Friends and fans of Paul Beauchesne will not have to wait until next summer to see and hear the popular musician perform again. The principal tuba player with Victoria Symphony and pianist Robert Holliston will be putting on a concert at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, October 3, at Powell River Academy of Music.
Beauchesne has strong ties in the community and his parents still live here.
“I moved to Powell River when I was in high school and was part of the band and choir programs at the old Max Cameron Secondary School with Don James and Jon Stromquist,” he said. “I often wonder if it hadn’t been for the support and encouragement I received from them if I would be where I am today. I don’t think I would, so it’s really great to maintain those ties with Powell River.”
Beauchesne returns each summer as a guest artist at Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA), and brought a brass quintet for the opening ceremony of this year’s International Choral Kathaumixw festival.
The concert he and Holliston will be performing is unique in many ways, he said.
“It’s very unusual to hear a recital with solo tuba and a piano and it’s a wonderful opportunity to show off just how lyrical and expressive the tuba can be,” said Beauchesne.
The program, called Songs Without Words, focuses on how a brass instrument can convey meaning through notes, phrasing and quality of sound.
Performing together with Holliston is a pleasure, he added.
“I’m really excited about working with such a fabulous pianist,” said Beauchesne. “It’s a real treat to work with such a great musician and collaborator. I’m looking forward to the chance to share this beautiful music with the Powell River audience.”
The recital kicks off the Academy’s popular concert series, which this year will also feature performances by The Canadian Guitar Quintet and pianist Sarah Hagen, as well as Powell River’s Chor Musica Men’s Choir’s Winter Solstice Concert and the ever-popular Carols by Candlelight, a Powell River tradition taking place at historic Dwight Hall.
For more information about the concert series, go to powellriveracademy.org or call 604.485.9633.
