Tag: Concert Review

Valencia Baryton Project – Concert Review

by SillyGilly, posted in Review
Valencia Baryton Project

It was an immense pleasure to listen to Alex Thiessen open the NOCCA’S March 20th concert with the presentation of 4 songs including Bizet’s Habanera, beautifully accompanied by Neta Petkau on the NOCCA Steinway Grand. Thiessen sang with confidence, expressiveness and ease. She is a multi-talented musician whose joy of singing shone through brilliantly.

The Valencia Baryton Project made up of Matthew Baker (baryton), Amy Domingues (cello), and Brett Walfish (viola), graced the main stage with a magnificent presentation consisting mainly of Franz Joseph Haydn’s chamber compositions written for the baryton. Haydn wrote over 170 compositions for this instrument and of these, 126 were trios for the baryton, cello and viola.

The baryton, a unique instrument dating back to the 17th century, resembles a combination of the bass viol, a fretted guitar and a bowed cello with sympathetic strings hidden behind the neck. These strings produce harmonic overtones when the instrument is bowed but can also be plucked to provide an array of tonal qualities. Matthew Baker, one of 15 known professional players in the world, introduced us to the magical qualities of this little known instrument. The interplay between the trio entertained the audience throughout the evening with gorgeous harmonies woven beautifully together with delicate precision. Concertgoers were attentive because the delicate sounds produced were both subtle and almost understated.

It’s interesting that for an instrument that was well known in the 17th century, several modern composers are intrigued and have produced compositions for it. While the Haydn pieces were intimate, fragile and delightful, the contemporary works opened new musical perspectives to the musicians and audience. The River, for example, by Canadian composer, Steve Zink, created unmistakable imagery of a river gently meandering through the countryside, allowing the musicians to flow in their musical presentation.

Review by Gerry Sholomenko and Shannon Marsh.

Nocca’s next concert will feature meagan&amy (piano and violin) on Wednesday April 19, 2023. Tickets can be purchased at ticket seller.ca or phone (250) 549-7469.

Pentaèdre – Concert Review

by SillyGilly, posted in Review
Nicholas Covaser

Like many of the musical delights presented in the 70 year history of the North Okanagan Community Concert Association, the concert that was showcased on November 19th was a standout that created complete delight of audience members. In the tradition of the series, the young double bass virtuoso Nicholas Covaser warmed up the audience with a Shubert Sonata accompanied by Carol Colpitts on piano. The 14 year old played the compete piece from memory which was brilliant to behold, making even the more technical sections a pleasure to hear, bowing and playing pizzicato sections seamlessly with expression, grace, appropriate intensity and sensitivity. He was one with his instrument.

The main attraction Pentaèdre then took the stage with good humour and seamless professionalism. Described as a “unique musical ensemble” in the Canadian musical scene, the group opened their selections with a JS Bach piece entitled Toccata and Fugue in c minor BWV911. The first piece quickly demonstrated both the superb technical expertise and the amazing interpretive musicianship of the group. Ariane Brisson flute, Elise Poulin oboe, Martin Carpentier clarinet, Louis-Philip Marsolais horn and Mathieu Lussier bassoon. The musicians showed complete joy in the music that was selected both in their expressions and body movements which was pleasurable to be a part of. After a minor mixup in the music (a clarinet part was misplaced) and some good humour around lost music, the concert continued with excerpts from the Mozart Opera, the Magic Flute. Indeed the flute and all of the instruments took on a magic fairy tale-like quality that matched the musical selections and the exquisite careful listening each musician needed to echo the sensitivity of the others. The flute, oboe and clarinet demonstrated unsurpassed sensitivity that this reviewer has not experienced often.


The second half of the concert opened with the missing piece of music, a sensitive commissioned modern piece by Barbara Assiginaak entitled Mshkodeng (in the clearing) that showcased the virtuosity of the quintet’s expertise whether playing modern supersensitive music or more classical transcriptions of older music. In closing the main concert, the group played Quintet #3 by David Maslanka, a deconstructed chorale based on the JS Bach work with 3 incredibly challenging movements. The quintet rose above the occasion to evoke an immediate standing ovation from the audience. All in all, it was a wonderful concert with congratulations to the organizers, musicians and audience.

