Hot contest for Conservatory pianist’s Hot Springs
We’re happy to share some big news from Peter Rudzik, one of the Conservatory’s branch faculty.
His composition, Hot Springs, is featured in the latest issue of International Piano magazine.
For the first time, readers can compete for the best recording of the piece.
Download the score and music here.
Rudzik shared his story with us:
“It was my idea to organize the competition and both Claire Jackson (editor of International Piano) and Louise Greener (manager) thought it was brilliant. I hope there will be lots of contestants. I’m trying to promote it in Canada as much as I can.”
Q: What was the inspiration behind your composition?
Peter Rudzik: “Hot Springs as a title is quite self-explanatory. It was inspired by the countless Rocky Mountain hot springs I’ve been to over the years and since I associate them with fun and bubbly pleasures, so is the piece. I like to think it’s lighthearted and fun though not easy to perform.”
Rudzik is an award-winning pianist hailing from Poland. As a student, his scholarship from the Chopin Society in Warsaw led to numerous recitals and appearances on national television and radio. He took post graduate studies at the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music in Copenhagen, Denmark.
His love of teaching led him to Mount Royal University Conservatory in Calgary. Many of his students, which cover all levels from beginners to the licentiate, have achieved top levels of excellence both provincially and nationally.
Sherri Zickefoose, Jan. 20. 2015
Meet Bella
Curious about the beauty behind Mount Royal Conservatory’s new concert hall?
The concert hall is named in honour of Mary Belle (Sherwood) Taylor, the matriarch of Calgary’s Taylor family who generously donated to make the project a reality.
Loved ones called her Bella – Italian for beautiful and a commonly used musical term – so it’s a perfect fit.
Want to learn more about Bella?
With a goal of making life better for everyone around her, Bella succeeded at every turn.
Whether it was scratching out a new life on a southern Alberta farm as a young bride, supplementing tough times by supporting her family or rallying for a much-needed community school, Mary Belle orchestrated success.
“She was a great Alberta pioneering woman, in every sense,” said son Don Taylor.
The Bella Concert Hall — at the heart of the new Conservatory — is named in honour of the Taylor family matriarch Mary Belle (Sherwood) Taylor (1891-1972), known simply as Bella to loved ones.
Slated to open next fall, the city’s much needed mid-sized professional concert hall would not have been possible without a generous $21-million contribution provided by the Taylor family.It’s the largest private donation in Mount Royal University’s history.
The concert hall will serve music students and audiences, as well as providing a hub for a broad range of performing arts activities for the community.
The story of Bella is the story of true pioneering spirit. In the spring of 1912, the 21-year-old bride boarded a train in Kingston, Ontario, bravely heading west to start a life farming with her husband on the Prairies. After the family lost the farm in Barons, Alberta during The Depression, Bella moved to Calgary where she began ran a boarding house for 12 years to help support her family.
“She was an incredibly great lady and very hard-working,” said Taylor.
Bella was an enthusiastic supporter of education and was instrumental in bringing an elementary to Grade 12 schoolhouse to serve Barons, a rural village located 170 kilometres south of Calgary. The school was featured as a filming location in a scene of the 1978 film Superman.
“It was such a small community, it couldn’t be justified. But she campaigned with the local and provincial governments. And it happened solely because of her efforts.”
Much like Bella’s efforts to further education, the Taylor family’s philanthropy will benefit music lovers and theatre goers for generations to come.
“If my mother was here I’m sure she would be justly proud,” said Taylor.
Learn more about the new Conservatory and Bella Concert Hall here:
http://issuu.com/mountroyaluniversity/docs/summit-fall-2014-opt/45?e=6955824%2F9632036
Sherri Zickefoose, Jan. 23, 2015
Popular music classes coming to Conservatory
Even if you haven’t met James Desautels yet, chances are you may have already heard him.
The newest Conservatory strings faculty member (and Academy alumnus) is enjoying more than two decades working full-time in the music entertainment industry.
If you watched the final episode of NBC’s The Office, you were hearing Desautels as first violinist during Dwight and Angela’s wedding scene. Here he is performing what we heard:
From Itzhak Perlman to Pearl Jam, Desautels has toured the world sharing the stage with stars of the classical world, famous rockers and everyone in between.
Now, the award-winning Calgarian is sharing his experience as an accomplished songwriter, composer, producer, conductor and Grammy voting member by offering a host of new classes in popular music at the Conservatory.
This fall, the Conservatory is offering new classes in songwriting, rock bands and rock orchestra, country, rhythm and blues, music industry business, history of popular music and more.
“Popular music is timeless. Great songs live forever,” said Desautels. “Popular music is for everyone. This opportunity for musical expression and performance is unparalleled.”
New group classes for rock band offers an opportunity for people who are looking to play with other musicians and strut their stuff on stage.
“The thrill of live music is universal,” he says. “Great things happen when we come together to share music.”
