hannahannika

The Amabilis Singers

On Saturday, May 4th, I had the opportunity to attend a concert by the Amabilis Singers (tickets courtesy of a thoughtful friend, D). The concert took place at New Westminster Christian Reform Church, which was a nice, 15 min. walk from home. As I entered the church, I was impressed by the beautiful organ inContinue reading “The Amabilis Singers”

How I compose for the VSO

On Wednesday, May 1, I attended a VSO (Vancouver Symphony Orchestra) music educational experience called “Musical Encounters”. This is put on by the volunteers at the VSO, and features a composer or musician sharing their experiences with the general public. The doors opened at 6:15pm for a wine and appetizer reception, then the talk beganContinue reading “How I compose for the VSO”

How to survive an Electronic Dance Music Concert

This is part of an ongoing series of posts where I will explain what to expect when attending a live concert. Music is best experienced firsthand, and depending on the genre, what’s expected for the concert-goer can be quite varied. Here are my thoughts on attending an Electronic Dance Music Concert in Vancouver. What isContinue reading “How to survive an Electronic Dance Music Concert”

How to survive an opera

This is the first of an ongoing series of posts where I will explain what to expect when attending a live concert. Music is best experienced firsthand, and depending on the genre, what’s expected for the concert-goer can be quite varied. Here are my thoughts on attending an Opera in Vancouver. What is an opera?Continue reading “How to survive an opera”

New Horizons

This fall, I will be moving to Toronto as my husband studies for his PhD in Egyptology. This means i will no longer be teaching my faithful and wonderful piano students, whom I have grown to respect and adore. Instead, I will be heading east to the land of the highest building in North America,Continue reading “New Horizons”

Vancouver Opera’s The Magic Flute

On Sunday, March 10, 2013, I attended at matinee performance by the Vancouver Opera at Queen Elizabeth Theatre. I arrived 10 min. late for the pre-talk in the mezzanine, so unfortunately, only picked up a few details such as, the opera was infused with Coast Salish elements and how the Vancouver Opera consulted First NationsContinue reading “Vancouver Opera’s The Magic Flute”

Masterclass with Dina Yoffe

I had the opportunity to attend a masterclass by Dina Yoffe last week. A masterclass is like a special piano lesson with a well-known performer, in front of an audience. The students who were chosen for the masterclass had to undergo an audition, so the teacher mainly works to polish and refine their playing. DinaContinue reading “Masterclass with Dina Yoffe”

Watching Parker

On Monday, January 21, 2013, I had the pleasure of seeing Jon Kimura Parker live in concert with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. The evening featured three pieces, “Totem” composed by the VSO’s resident composer, Edward Top, “Piano Concerto in A minor” by Edvard Grieg, and “Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major” by Sergei Prokofiev HereContinue reading “Watching Parker”