Review provided by Gerry Sholomenko.

Nocca’s next concert will feature the Marc Atkinson Trio with Cam Wilson (Joe Trio, Van Django) on Friday February 17, 2023. Tickets can be purchased at ticket seller.ca or phone (250) 549-7469.

Below is a youtube video link of Nicholas Covaser (double bass) and Carol Colpitts (piano) from the concert.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tb1hlLIvNwE

Charles Richard-Hamelin and Noah Wessels

Supernatural Concert from Two Talented Pianists!

by SillyGilly, posted in Review

Charles Richard-Hamelin and Noah Wessels
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.

Review by Jim Leonard for the Vernon Morning Star.

Even More NOYSE – An Absolute Pleasure!

by SillyGilly, posted in Review

Even More NOYSE 2020

Review by Jim Leonard

It was an absolute pleasure to attend the NOYSE (North Okanagan Youth Showcase of Excellence) concert at Vernon’s Centre for the Performing Arts at 2 pm. on Feb.1st. Besides providing excellent entertainment throughout the year at bargain prices, NOCCA (North Okanagan Community Concert Association) sponsors the NOYSE concert featuring auditioned talented young musicians. It was a most inspiring afternoon for this reviewer!

The program featured educator and vocalist/actor/performer Paul Rossetti as MC. Paul used his educator skills (he is Principal at St. James Catholic School in Vernon) to interview each performer and/or group. He did this from a comfy chair and couch installed on the side of the stage. His charm and insight brought out the best in each performer.

Teslyn Bates who is only 15, began the program with Debussy’s “Au Claire de la Lune” (By the Light of the Moon). She played the piece with great sensitivity and accuracy. Her second piece- Six variations on a Canadian Folk Song- “Land of the Silver Birch” by Pierre Gallant.(composer not in the program; I hope I heard right!) was mildly modern and very clever. She played it with confidence and rhythmic vitality. I liked it!

Angela Zeng, cellist extraordinaire, thrilled us with her virtuosity on the cello as she played Capriccio by Tchaikovsky. Her intonation was perfect and so was her bowing technique; she showed skills far beyond her 15 years.

Gus Hansen gave us a change in style by playing brilliantly on his guitar; offering: “Over the Rainbow’ ; accompanying himself singing “Running Away” (showing himself as an accomplished vocalist); and a stunning “Corcovado” as a guitar solo. One small reservation from this reviewer: The tone of the guitar was harsh. A much more mellow sound would heighten the listener’s enjoyment. The Line 6 amplifier appeared to have plenty of tone adjustment and the semi-acoustic guitar could be played with the neck pick up. Nevertheless Gus showed wonderful ability!

Noah Wessels, a 17 year old pianist, immediately took charge of things by playing the “Polonaise in A” by Chopin. He brought out the military character of the piece perfectly. The 3rd movement of the “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven was played with authority and brilliance. During his interview, Noah revealed that he made string instruments as a hobby!

After the Intermission, we were treated to the lovely ethereal sound of the VCMS vocal quartet. The four young ladies-Zaela Thiessen, Alex Thiessen, Julia Atkins and Ulyana Doerksen- exhibited perfect ensemble, blend and tuning during their renderings of folk melodies “All the Pretty Little Horses, She Walks With Beauty and Windy Nights.”

Craig Matterson, pianist, tossed off a virtuoso yet sensitive version of Bach’s Partita in C minor. There was lots of excitement in his playing; he knew his stuff. Craig then “changed gears” completely; offering his arrangement of the jazz standard “Someday My Prince Will Come”. It was stunning as he whipped up a hurricane of sound after giving us a solid foundation of the tune at the outset.

Holly McCallum, a 17 year old cellist, offered “Variations on a Rococo Theme”, opus 33 by Tchaikovsky as her part of the program. It is a lengthy work full of mood swings- from melancholy to energetic- and urgent runs up to the highest notes on the cello. Her bowing skills and control were evident in the way she played the runs; ending in exceedingly delicate tones.

“Roots and Strings”- a duo comprised of Anna Konrad violinist, and Jackson Buller electric ukulele,- ended the concert in a fun way. They offered “The Fox”- a medley by “Nickel Creek” followed by a lovely original song “You Don’t Know”. They also had very nice voices! To end on a rhythmic and fun note, the entire roster of performers joined the duo onstage to clap along to a lively foot stomper of a tune. What a great concert it was!

