The only recital hall in St. Albert with near-perfect acoustics is permanently closing its doors after nearly 13 years of service.
Nancy Watt, co-founder of the St. Albert Chamber Music Series, confirmed that Don’s Piano Place recital hall would close due to higher-than-expected rent increases. The piano showroom will remain open.
Watt hosted the chamber music season six finale last Saturday night with violinist virtuoso Guillaume Tardif and guitar wizard Trevor Sanders at the hall.
“It is with some sadness that we (chamber music recital series) will no longer be here. But I want to thank Don for giving it to us; this space, rent free,” said Watt.
From the shocked buzz rippling through the packed recital hall of about 80 music lovers, it was evident the news was not common knowledge. Despite the striking musicianship, the surprising announcement stole some of the evening’s thunder.
Many loyal chamber music patrons were saddened to hear the news. They had trooped up the narrow steps to the second-storey, intimate hall for a gathering of friends.
Similar to a clubhouse, the hall affectionately dubbed “The Piano Loft” came to be known as a cozy gathering spot for good music, topped off with a glass of champagne and strawberries.
Garry Phillips, 39-year teacher/principal now retired from the St. Albert Public School Board, lauded both the recital hall and the music series.
“The size is perfect for this kind of an event and Don deserves a lot of credit for giving people the space,” said Phillips.
As an educator, Phillips sees the value of providing a platform for young performing artists taking their early steps towards a professional career.
“We’ve been given a great outlet for wonderful music and only in such an intimate venue can you appreciate great music.”
St. Albert’s Marion Schuster, a continuing patron since the first season, compared the chamber recitals to the German music salons she attended before immigrating to Canada.
“It’s wonderful, like the real chamber music in Europe. There is such a wonderful variety and I love the young people.”
Patrons gathered to hear a Mediterranean-styled recital. Tardif and Sanders selections from Niccolo Paganini to Pablo de Sarasate produced a string of beautiful music overflowing with lovely surprises.
And the consensus was that emerging guitarist Travis Luckert was “one to watch.” Don Vaugeois, owner of Don’s Piano Place, unfortunately was unable to attend due to ill health.
His daughter Steffanie, now heavily involved in the business, provided some of the background.
Although Don’s Piano Place has been a staple in the region for 23 years, the recital hall was only built 13 years ago.
Since then, it has provided space for the St. Albert Rotary Music Festival, end-of-year student recitals, workshops, lectures and even a couple of video shoots.
Canadian pop singer-songwriter Ruth B., recently signed to Columbia, shot her video of Lost Boy in the loft and folk rock artist Paul Woida was filmed singing Adele’s cover song Hello.
“The acoustics are amazing. They just sing. It wraps around your whole soul and I’m a big believer in music as a healer,” said Vaugeois.
“It feels warm and welcoming. I don’t know what my parents did to this space, but their energy is wrapped all over it.”
Although, St. Albert is losing this sanctuary of music, Watt announced that season seven of the chamber music series will continue in the fall at the newly renovated St. Albert 50+ Club.
St. Albert Chamber of Music Society producer Nancy Watt compiled statistics highlighting musicians presented at Don’s Piano Place through the chamber series. The stats include:<br />• Six seasons produced 30 concerts<br />• 88 different musicians presented<br />• 24 musicians were members of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra<br />• 1 Juno nominee<br />• Three Grammy nominees<br />• 37 emerging artists
