To be a winner it takes raw talent combined with hours of practice until a craft becomes an instinctive part of you.
St. Albert has no shortage of winners as was evidenced at the Provincial Music Festival held at Alberta College Grant MacEwan. “These are the top performers in the province,” says Rotary festival co-ordinator Maryan Threndyl.
There were 27 entries from the St. Albert Rotary Music Festival and 12 were winners. At the Community Choral Festival running May 5 to 7, teamwork was emphasized.
In a strong showing, both the Cantilon Primary Choir and the Cantilon Children’s Choir, conducted by former St. Albert resident Heather Johnson, received second place.
Belle Canto, also under Johnson’s umbrella, won a berth at the nationals in August at Antigonish, N.S.
“They’re an international calibre of performer. Their performances are magical. The ensemble is excellent. Their intonation is excellent. They are superior performers,” adds Threndyl.
Closer to home both Sir Alexander MacKenzie’s Grade 1 to 3 SAM Songsters and the Sturgeon Composite High Choir won gold.
At the Solo, Ensemble and Choral Speech Festival on May 25 to 28, individual performers were able to make their mark.
Tammy Ng, 11, a St. Albert resident, placed first in the musical theatre category singing The Ballad of Chicken Soup.
“She was singing with 20 of the best from around the province.”
Her older sister Nathania, 18, placed second in the senior up-tempo musical category with I’ll Show Him.
Pianist Spencer Kryzanowski, 18, also a local resident, came up with another first as he displayed his keyboard expertise in Impromptu in B Flat and Claire de Lune.
Another resident, violinist Lara Hyrac, 15, performed her own composition Danza Triste del Paeso and brought home a second place win. “It was a very developed composition.”
Classical guitarist Travis Luckert, 12, received silver for Capricio in C and Vineta Criolla.
And Daniel Thielmann, 21, a senior vocalist, carried home the gold for Gerne will ich mich bequemen and Non Piu Andrai, an aria from The Marriage of Figaro.
“Daniel has an amazing voice that captivates the audience with his characterization. He’s just a great bass-baritone.
Other noteworthy St. Albert festival participants that achieved national prominence are Ted Dykstra of 2 Pianos 4 Hands fame and Edmonton Symphony Orchestra violinist Neda Yamach.
