Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) will recognize a chorus of talent produced from the music department over the past quarter of a century with a night of opera, guitar, piano, woodwinds on March 24.
The anniversary celebration of KPU’s music program will recognize the top 25 music alumni who were nominated by the KPU community and selected by KPU music faculty for their outstanding achievements as performing artists, composers, business owners, teachers and academics in the field of music.
“When I first entered the doors of the KPU music department in August 1993, little did I think that I would be reflecting back today on 25 wonderful years as piano and theory instructor,” said Jane Hayes, who will MC the evening.
“I am still in touch with students from our first year and, through social media, can now track many of my former students’ marvelous achievements,” Hayes said. “I could think of nothing better than a celebration focussing on our alumni, a kind of musical reunion showcasing the varied talents that have walked our halls.”
A select few of the top 25 alumni will perform at the event.
Winner of the National Musical Festival of Canada and Oklaholma City University music instructor Stephen Lochbaum will play guitar.
Soprano Melanie Krueger will delight attendees with a voice that has been reviewed as a “show stopper” by the Vancouver Sun.
The KPU Wind Symphony will be directed by Stuart Martin an emerging artist known for conducting and producing operas in found spaces.
To round out the evening, celebrated pianist and founder of the prestigious music academy World of Music & Arts Anna Vavilova will also perform.
“Immigrating to a new country and speaking a new language has been made easy for me by inclusive and friendly instructors and staff and KPU,” said Vavilova. “Special thanks to my dear piano professor Jane Hayes for easing me into the North American music world!”
This event is open to the public. All are welcome to join for an enchanting evening of performances from students, faculty and alumni.
All proceeds from the event help support awards and scholarships for KPU’s music students.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming back 25 of our music alumni and recognizing the significant impact they are having in the world,” said Nancy Armitage, executive director of KPU’s Alumni Association. “From internationally acclaimed award-winning symphony conductors and performers to highly successful local music school and studio owners shaping our community, our alumni are everywhere doing incredible things.”
The 25 Years of Music event takes place at KPU Langley at 20901 Langley Bypass, on March 24. Doors open at 5 p.m. , with wine and hor d’oeuvres reception from 5:30-6:45 p.m., and concert at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $25 and available online at www.kpu.ca/musicalumni.