Celebrating Calgary’s Classical Talent, One Month On

Do you know someone musically talented around you? If so, chances are they attended the Calgary’s Got Classical Talent concert in celebration of the winners of the Calgary Concerto Competition (C3) on the 12th of April. Four incredible young musicians, Yan Li; violin, Peter Wang; piano, Yunzhi Han; piano, and Nicholas Kwan; piano, were given the amazing opportunity to play in the Jack Singer Concert Hall with the Calgary Civic Symphony.

It may come as a shock to those more familiar with the Calgary Philharmonic that Calgary has another full orchestra (as if you needed any convincing that our city is arts-oriented).  The Civic Symphony is made up of a group of dedicated volunteer musicians and is directed under the baton of Rolf Bertsch, who has made solo piano performances in Carnegie Hall and also has served as the resident conductor of the CPO. The symphony was also one of the founders of the C3 competition, an annual musical competition open to all instrumental students 18 and under who study with a Calgary teacher.

For most of the performers, who were all 15-17 years in age, it was their first time playing with a full orchestra. Every single one of them was absolutely terrific, and I was definitely left in awe of all the amazing things youth my age are capable of. It definitely stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of these individuals.

Now, it has been a month since the concert, and the performers have fully returned to their routines, I decided to catch up with one of the winners about how the experience has continued to affect them both personally and musically. You may remember her from an interview I performed with her regarding the opening of the new Mount Royal conservatory. Read what Yan Li had to say below.

Q: How did the day of the performance feel?

Yan: I can’t believe I performed the Brahms violin concerto with an orchestra! I remember myself thinking about all the famous artists who had performed in the Jack Singer walking from backstage to the main stage. They were like ghosts in that hall.

Q: What was it like rehearsing with the Calgary Civic Symphony and working with Rolf Bertsch?

Yan: The first time I rehearsed with the orchestra, I was shocked by the volume and the energy. It was such a full and strong support for my solo. The adrenaline of playing with an orchestra really inspired me to really play out and give off the new energy I felt. Rolf Bertsch was amazing and understanding; I had a lot of fun. 

Q: What new aspects of the music had to the considered while working with an orchestra?

Yan: When playing with an orchestra, you don’t only listen to yourself, you also have to listen to other musicians in order to collaborate and adjust accordingly. It’s not easy, especially the competition between one violin and the 20 something violins plus violas plus cellos plus woodwinds all at once. I definitely had to project my sound more. 

Q: How has playing with an orchestra changed the way you perform or empowered you in any way?

Yan: Like many musicians, performing with an orchestra in such a beautiful concert hall has inspired me to discover my potential. Plus, being able to share my love for music is always the greatest feelings ever, like ever. 

A huge thank you to Yan for her time and warm congrats to all the winners of the C3! To find out more about the Calgary Civic Symphony, their upcoming concerts (which, I must add, are very affordable), and the C3, visit their website at http://www.calgarycivicsymphony.ca/.