Laurier Centre for Music in the Community hosts free gala concert in Kitchener

WATERLOO – The Laurier Centre for Music in the Community will recognize and celebrate significant contributions to the music community with a free gala concert in the Kitchener City Hall Rotunda on May 27, starting at 7 p.m.

The concert will feature string musicians, from beginner to professional. Awards of recognition will be presented to Dr. Peter Nikiforuk, Menno Singers director; Jean Narveson, Music Times publisher; and Brad McEwen, artistic director of the Mill Race Traditional Folk Music Festival.

Students in Laurier's new String Academy will be featured in performance and string players of all levels will be showcased throughout the evening. Laurier’s Faculty of Music established the Laurier String Academy in September, 2008. Students who have been studying violin with Vanessa Mio will perform, both in solo and in ensemble. These young performers will be accompanied by Laurier professor Dr. Heather Taves.

Laurier is the first Canadian university to offer the violin program, which was developed by Mimi Zweig of Indiana University and based on the philosophies of Shinichi Suzuki, Paul Rolland and Ivan Galamian. The program format has been successful at reputable American universities and musical conservatories throughout Europe. The academy’s goal is to develop a love and understanding of music, whether or not students become professionals. The academy also provides a teaching-lab setting for Laurier music students. The first annual course in the pedagogy as applied in the academy will take place this spring.

Waterloo Collegiate Institute’s Junior Orchestra and Eastwood Collegiate Institute’s Fiddlers will perform, and an accomplished university string quartet from Laurier’s spring program known as Quartetfest will be featured.

The internationally renowned Penderecki String Quartet will cap off the event, demonstrating the progression of string education in this area from entry level to the standard of world class.

All are welcome to join in this evening of recognition and celebration. Refreshments will be served following the program.