2016 NOYSE Participants with MC Ian Parker (far right) and NOCCA President Paul Maynes (far left)
NOCCA is excited to support North Okanagan’s incredible young talent with a bi-annual North Okanagan Youth Showcase of Excellence (NOYSE) concert held at Vernon’s Performing Arts Centre.
Singers and musicians from Lake Country to Salmon Arm, under the age of 25, preferably with Grade 10 or higher, are invited to audition for an opportunity to participate in this concert. Both soloists and small groups are welcome. Our goal is to present a variety of individual and ensemble performances, each being approximately ten minutes in length. The achieved grade level is not mandatory, but the ability to entertain and be comfortable doing so is an asset. We are looking for excellence in ability as well as a variety of programming. Classical presentations are preferred, but not exclusively.
Honoraria for selected participants will be $300 for solo, $400 for duo and $450 for trios or larger ensembles. Those students not chosen to perform in the showcase concert may instead be selected to open for NOCCA concerts.
The next NOYSE Concert is at 2pm on Sunday January 28, 2018.
Auditions will be held on November 10th & 11th, 2017 at the Vernon Jazz Club. A tuned piano will be provided.
Audition performances should be approximately 10 minutes in length. Candidates may feel more relaxed presenting something they have played previously and are very comfortable playing. Applicants will be chosen not only on their musical skill level, but also on their ability to entertain and connect with an audience. To register for an audition please complete the form on our website (click here) or call Alex MacArthur at 250-540-6493.
NOYSE concert tickets will be $20 for adults, $15 for NOCCA subscribers and $10 for ages 18 and under. Seats will be available on a first come-first serve basis and all proceeds will go to an education fund to provide ongoing scholarships for music students in the North Okanagan as they continue their musical careers.
Left to right – Alexander Sevastien, Kornel Wolak & Christopher Dlouhy at NOCCA’s 2017-18 Season Opening Concert on Oct. 21, 2017.
By Jim Leonard
The NOCCA season started off very well with Christopher Dlouhy playing two wonderful piano selections.(Christopher is a student of Marjorie Close. He has taken a year off from school to achieve the ARCT diploma.) The first was Arabesque No. 1 by Debussy; it was full of transparent, colourful harmonies and carefree melodies. Christopher had a marvelous touch for this piece and responded to its many moods appropriately. The second piece was Scherzo by Oscar Morawetz (1917- 2007) who emigrated to Canada in 1940 from Bohemia (now the Czech Republic) and taught composition at the University of Toronto from 1952-1982. The piece explored the ranges of the piano extensively with casual outbursts of virtuoso runs and quiet moments. This difficult piece was played expertly by Christopher. No doubt a bright future lies ahead for this young and talented musician!
The Double-Double Duo, aka Kornel Wolak playing clarinet and Alexander Sevastian on the Beyan (Russian button accordion) played a spectacular mix of music from baroque selections through to opera and jazz. Both instruments were amplified through the theatre’s house system and reverb was added. This was a good idea because it expanded and clarified the small ensemble’s sound. At times, at the beginning of the program, the amplified clarinet sounded a little shrill when played in the altissimo register. But this was adjusted by the sound tech and became more comfortable.
The duo’s program began with “Summer” from Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” This virtuoso string music, arranged for clarinet and accordion, was played crisply by both players with precise ensemble. As their program progressed, they were most charming when they addressed the audience, sharing interesting information about each piece.
Their next offering was 4 Sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757), an Italian harpsichordist who spent most of his life in Spain. The duo teased the audience by offering to play all 550 sonatas beginning immediately, and going into the wee hours of the morning. Wolak stunned the audience with his technique and breath support (circular breathing-a special technique that has the player inhale through their nose while expelling air into the instrument) by playing the difficult keyboard music on his clarinet effortlessly.
Wolak then played 3 of Bach’s Partitas for solo violin unaccompanied. He used his technical mastery and circular breathing technique to great effect in presenting these pieces.