Performance opportunities lead to confidence and practical training in popular music, says Desautels.
“Many people are interested in taking their playing to a higher level. The Conservatory offers Rock band courses for all combinations of instruments Faculty and students can dream up. This offers a unique opportunity for students to collaborate while studying and performing together.
Rock orchestra is “a one of a kind opportunity and life changing experience for students to be a part of a massive sonic landscape,” said Desautels.
The classically-trained violinist (who also plays piano, viola, mandolin and guitar, says expanding performing opportunities and introducing songwriting for Conservatory students offers them a unique experience.
“It’s freeing to write what I’m feeling. I find that collaboration is key — co-writing is magical. The flow that comes with another person cannot be matched alone. And it is thrilling to create something that wasn’t there before. Performing this music the energy exchange between the stage and the crowd is immediate.”
Desautels got his start studying classical violin at age five. Two years later he began studying fiddle, country and bluegrass music. As a teenager he toured internationally, performing classical and fiddle music, and earned a Bachelor of Music degree with distinction at age 21. Desautels received a Master of Music degree from the University of Arizona and moved to Austin, Texas to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts degree.
Desautels says popular music classes offer students of all backgrounds and abilities opportunities to enrich themselves.
“We are completing Mount Royal Conservatory’s music with all the branches of the musical tree.”
Watch for more announcements about popular music at the Conservatory. Sign up for our enewsletters to receive the latest news.
Sherri Zickefoose, Jan. 20, 2015
Up close with the masters: US pianist Jeremy Denk
Imagine having the world’s top classical musicians teaching in your classroom.
For Mount Royal Conservatory’s Academy for Gifted Youth, it’s all part of the program.
American pianist Jeremy Denk is coming to Mount Royal Jan. 17 as part of the Conservatory’s Wyatt Artist in Residence Concert Series.
The unique program offers the public and the Conservatory’s gifted students a chance to be up close with the masters. Artists in residence offer an exceptional opportunity for the Conservatory’s Academy for Gifted Youth students, enriching curriculum through master classes. Academy piano students, ranging in age from 9 to 18, are benefitting from Denk’s mentorship.
Concert-goers have a rare opportunity to experience a world-class performance in the intimate 300-seat Leacock Theatre.
“Jeremy Denk’s performances in New York City have become among the hottest concert tickets to purchase,” says Conservatory Academy Manager Bill van der Sloot. “He is equally loved by classical music lovers and fellow artists as an artist among artists. He can make a profound impression on our young artists.”
Denk is one of North America’s most thought-provoking, multi-faceted, and compelling artists. He has appeared as soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the symphony orchestras of Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and London, and regularly gives recitals in New York, Washington, Boston, Philadelphia, and throughout the United States. The pianist’s writing has appeared in the New Yorker, the New Republic, The Guardian, and on the front page of the New York Times Book Review. One of his New Yorker contributions, “Every Good Boy Does Fine,” earned him a book deal from Random House.
Now entering its ninth season, The Wyatt Artist in Residence Concert Series continues attracting the world’s leading classical musicians to teach and perform in Calgary.
The series honours Mount Royal Conservatory Foundation chair emeritus Hal Wyatt and his late wife, Marnie, long-time friends and supporters of the Conservatory.
Wyatt performers are stars in the classical world. Past performers include pianist/composer Anton Kuerti, Grammy award-winning cellist Lynn Harrell, violinist James Ehnes, and Morningside Music Bridge alumna Yuja Wang.
Swedish cellist Frans Helmersson is the season’s final concert April 24, 2015.
Adult band taking a cue from life
Mount Royal Conservatory is well-known for its important role as a training ground for child prodigies, the Calgary Youth Orchestra, choirs, and offering excellence in music lessons and speech arts.
But few realize the Conservatory offers musical training for adults who have never played an instrument.
That includes a class that has really taken off: Adult Beginning Band.
It’s a fun, positive experience for adults. No previous playing experience required, and it’s okay if you don’t read music — we will be starting with one note at a time.
The class is for people who have never picked up a musical instrument before, or played in childhood and want to start again. The instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, drums and percussion.
The group has attracted players from all walks of life: there is an 80-year-old doctor turned trumpet player, a brass player who is keen to turn his attention to the tuba, and a husband and wife team on trumpet and flute. Mount Royal University faculty are also joining: there’s a nursing faculty member and even the Conservatory’s own theory instructor.
Says band instructor Gina Allen: “They are all amazing, courageous individuals who I admire and who inspire me to be a better leader every week.”
The group is gearing up to perform a concert in June. Stayed tuned!
Sherri Zickefoose, Dec. 15, 2014
Jazz faculty adding swing to Christmas in Song
Jazz faculty from Mount Royal University Conservatory are taking to the stage for Christmas in Song Nov. 29. From left: Derek Stoll, Tyler Hornby, Rubim de Toledo, Ralf Buschmeyer, Corinne Plomish Buschmeyer. Call 403-440-7770 for tickets.
