Taking the best one step further

Music really does unite, especially if it’s a cause dear to people’s hearts.

Seven of Alberta’s finest concert pianists are volunteering their time and talent for Piano Extravaganza, a benefit concert to support the Alberta Pianofest and Young Artist Academy.

The pianists bringing a diversity of talent and repertoire are New York based Jason Cutmore, Calgary pianist Peter Jancewicz, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra pianist Michael Massey as well as Amanda Andrishak, Alexandra Munn and Cameron Watson. Adding a distinct flavour is nationally respected jazz pianist Charlie Austin.

This sharing of music is as broad as it is diverse and takes place Saturday, Nov. 7 at Don’s Piano Place.

Cutmore founded Pianofest three years ago as a way of s fostering a personal dream – that of building a world-class summer music festival and two-week program of master classes and lessons for advanced piano students 12 to 18 years.

The bi-annual festival and music camp operated in 2013 and 2015 at Rundle’s Mission on the shores of Pigeon Lake. It hopes to raise $130,000 through government grants, fundraisers and sponsorship to host about 14 students in 2017.

“What is special about this program is that students are chosen to do so on a full tuition basis. We’ve discovered many festivals charge $2,000 to $3,000 for tuition, and board and travel costs are on top. I didn’t want to put that kind of burden on families and make it prohibitive,” said Cutmore in a telephone call from his New York residence.

“We are looking for the most talented and we don’t want it to be a barrier to families who cannot afford the program. We want the students to be as successful as possible.”

One of the first artists selected for Piano Extravaganza was in fact Amanda Andrishak, a summer student at last summer’s Pianofest.

“She’s an excellent student, a very good performer. She’s very talented and a wonderful player.”

Adrishak performs Chopin’s Ballade No. 1 in G minor and a duet with Alexandra Munn, an Alberta College music instructor. Munn also plays Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words.

Peter Jancewicz, a pillar of Pianofest, has chosen a Ravel work in addition to introducing a few of his more contemporary classical pieces.

And St. Albert’s Michael Massey, Cutmore’s music teacher, is delighted to add a Chopin and Nikolai Medtner composition to the program.

Cutmore describes Cameron Watson as an excellent pianist and is “intrigued” to hear Charlie Austin’s contributions.

“It’s nice to blur the lines. This is meant to be a fun variety show. Peter’s contemporary pieces will be a nice segue to Charlie’s jazz which closes the show.”

Pianofest volunteers in a number of capacities are always welcome. If interested parties would like more information, they can visit albertapianofest.com.