The next NOCCA concert is on Saturday, February 29 2020 at 7:30 pm. Featured is internationally renowned pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin who is returning to Vernon by popular demand. Find more information at nocca.ca.

Review by Jim Leonard for the Vernon Morning Star.

Sords-Severn-Duvall Trio

Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Beethoven’s Birth

by SillyGilly, posted in Review

Sords-Severn-Duvall Trio
The Sords – Severn – Duvall Trio

Review by Matt Arnott

The Sords – Severn – Duvall Trio: A concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.

The Audience attending the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre on Sunday December 1st was treated to a riveting variety of chamber works (including some well beyond Beethoven’s era) performed by the Violin, Cello, and Piano trio comprised of Andrew Sords of Ohio, Luke Severn of Australia, and Canada’s own Cheryl Duvall (Toronto).

Opening the evening was young artist Craig Matterson with two piano solo selections, the great Nocturne in C minor Opus 48 No. 1 by Chopin, and the favorite “Bells of Moscow” Prelude in C# minor by Rachmaninoff. The 20-year-old pianist, no stranger to both classical and jazz performance, enraptured the audience with his finely-honed dynamics and (especially in the Rach) carefully poised yet punctuated moments of surprise drama. The NOCCA Steinway concert piano responded perfectly to his ultra-sensitive touch.

First on the Sords – Severn – Duvall Trio programme was Brahm’s 6th Hungarian Dance in Db, in which we were immediately struck with the flair and ease that these musicians could portray the energetic jauntiness, quirky nature, and warmly personal characteristic of the third musical B’s happier of peasant dances.

Smoothly hosted by Sords, the listeners were next introduced to a selection from Beethoven’s earlier and easier period of life, his Trio in C minor, the key in which Ludwig “always meant business”. The rendering was clean, tight, and dramatic – the trio movement especially being darkly playful, giving the sense that the Grumpy L.van B. may have often had a twinkle in his baleful eye. The Finale prestissimo was slick, syncopated, satisfying. Overall a superior performance.

A radical change in compositional era followed with Severn’s own “…when the world was young” for cello and piano. In a word, stunning. The drama between a piano played (and masterfully so by Duvall) to its fullest emotive extent, and a cello being nothing short of a personal extension of its owner’s body, carried the audience on a tonal ozone expedition like no other. It wailed, it danced, it whispered from the heart of an 11-year-old child … yet it also proclaimed truth from the soul of an adult who sees things from a new and passionate viewpoint.

Finishing the first half was a suitably passionate display of Romany Freneticism with Ravel’s Tzigane for violin and piano. Pulled off with aplomb and panache by Sords’ and his dramatic posture, the music caught the whole audience up in a trance of drama and delight. The incredible pianistic skills of Duvall left the listeners still panting as the house lights came up for intermission.

The entire second half consisted of an incredibly mature and engaging performance of Beethoven’s Archduke Trio – in Sords’ own words: “If one were to attend church, musically speaking, then let the slow (third) movement be your entrance into worship.” And indeed, it was a long, heartfelt, and deeply transcendent moment of musical reverence. The skill required to play through this whole four-movement masterwork and maintain, to the last chord, its grace, strength, and depth of human portent was not lost on the listeners as they were carried into the very heart of Beethoven’s musical self.

Ending on a splashy note, the Trio elected to give an encore of the Scherzo (musical joke) by Shostakovich. Indeed, a virtuosically fun and fantastic way to end a full-bodied evening of chamber music from the best.

The next NOCCA concert is on Sunday February 29, 2020 at 7:30 pm and will feature the marvellously talented, award winning Quebec-born pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin – more information at nocca.ca.

Tickets are now available from ticketseller.ca for the NOYSE concert showcasing North Okanagan’s young musicians (this is not part of the regular NOCCA subscription series). Audition applications are welcome until January 4th. Auditions will take place at the Vernon Community Music School on Saturday January 11th. For more information please go to the NOYSE page of our website. The Gala Performance will take place at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre on Saturday February 1, 2020 at 2:00 pm.

Review by Matt Arnott for the Vernon Morning Star.