreal, and stretched our musical experience here in Vernon. Playing a wide variety of instruments including, wind, strings, brass and percussion, the music rollicked the audience like non-stop spinning tops and had many listeners dancing in their seats.
The facility of the players was apparent; the precision of the fast lines, intertwined with harmonic interplay between instruments, the abrupt stops and starts with the audience never quite knowing when a piece was actually complete until there was delicious silence. All examples of mind boggling musicianship. Much of the music evoked imagery of celebration, one such image comes to mind, that of a woman and a man sitting on chairs pulsing in the air while lifted high above the heads of wedding guests.
The music was complex and varied ranging from adapted classical repertoire (Hungarian Dance #5 Brahms, “we fixed the mistakes he made”), to a popular Quebec traditional reel all of which created an atmosphere of ceaseless spinning and energetic movement. It was wonderfully exhilarating. The players were thoroughly enjoying themselves, smiling as they played and had musical conversations with one another.
Near the end of the concert, the young performer, Anders Erikson was invited to the stage to participate in the playing of the Flatbush Waltz. There he was ensconced in the group of players who were appreciative and supportive of his talent. He graced the audience with a wonderfully melodic solo before being swept up in the chaotic melody of the entire group. It was a pleasure to see the expression of joy spread across his face as he adapted to become an integral member of the entire ensemble. Upon speaking with Anders and the ensemble after the concert, it was apparent that each was excited about the experience of a shared expression of talent.
The concert ended with a standing ovation and an amazing encore of Alle Bruder (All Brothers). It was a pure delight spending the evening with such incredible musical talent. As we were leaving the auditorium, one of the young players who accompanied Anders said, “That was the best concert I’ve ever been to…and I didn’t fall asleep!” Bravo! NOCCA for arranging such a memorable evening of music.
Review by Gerry Sholomenko and Shannon Marsh.
NOCCA’s next concert will feature Quartetto Gelato on Tuesday November 28, 2023. Tickets can be purchased atticket seller.ca or phone (250) 549-7469. For more information visit our website nocca.ca
Jaeden Izik-Dzurko with his parents & NOCCA president, Paul Maynes
On September 12, NOCCA’s ‘23-24 concert season was opened by Hadley Lanaway. Ms Lanaway treated the audience to three beautiful piano pieces. As she played, she relaxed into her chosen repertoire allowing concert goers to create images within each selection. Hadley ended her performance with a lovely Sea Dragon lilt by Ina Dykstra.
The featured artist, Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, is no stranger to NOCCA. He graced our stage as a youth performer playing on the “Dowager Steinway” in 2016. Tonight he enthralled audience members with his exquisite performance on NOCCA’S ‘lucky’ Steinway.
Jaeden welcomed the patrons into the evening’s offerings by opening with selected Moments Musicaux, D.780 by Franz Schubert. He played with seamless precision. He was one with his instrument and one with the music, gifting the listeners with a performance full of heart and passion.
His interpretation of Nikolai Medtner’s Sonata, Romantica, in B flat Min. Op 53 No.1 was a stunning rendition that showcased his profound technical ability and deep engagement with the music. The audience was spellbound and spontaneously rose in their appreciation of Jaeden’s immense musicality.
After a much needed intermission for both the audience and Jaeden, no doubt, we were once again left breathless by his performance of Ravel’s Miroirs. This technically challenging piece appeared easy under Jaeden’s fingers. It evoked images of moths flitting in the night to the movement of sparkling ocean water and brought concert goers to their feet yet again.
It was with immense pleasure that we were treated to his final selection, Scherzo No.1 in B minor, Op.20 by Frederic Chopin. This work was followed by Jaeden’s first encore leaving patrons thoroughly sophonsified. However, Jaeden offered us one more warm musical nightcap to send us on our way. When he concluded his concert, a collective sigh of absolute appreciation could be heard echoing throughout the theatre.
There are simply not enough superlatives to describe this magnificent performance and performer.
