Top notch youth performers strike a chord

The Encore! Concert and Award Ceremony is a different kind of musical experience that salutes the excellence of young performing artists.

Held on Wednesday, April 26 at the Arden Theatre through the generosity of signature sponsor Grandin Parc Village, it concludes the St. Albert Rotary Music Festival’s 40th anniversary with a bang.

Throughout the festival’s 10-day competition that ran April 4 to 13, about 80 youth artists, many stepping out of their comfort zone, emerged victorious winning scholarships and awards.

And for festival co-ordinator Maryan Threndyle, the event provided clear evidence of the prodigious talent in the region.

She points to 16-year-old violinist Gabrielle DesprÉs, the $1,000 Lyle Moore Scholarship recipient, an accomplished and compelling performer. DesprÉs has won numerous awards on the provincial and national level. She studies under Robert Uchida, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra violinist.

“She’s just amazing. She plays from the heart and her technique is masterful. She plays at a very advanced level of performance,” said Threndyle.

DesprÉs will be one of a dozen acts burning up the stage with their expertise and passion. She plays Henryk Wieniawski’s Polonaise Brillante.

Another performer shining in the spotlight is Amy Polczer, winner of the Marsha Stanton Award. Polczer, an eclectic performer, has won the prize several years running.

“Amy is an amazing performer. She plays a lot of instruments and writes music. She is very involved in what she does,” Threndyle said noting Dr. William Street, head of the University of Alberta’s music department recommended her for the award.

Polczer is teaming up with her brother Dylan and composer Emily Nikiforick for a five-minute routine of her original material.

Another threesome set to entertain is violin trio Mark-Olivier Knoefel, CÉline Martin and Madyson Hobbs playing Georgy Sviridov’s Winter Storm Walls. Pianist Natalia Krupanova accompanies them on piano.

“It’s interesting how this group combines their musical and rhythmic sense and plays a really great performance.”

Musical theatre is highlighted with a sibling duet from Coleman and Gabriel Lappa singing You’re Nothing Without Me from City of Angels.

“Gabriel was recommended to the National Music Festival, but they’re both great performers. This duet was one of a number of classes they entered. Their level of performance is very high and quite impressive.”

For Threndyle, Encore! represents the very best from the festival.

“It’s an outstanding event. To hear these talented people at our windup event for our 40th anniversary is special. You won’t be disappointed. You will be amazed at the level of performances.”