Langley Community Music School recently awarded more than $10,000 in scholarships to young musicians in support of their continued music education at the school. The 25th annual scholarship awards festival took place Feb. 5-12 and culminated in a concert on Feb. 19.
This year, 143 students entered the festival and a total of 95 awards were presented to 72 students.
“The concert presented a range of impressive student performances; highlights from the festival featuring strings, flute, voice and piano," said LCMS principal Susan Magnusson.
"And to top it off, we were extremely pleased to distribute $10,900 in scholarships to students.”
Ben Su and Stephen Li, piano duo, won the Mr. & Mrs. Barry Hill Award for their performance of Shostakovich Concertino Op. 47.
“It was a very strong performance from this young duo, who recently also placed first in the junior division of the Northwest International Piano Ensemble Competition earlier this year,” said Magnusson.
Peter Pao, cello and Celine Pao, received awards for their festival performances. Peter won the Colin Hampton Musicianship award, and Dayton Family Award for senior cello. Celine won the Mike Omelaniec award, for her performance in the senior piano category.
“This brother and sister duo has already accomplished much as young musicians,” said Magnusson.
“At 12 and 10, they have performed twice in Carnegie Hall, and have been winners in the Forte International Music Competition and the American Protege International Competition. It’s a remarkable achievement”.
LCMS’ scholarship awards festival was established in 1986. The students receive assessments from highly respected musicians who adjudicate the performances. Students who show an exceptional calibre of musicianship in their performances during festival are recognized with scholarship awards.
The school established an endowment fund with the Vancouver Foundation in 1983 and the interest generated from the fund goes to providing scholarships and bursaries to students who excel in their music studies or who are in financial need. The program also relies on the support of individual donors, organizations, and corporate supporters.
“LCMS is grateful for the support afforded to our talented young artists,” said Magnusson.
“We extend our deepest thanks to the many individuals and businesses for their generosity,