The mood shifted at this point to the music of clarinetist/band director Benny Goodman. The duo’s arrangement of “Flying Home” provided the audience with a wonderful romp through a popular big band tune.
Brahm’s “Hungarian Dances” Nos. 1 and 5, originally written for piano duet, finished the first half of the varied program. We were told that these pieces were written for parties and were very profitable for Brahms. Of the 21 that were written, these two were the favourites.
“Tico-Tico” by de Abreu – a piece about a “nuisance bird” – began the second half. This familiar piece had the audience moving to the music; a strong rhythmic pulse set up by the duo was infectious. Wolak then offered another Bach piece -Prelude from Partita No.1 for solo Cello by Bach. His rendition was quietly reflective with a sotto voce (“shadow voice”) sound which sounded like another wind instrument.
Then it was Alex Sevastian’s turn to showcase his abilities on the beyan, which has 106 buttons for the right hand and 120 for the left. The audience was told during the question and answer segment of the program that his Russian button accordion had advantages over the piano accordion in range for the right hand, and ability to play melodies as well as chords with the left hand. He began his offering with a subtle “Liber Tango” by Astor Piazzola and then a captivating “Don River Rhapsody” by Slava Semenov. This piece utilizes a shaking technique applied to the wind reservoir and changes in timbre via the chin activated board on top of the accordion. Sevastian proved his mastery of the instrument during his playing of this piece. It was stunning.
The satisfying program was rounded off with a bluesy version- complete with clarinet slides – of Erroll Garner’s “Misty”, and “Intro,Theme and Variations” by Rossini – a thrilling end to the program. As if this wasn’t enough, the generous duo played the “Clarinet Polka” as an encore, much to the delight of the audience.
The next concert features a classical string ensemble – “collectif9” – on November 19th. Click here for more information.
Double-Double Duo
Saturday October 21, 2017 7:30 pm BUY TICKETS
Kornel Wolak (clarinet and piano) and Alexander Sevastien (accordion) represent the best of new, young classical musicians – intellect, expertise, talent and just plain fun! In a classy and dynamic show, Double-Double Duo uniquely fuses classical showpieces with folk, world, jazz, and pop music.
Highly acclaimed for his musical imagination, Dr. Kornel Wolak (clarinet/piano) has been praised by numerous critics: “Control and a smooth, elegant expressivity are what make Wolak shine.” (Toronto Star)
A native of Minsk, Belarus, accordionist Alexander Sevastien is winner of the prestigious Coupe Mondiale International Accordion Competition in 2007 (Washington, DC), the Oslofjord (Norway 1998), Cup of the North (Russia 2000) and Antony Galla-Rini (USA 2001). He is also a member of Quartetto Gelatto.
Since their inaugural performance in 2012, Double-Double Duo has been presented by major arts organizations, including The Ontario Philharmonic, Barrie Concerts, The Royal Ontario Museum, The Chopin Society of Canada and the Calgary Stampede. Double-Double’s music is fun and fiery, as they continue to push the boundaries of live-performance to the next level! They released their debut album “Rock Bach” in November 2015. www.doubledoubleduo.com
This concert is our annual “gala event” where those who feel so inclined are invited to dress “to the nines”.
Once again, this season we will be showcasing some of the North Okanagan’s talented young musicians prior to each concert. This concert will be opened by Christopher Dlouhy. Chris began piano lessons at age five and currently studies piano with Marjorie Close. After completing his Grade 10 piano exam earning First Class Honours with Distinction he is working towards completing his ARCT in piano performance this coming June. Chris also studies violin with Imant Raminsh, plays clarinet in the Okanagan Symphony Youth Orchestra, and sings with AURA Chamber Choir.
