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 Alexander Hou performs Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in D-minor during the Gloucester Music Club recital on Dec. 7. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO |
The Gloucester Music Club held its first series of recitals for the 2019-2020 season at Orléans United Church last week, during which 34 young musicians and vocalists were able to show off their immense talent.
The recitals were spread out over two sessions. The first session, which took place on Friday, Nov. 29. The following evening 15 pianists were on the program along with six vocalists.
After being welcomed to the Saturday evening recital by Emily Liu, the audience was treated to a performance of The Great Smokey Mountains by Amber Chu.
She was followed by Jonathan Wang, 9, whose flawless rendition of the German Dance by Haydn belied his age.
His sister Julianna was on point as well in delivering CPE Bach’s Solfeggio in C Minor. Here’s a bit of trivia. CPE Bach is the fifth child and second son of Johann Sebastian Bach and Maria Barbara Bach.
Another early highlight on the program was Charlotte Hou’s playing of the third movement of Beethoven’s Sonata in G Major, op. 79.
At 12, Charlotte is the youngest of the Hou siblings – all of whom have been frequent participants in the Gloucester Music Club series ever since they were kids.
Alexander, 14, and Emily, 18, were also part of Saturday’s program.
Emily’s playing of the first and second movements of Mozart’s Sonata in B-flat Major was simply marvelous as was Alexander’s recital of JS Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in D-minor.
For so much talent to be shared by three siblings is remarkable indeed.
Other highlights on the program include Naomi Lee’s playing of the first movement from Mozart’s Viennese Sonatina in A Major and Jerru Ni’s sublime performance of Sonatina in G Major by the 18th century Czech composer Jan Ladislav Dussek.
The vocal performances ranged from the whimsical The Tree from “The Me Nobody Knows” sung by Sabrina Meng, to the hauntingly beautiful Caro mio ben, sung by Grade 12 St. Peter High School student Adelaine Carvallo.
But the highlight of the evening was 13-year-old Ava Zidek’s amazing vocal performance of Tis the Last Rose of Summer.
The second session in the Gloucester Music Club series will be held on Feb. 7 and 8 at Orléans United Church.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS MARKET from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with 85 local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION 
THE ORIGINAL NAVAN MARKET from 9 am to 2 pm at the Navan Fairgrounds, 1279 Colonial Road in Navan. Over 100 vendors in attendance. For more information 
TRIVIA NIGHT every Tuesday night at the Royal Oak Pub Orléans from 7:30 p.m. Free to play and prize for the winning team! The Royal Oak is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near the corner of Jeanne d'Arc Blvd. For more information visit 
MUSIC IN THE PARK SERIES featuring members of the Opus Academy music school under the Domes on the Navan Fairgrounds presented by the Navan Community Association starting at 7 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE Refreshments will be available for purchase..
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. 
