A unique arts program began by the world-renowned Gryphon Trio culminates this week in Powell River.
Hundreds of students will present their work at 7 pm on Wednesday, May 14, at Max Cameron Theatre. The presentation is free to the public.
“Since October, Powell River students have been inspired by the Gryphon Trio, BC composer Jeffrey Ryan, local musicians, drummers, visual artists, poets, videographers and teachers while creating a performance piece based on the theme ‘the four elements,’” said Don James, chair of Powell River Academy of Music board of directors.
The idea to bring Listen Up! to Powell River came after Gryphon Trio’s performance last year at the academy’s James Hall.
“With Powell River’s reputation for choirs and [International Choral] Kathaumixw, cellist Roman Boyes thought Powell River was the ideal place for Listen Up!,” added James. “School District 47 was eager to join in the project as many students would benefit from the creative process.”
Over the past few months composer Ryan has worked with classes creating the music. Music teachers Paul Cummings and Richard Olfert have worked with singers, Tony Papa with video students, English and art teachers with poetry and visual arts and Jono Roberts with drummers at James Thomson Elementary School.
The “dynamic and entertaining” American composer, conductor and music commentator Robert Kapilow, will bring the elements together. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, and a student of Nadia Boulanger, Kapilow initially gained recognition for his classical music radio program, What Makes It Great? His program has become a recurring event at New York’s Lincoln Center and in Boston, Los Angeles and Kansas City among other venues.
“The Listen Up! program offers a powerful, transformative answer not only for the children, teachers and schools who participate directly in the program but for the communities they are part of,” said James.
The project is produced by Gryphon Trio and Chamber Factory with support from Bill Waters, Bank of Montreal, school district and academy of music.
“We hope to see you at the Max Cameron Theatre to experience our students’ exceptional work,” James added.
