 |
 Nicolas
Cooper performs during the Gloucester Music Club recital
at Orléans United Church on Friday night. Fred
Sherwin/Photo |
Every
spring, hundreds of young classical musicians take part in
the Kiwanis Music Festival to measure their talent against
their peers while competing for pride and prizes.
Held
at more than a dozen venues across the city, the event is
the highlight of the year for many of the young musicians.
This
weekend, the Gloucester Music Teachers Association is holding
its final music recital of the season to give their students
a chance to play in front of a live audience
Held
over two separate evenings at Orléans United Church,
the recital doubles as a rehearsal for those young musicians
who will be taking part in the Music Festival which gets
underway in just over a week.
Over
30 youngsters age 7 to 17 are taking part in the Gloucester
Music Club recitals. Friday night's program included 16
pianists and one cellist..
One
of the highlights of the evening was turned in by Enah Cheng.
The 15-year-old Colonel By student showcased her exquisite
musicality and superb dexterity during her playing of Beethoven's
Bagatelle Op. 33.
Other
performances of note included Bhumitra Kesanakurti's recital
of Fluttering Leaves by Stephen Heller and Stella
Chen's rendition of Johann Philipp Kirnberger's Les Carillons.
Rachel Chu's performance of Etude in A-flat Op. 30 No.
19 by the 19th century Italian composer, Giuseppe Concone,
was also extremely strong.
But
two performances stood out from the pack. The first was
delivered by the lone non-pianist on the program, Nicolas
Cooper. The 15-year-old cellist was absolutely mesmerizing
during his recital of Édouard Lalo's Concerto
in D-minor. The lenghty piece perfectly highlighted
the Navan resident's immense talent and depth.
Cooper
is hoping the ambitious piece will help propel him to a
top mark at the Kiwanis Music Festival and a berth in the
provincial competition.
"I've
finished first and second a few times and I've won a couple
of trophies, but I've never made it to provincials. Hopefully
that will change this year," says Cooper.
The
task of bringing Friday's recital to a close was given to
Michael Li. Another extremely talented musician, the 13-year-old
St. Matthew High School student was on point throughout
his performance of Chopin's Waltz in E Minor.
Li
and Cooper are both shining examples of young musicians
who can elevate their playing from merely reciting a piece
to performing it. It's a rare quality, indeed, which makes
it that much more memorable if you are lucky enough to witness
it for yourself.
The
second session of the Gloucester Music Club recitals will
take place this evening at 7 p.m. at Orléans United
Church, 1111 Orléans Blvd.
THE STRAY DOG BREWING COMPANY hosts the 2025 Outdoor Cornhole Tournament from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $20 gets you a minimum of five games and a poutine! All levels welcome, but first-timers are HIGHLY encouraged to sign up and learn this fun activity. If you are already registered on Scoreholio, simply search for the tournament date and location and we will pop up, otherwise, you can email gilt1designs@gmail.com to register. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way.
ORLEANS FARMERS MARKET every Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre on Tenth Line Road. Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat and dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it.
THE ORIGINAL NAVAN MARKET NIGHT MARKET from 4-9 pm at the Navan Fairgrounds, 1279 Colonial Road in Navan. Over 100 vendors in attendance. For more information 