Click on the image below to watch a video of Kornel Wolak playing “Petite Fleur” with his other Double-Double Duo accordion partner, Michael Bridge:
Click on the image below to watch a video of Alexander Sevastian playing Bach’s Organ Toccata and Fugue in D minor on the accordion:
SINGLE CONCERT TICKETS
Adults – $40 Under 18 – $20
Students on the 8to12 program – $5
Duo Rendezvous
Saturday March 18, 2017 7:30 pm BUY TICKETS
Duo Rendezvous—violinist Jasper Wood and guitarist Daniel Bolshoy join forces in a perfect synergy of intimate and virtuosic performance, gifting us with a presentation of humour and passionate musicianship.
This duo was formed as a response to great demand for a refreshing and passionate chamber ensemble with a strong dedication to outreach and education. Their unique programming enriches the existing guitar and violin repertoire with transcriptions of masterpieces from around the world and newly commissioned pieces by leading Canadian composers.
Jasper Wood has established himself as a major talent of his generation. He made his first public appearance at the age of five, and has since captured the hearts of music lovers everywhere. An acclaimed competition winner, Wood has developed a flourishing reputation as a sought-after soloist with major orchestras and as a recital/chamber musician throughout North America and Europe. He has been awarded both the coveted Sylva Gelber Prize (1996) and the prestigious Virginia Parker Award (2004) from the Canada Council for the Arts. Mr. Wood has eight solo and violin/piano CD recordings on the Endeavor Classics, Analekta, Centrediscs, Disques Pelleas and Naxos labels. Jasper Wood is professor of violin at the University of British Columbia.
Having performed hundreds of concerts internationally, Daniel Bolshoy is internationally recognized as a leader amongst Canadian guitarists. He is regularly praised for his friendly and informative spoken introductions, and progressive programming of solo and chamber music. An ATMA recording artist, Daniel Bolshoy appears on seven CD recordings and two documentary films. His most recent CD features the solo guitar works of Eduardo Sainz de la Maza. A devoted music educator, Daniel Bolshoy is currently the head of the guitar division at the University of British Columbia and head of the guitar department at Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s newly created VSO School of Music, where he shares his passion for music with the next generation of guitar enthusiasts and tomorrow’s guitar heroes. duorendezvous.com
The concert will be opened by Vernon pianist Alex MacArthur. Alex began his music studies at the age of eight with Lucy Feldman in Vernon, completing his ARCT in 2003. After receiving his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Victoria in 2008, he studied for two years at le Conservatoire de Musique de Montreal. He has been teaching piano on and off for the past 10 years and recently joined the faculty at the Vernon Community Music School. In addition to performing and teaching, Alex is also an accomplished accompanist for local musicians and students.
*** Please note: NOCCA volunteers will be on hand at this concert for you to renew your subscription for the 2017/18 NOCCA season of concerts ***
Concert Program:
J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
Suite in E Minor, BWV 1034
Manuel de Falla (1876-1946)
Suite Populaire Espagnole
Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908)
Introduction & Tarentelle
Intermission
Antonio Carlos Jobim (1927-1994)
Luiza
Ástor Piazzolla (1921-1992)
Histoire du Tango
Seasons of Buenos Aires
Vittorio Monti (1868-1922)
Csárdás
SINGLE CONCERT TICKETS
Adults – $40 Under 18 – $20
Students on the 8to12 program – $5
Benjamin Butterfield & Sarah Hagen
Sunday February 26, 2017 2:00 pm BUY TICKETS
Tenor Benjamin Butterfield and pianist Sarah Hagen unite in a magical offering from the voice and piano repertoire, giving a musical expression of artistry and human emotion.