Review by Shannon Marsh, Emily Fraser and Gerry Sholomenko
Nocca’s next concert will feature Oktopus on Wednesday October 11, 2023. Tickets can be purchased atticket seller.ca or phone (250) 549-7469. For more information visit our website at nocca.ca
On April 19th, NOCCA presented its last concert of the season that showcased a young local trio and a more mature Canadian duo.
Just minutes before the show was to begin, a power outage affecting a wide swath of Vernon postponed the concert. In fact, we were all ushered into the foyer where we waited with bated breath, crossed fingers and toes in hopes that the powers that be, aka, B.C.Hydro, could remedy the situation before too long. If not, the concert would have been cancelled. To the great relief and delight of everyone, the electricity was restored and we were treated to a truly exquisite presentation well worth the extended delay.
The opening by the Barbaza Trio of siblings, was well received. Henry, on cello, Benjamin, on cello, and Lenna, on violin, are accomplished young musicians who are composed and highly focused. They treated the audience to four works that showcased their combined talents ending with a flowing and vibrant interpretation of Ravel’s Allegra from Trio No.1 played beautifully with harmonious blends of the instrumental voices. These young musicians have established themselves and will make a mark on future musical endeavours in Vernon and beyond.
The featured artists, Meagan Milatz, on piano and Amy Hills on violin, offered a magnificent performance that awed concertgoers. Their offerings were coupled works; classical pieces contrasted by modern pieces inspired by the classical work in the coupling. The performance opened with a Mozart Sonata followed by the commissioned work of Winnipeg composer, Jocelyn Morlock. “Alba” which means dawn or sunrise and also represents the Alberti Bass of Mozart’s Sonata, where bass notes of the chord are broken, “creating a carpet foundation to the piece.” The music was evocative and created imagery of the early morning as the world awakened. Both musicians were dynamic and one with the music and their instruments completing the piece with a full sunrise.
Amy and Meagan were both energetic and sensitive in their presentation. The interplay between the duo was delightful to behold. Their body language was dramatic and was demonstrative of their passion for both classical and contemporary music that held together across their entire performance. Their technical expertise was in alignment with the difficulty of the music. This promises that they are and will be a duo who commands respect and place on the world chamber music stage.
We would like to thank NOCCA for their role in recognizing, promoting and bringing such incredible music to Vernon. We look forward to next season’s concert series and encourage everyone to attend.
Review by Gerry Sholomenko and Shannon Marsh.
Classical Valley Concerts in May 2023:
Meagan Milatz (piano) will be returning to the Okanagan in May to play a selection of piano quartets from France and Spain with Violaine Melançon (violin), Marina Thibeault (viola) and Nicholas Denton Protsack (cello). The Venue is Vernon Community Music School’s Carriage House at 7:30 pm Tuesday May 16th. Tickets are $30 each (students $15). More information on this and other concerts in the Classical Valley series can be found at https://classicalvalley.com/concerts-2023.
Correction:
We would like to make a correction to an ad that appeared in the concert’s printed programme which stated the Vernon Community Band presents “Sounds For Spring” on Saturday May 12th, 2023 at 2pm. This is incorrect, May 12th, 2023 is a Friday! The concert is actually being held 2pm Saturday May 13, 2023 at Trinity United Church, admission by donation. There will be an onsite bake sale, coffee and tea.
2023/24 NOCCA Season:
Tickets will go on sale soon for NOCCA’s 2023/24 concert series for those wishing to become new season subscribers or wanting to purchase single concert tickets. Links to purchase season subscriptions or single concert tickets will be provided from our website as soon as they are available on ticketseller.
Existing season ticket subscribers will be receiving renewal notices directly from ticketseller, and all renewals need to be confirmed by May 31st, 2023.
Information about the 2023/24 season can be found on NOCCA’s website NOCCA.ca.
The first concert is on Tuesday September 12. 2023 featuring pianist Jaeden Isak-Dzurko. We look forward to seeing you there!
North Okanagan Community Concert Association 