Richmond, BC - The Kwantlen Polytechnic University Chorus will be accompanied by members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) and Vancouver Opera Orchestra (VOO) in a major concert performance in Richmond on April 11 - Mozart: Joy and Sorrow.
The chorus - comprised of KPU Langley music students, faculty, staff and community members - will perform three Mozart works with VOO concertmaster Mark Ferris; Dale Throness, KPU voice faculty member; Tom Shorthouse, KPU brass instructor and principal trumpet with the VOO, and; Caroline Markos, a KPU music alumna, and personal assistant to VSO conductor Bramwell Tovey.
"The excitement amongst the Kwantlen Chorus members has grown throughout the semester as we've been rehearsing and preparing for our all-Mozart concert. The feature work, Mozart's Requiem, is a powerful and dramatic work that will bring together the chorus, KPU alumni returning as soloists and a professional orchestra. We are honoured to have Mark Ferris, concertmaster of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, as our concertmaster for the evening performance," says Gail Suderman, director of voice and choral studies at KPU, and artistic director of Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir.
“The opportunity for KPU music students to perform with a professional orchestra serves as an exciting training ground. It gives them a chance to rehearse and perform at a standard of excellence found in the professional concert halls of Vancouver and beyond. In collaborating with outstanding professional musicians, the students grow in their knowledge and understanding of what it takes to be a professional musician, a knowledge that classroom learning alone cannot provide,” says Suderman.
Markos, one of the evening’s guest soloists, says that it was the standard of excellence expected inside the classroom that ultimately gave her the skills that allowed her to succeed in the field.
“My time as a student in the KPU music program can be summed up in two words: foundation and excellence. Foundation, because the smaller class sizes and invaluable one-on-one attention I received allowed me to grow and build my own individual musical foundation in a non-intimidating, supportive atmosphere. Excellence, because that’s the standard to which I was held,” Markos says. “The faculty has a way, unlike any other musical institution in Vancouver, in showing you how you can reach another level as a musician, and then follows through by giving you the attention you need to achieve it.“
The event will feature three Mozart works: Requiem K. 626, Exsultate Jubilate K. 165 and Piano Concerto K. 467 (Andante). More information about the event is available here.
WHERE: Fraserview Church, 11295 Mellis Drive, Richmond
WHEN: Friday April 11, 7:30 p.m.
INFO: Tickets are $15 for students and seniors; $20 for adults. Tickets can be purchased online at
brownpapertickets.com or by calling: 1-800-838-3006.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 145 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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Media contacts:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604-364-1288
Gail Suderman
Director, Voice and Choral Studies
t: 604-599-3237
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