Praised by The New York Times as “clarion-voiced and vibrant”, Benjamin Butterfield is known for his performances throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Born in Halifax NS and raised in Victoria BC, Benjamin began singing in school choirs and at his local church (Christ Church Cathedral). After graduating from McGill University he received grants from the Canada Council to work with David Gordon in Philadelphia, Diane Forlano in London and Leopold Simoneau in Victoria. In a career spanning thirty years, highlights have included tours with Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert as well as with Marc Minkowski and Les Musiciens du Louvre. On the operatic stage he has toured with the Welsh National Opera, New York City Opera, Canterbury Opera in New Zealand and with Canada’s Opera Atelier. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, with the Chicago Symphony at the Ravinia Festival, the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic, Le Capitole in Toulouse, the Carmel Bach Festival in California as well as participating in the St. Matthew Passion at the Saito Kinen Festival in Japan under Seiji Ozawa. A prolific recording artist, he has recorded for Analekta, Dorian, CBC Records, Koch International and Timpani (France). He has been featured in Messiah on ZDF at the Handel-Festspiele Halle with Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert and on CBC Radio as a guest host twice for “This is my Music”. Recently Benjamin recorded the St. John Passion with the Bach Choir of Bethlehem (Analekta), the Rhien transcription of Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde for Yellow Barn, and a sixth CD of Ukrainian Art Song for the Ukrainian Art Song Project in Toronto. He is currently Associate Professor, head of voice and co-head of performance for the School of Music at the University of Victoria, and is the 2015 recipient of the UVic. Craigdarroch Award for Excellence in Artistic Expression. He has served as guest faculty for Opera Nuova, the Amalfi Coast Music Festival in Italy, The Victoria Conservatory Summer Vocal Academy, Vancouver International Song Institute, Yellow Barn, and Opera on the Avalon.
BC Touring Council’s 2015 Touring Artist of the Year, pianist Sarah Hagen has been heard in concert halls and on the airwaves throughout North America and Europe. As a First Prize Winner in the 2013 Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition, she was awarded the opportunity to perform solo at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. An avid collaborator, Sarah has performed with cellist Ariel Barnes, violinist Robert Uchida, Trio Accord, Ballet Victoria, the Emily Carr String Quartet, among many others, and has appeared as soloist with the Victoria Symphony, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, the West Coast Symphony Orchestra, and the Symphony Orchestra of the Pacific. She is Artistic Director for Pro’ject Sound, a performance project involving live piano with large-scale projected images. Sarah’s debut solo album, Glass House Dancing, was nominated for Classical Recording of the Year at the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards. Her second album, Devoted: Music of Robert & Clara Schumann, features solo piano works and Clara Schumann’s Romances, Opus 22 with violinist Martin Chalifour, concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She currently resides in Toronto where she is putting the finishing touches on her one-woman musical comedy act, “Perk up, pianist!”. sarahhagen.com
This concert will be opened by another of our wonderful North Okanagan “Rising Stars” – harpist, Shae Fraser. Following a successful opening for the 2016 George Elliot Secondary School’s year end music recital, Shae was featured at a local open air concert in Lake Country. Shae has been playing for just 4 years, studying with local harpist Kate Oswald. She finds inspiration in Celtic folk songs and fantasy soundtracks, along with harpists from the internet that share a similar musical taste.
Concert Program:
John Beckwith (1927- )
Young Man From Canada
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Abendempfindung (“Evening sensations”)
Hugo Wolf (1860-1903)
Fußreise (“Journey on foot”)
Max Reger (1873-1916)
Schwalbenmütterlein (“Little Mother Swallow”)
Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
Ablösung im Sommer (“Change in Summer”)
Arnold Schönberg (1874-1951)
Waldsonne (“Sun in the forest”)
Intermission
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Five Greek Songs
Harry Nilsson (1941-1994)
Puppy Song
Nobody Cares About The Railroads Anymore
Michael Flanders (1922-1975)
& Donald Swann (1923-1994)
The gas man cometh
A G–nu
The Warthog
The Hippopotamus
SINGLE CONCERT TICKETS
Adults – $40 Under 18 – $20
Students on the 8to12 program – $5
Double-Double Duo
Duo Rendezvous
Benjamin Butterfield & Sarah Hagen
North Okanagan Community Concert Association 