For immediate release
Master Classes and Workshops: A New Feature at Chamberfest '07
Ottawa (July 21, 2007)
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Master Classes and Workshops are a new feature at Chamberfest this year, designed to give festival-goers an opportunity to hear the masters explain new approaches to music and see them working alongside advanced-level students.
Freiman Hall, Ottawa University is the venue for all but one of these events. While the Hall is small and seating limited, the intimate nature of the space will make for an unforgettable experience for anyone who has wondered how international masters help advanced music students improve their technique.
Workshop with Red Chamber (2 pm. July 24)
Musicians from the local Chinese community will join Red Chamber's Mei Han and Guilian Liu to learn more about the ancient instruments of their forebears. An internationally acclaimed zheng (zither) master and ethnomusicologist, Mei Han has taken her innovative music to major concert halls around the world. She is joined in Ottawa by Guilan Liu, acknowledged as one of the world's top five pipa (lute) masters.
Musicians from the local Chinese community will join Red Chamber's Mei Han and Guilian Liu to learn more about the ancient instruments of their forebears. An internationally acclaimed zheng (zither) master and ethnomusicologist, Mei Han has taken her innovative music to major concert halls around the world. She is joined in Ottawa by Guilan Liu, acknowledged as one of the world's top five pipa (lute) masters.
Piano Master Class with André Laplante
In addition to a busy concert schedule, virtuoso pianist André Laplante is as comfortable in the concert hall as in the piano studio. Laplante who gained early fame with a silver medal at the 1978 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition will be sharing his vast experience with advanced-level students from Montreal and Ottawa. (4 pm. July 26) Festival-goers can then hear Laplante play with the Moscow String Quartet on July 27.
In addition to a busy concert schedule, virtuoso pianist André Laplante is as comfortable in the concert hall as in the piano studio. Laplante who gained early fame with a silver medal at the 1978 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition will be sharing his vast experience with advanced-level students from Montreal and Ottawa. (4 pm. July 26) Festival-goers can then hear Laplante play with the Moscow String Quartet on July 27.
One Quartet Meets Another
Following its Beethoven recital on July 26, the Shanghai String Quartet will meet the Quatuor Despax: two brothers and two sisters who have been performing locally since 2003. Cendrine, Valérie, Jean and Maxime Despax are regular master class students, with teachers noting how their energy and zest for life is mirrored in their music. (10 am. July 28).
Following its Beethoven recital on July 26, the Shanghai String Quartet will meet the Quatuor Despax: two brothers and two sisters who have been performing locally since 2003. Cendrine, Valérie, Jean and Maxime Despax are regular master class students, with teachers noting how their energy and zest for life is mirrored in their music. (10 am. July 28).
Flamenco Guitar Workshop
El Viento Flamenco's Bob Sutherby will introduce participants to some of the rhythms, styles and techniques that make flamenco guitar such an exciting and distinctive art form. The workshop is open to any nylon-string (not steel-string) guitarist with a background in fingerstyle. All ages are welcome. (4 pm. July 31) Audiences can see Sutherby at Flamenco Nights in The Church of St. John the Evangelist later that evening. (11 pm.)
El Viento Flamenco's Bob Sutherby will introduce participants to some of the rhythms, styles and techniques that make flamenco guitar such an exciting and distinctive art form. The workshop is open to any nylon-string (not steel-string) guitarist with a background in fingerstyle. All ages are welcome. (4 pm. July 31) Audiences can see Sutherby at Flamenco Nights in The Church of St. John the Evangelist later that evening. (11 pm.)
To Think Like a Composer
This is the title of Michael Ostroff's film featuring Stephen Hatfield at work. It shows the composer at the piano and attending rehearsals with the Shallaway Youth Choir of St. John's as they learn to lift the music from page to stage. Following the screening, Hatfield will lead a discussion to examine the costs of mounting full-scale operatic productions, and what the future holds for smaller-scale chamber operas. (National Gallery of Canada Auditorium, July 30. Film 1 pm. Discussion 2 pm.)
This is the title of Michael Ostroff's film featuring Stephen Hatfield at work. It shows the composer at the piano and attending rehearsals with the Shallaway Youth Choir of St. John's as they learn to lift the music from page to stage. Following the screening, Hatfield will lead a discussion to examine the costs of mounting full-scale operatic productions, and what the future holds for smaller-scale chamber operas. (National Gallery of Canada Auditorium, July 30. Film 1 pm. Discussion 2 pm.)
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For programme, venue and ticketing information see: www.chamberfest.com
For accreditation and media interviews, please contact:
Frances Phillips, (613) 234-8008 Ex. 241; Mob. (613) 852-7848; or email media@chamberfest.com
Dian Prodanov, (613) 234-8008 Ex. 243; or email communications@chamberfest.com
Karen St. Aubin, (613) 234-8008 Ex. 244; or email events@chamberfest.com