Matching the parent in the audience in the Vancouver Academy of Music’s Mary Olson Hall with the student musician wasn’t difficult — it was often the person sitting ramrod straight on the very edge of their chair and clapping furiously as soon as the last note of the piece faded.
The usual recital staples by composers Tchaikovsky and Vivaldi were played but if you had happened to hear the music before seeing the musician, you might be surprised to see some students so young their feet couldn’t reach the floor from the piano bench.
Saturday’s Strawberry & Tea recital was named for the big bowls of fruit placed next to the big bowls of whipped cream served in the school foyer at the recital’s conclusion. It was part of the fourth annual Winter Wander at Vanier Park where the $5 admission included entry to the Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver Maritime Museum, City of Vancouver Archives and Bard on the Beach. In addition to VAM’s free open house, its students performed at most of the nearby venues throughout the day.
The building on the edge of Vanier Park’s lawn has been home to the VAM since 1976 and has grown to prestigious proportions that now include a college division along with its preparatory classes for both children and adults under executive director Joseph Elworthy. Those familiar with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra will recognize the name. Elworthy, a cellist, was a member prior to his 2011 appointment with VAM.
The non-profit school has produced many notables through the years (even Elworthy himself attended as a young child) but Saturday the focus was on the young learners.
The audience of mostly family members, filling the front row just a few feet from the low stage, made up for the hall’s empty seats with their delighted excitement.
Peter Dryden was one of those in the front row, there for his 14-year-old grandson Brandon Krezeski who was first on the program to perform with a beautiful rendition of “Spanish Romance” on the guitar.
Dryden and his wife have attended more recitals than they can count for both Brandon and his nine-year-old sister Mia.
“We’ve supported them at every single one when we’ve had the opportunity,” said the proud grandfather. “By being here, hopefully we encourage them and, no, we never get tired. There are some very talented youngsters here.”
The Strawberry & Tea recitals used to be held once or twice every year, now they’re every month, added Brandon’s mom Susan Krezeski.
And it was at one of these student shows where Mia decided she wanted to add the cello to her existing repertoire of piano — at the age of four.
“Music is a great avenue as later on in life it’s something they can do and enjoy,” said Susan. “They say music is good for the soul.”
A few years older than the Krezeski siblings is Adam Junk who decided to pursue a path of music as a VAM trumpet student who’s tackling both his music degree as well as a diploma in composition. In addition, Junk is also the school’s library assistant and helps out with special events, such as the Winter Wander open house.
“Last year was my first year here and I didn’t even know it was an event,” he said. “Now that I know, I think it’s a wonderful way for people to get around and see some of the culture in Vanier.”
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