We’re jazzing things up for Christmas in Song with some of Calgary’s best jazz performers.
Taking to the stage Nov. 29 are Conservatory jazz faculty vocalist Corinne Plomish Buschmeyer, guitarist Ralf Buschmeyer, bassist Rubim De Toledo, drummer Tyler Hornby and pianist Derek Stoll.
While these performers are regularly seen and heard playing in city clubs and lounges, many fans don’t realize the talented musicians are also teaching the next generation through the Conservatory’s jazz programs.
Christmas tunes and jazz are a seasonal favourite, says Plomish Buschmeyer.
“I’ve been singing these tunes for many years now and really enjoy the vibe,” she said. “I love Christmas and am always happy to share the joy through song.”
Plomish Buschmeyer has had a long career performing and touring with Dan Hill, Dwight Yoakam, Arsenio Hall, Martin Short, Tommy Banks, Air Supply and Daniel Lanois.
Guitarist Buschmeyer teaches Monday Night Jazz Guitar and is coordinator for the summer Blues & Jazz Guitar Workshop at Mount Royal Conservatory. He has seven CDs to his credit.
De Toledo is a bass instructor at the Mount Royal Conservatory’s Academy for Gifted Youth, and director of the Conservatory’s annual Summer Jazz Workshop.
Hornby coordinates the Conservatory’s Drumset Educational Camp each summer.
Stoll has performed extensively as a jazz pianist and bassist with both local and international musicians. He has taught music for almost three decades, and has been an instructor with Mount Royal Conservatory since 2001.
Joining our jazz faculty on stage is vocal soloist Chenelle Roberts, who is a prolific performer, having been part of several choral ensembles over the years and now an actively sought-after as a soloist.
Christmas in Song is Nov. 29, 2014 at Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
Call 403-440-7770 for tickets today.
Conservatory singers jazzing up Christmas in Song
Mount Royal University Conservatory is getting a head start on the festive yuletide season with its Christmas in Song concert Nov. 29, 2014.
What goes into building 26 years of tradition?
We asked Mount Royal University Conservatory choral director Jean-Louis Bleau (yes, that Jean-Louis Bleau, one of Avenue magazine’s Top 40 Under 40). Bleau is known for asking his choirs to engage difficult music, always seeking to push members past their perceived limitations in order to produce music which — while challenging — is ultimately very rewarding.
This year’s Christmas in Song is no different.
Bleau oversees Mount Royal’s family of choirs, which this year totals around 130 singers between ages five to seniors.
“Having this year’s CIS so early has indeed made it much more challenging,” said Bleau.
“Kantorei, for example, will perform the Cadman Requiem on Nov. 22 and only seven days later be singing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. It is a very quick turn around, however, with the music being so different it keeps us engaged moving from one style to the next. That makes it interesting and keeps us on our toes and pressing forward.”
This year adding the Jazz component opened the door to some new possibilities, he says.
“Each year we have worked to incorporate and highlight different programs on offer at Mount Royal University Conservatory. This year we thought we would draw attention to the Conservatory’s Jazz program and the wonderful faculty who teach our Jazz programs. This also gives our orchestra and choirs an opportunity to work in a different genre and collaborate with different artists.”
Christmas in Song has delighted family audiences with a mixture of holiday favourites, classical masterpieces and traditional carols. It’s become a treasured part of the city’s holiday festivities.
Christmas in Song is an excellent showcase featuring the talents of the Calgary Youth Orchestra, and Mount Royal’s family of choirs: Arietta, Arioso, Artio and Kantorei. This year, the Conservatory’s Jazz faculty and students will be adding some seasonal swing.
Tickets available at mtroyal.ca/christmas or by calling 403-440-7770. Group and family discounts available.
Sherri Zickefoose, Nov. 14, 2014
Christmas in Song with the Heebee-jeebees
Christmas in Song is coming up fast on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Christmas in Song is coming up fast on Saturday, Nov. 29.
The festive musical tradition showcases classical masterpieces and traditional favourites from our family of choirs and the Calgary Youth Orchestra, along with some seasonal swing, courtesy of our jazz faculty.
But it wouldn’t be the holidays without guest emcees the Heebee-jeebees.
The award-winning, comic a cappella group – Mount Royal alumni who were born and raised in Calgary – have been together for more than 20 years.
The hilarious, entertaining and extremely talented quartet have been a part of Christmas in Song for years.
We asked the group to share their favourite Christmas in Song moments through the years.
Cedric Blary
“In my four years playing clarinet in the Academy and diploma programs at the Conservatory, I feel like I learned so much about classical music in its many forms. From seeing the prodigious talent of 13-year-olds playing Paganini to performing in masterclasses for some of my musical heroes, not to mention the chance to play in the CYO, the opportunities then and now are outstanding for any young musician and I am delighted to, once again, be a part of this festive showcase.
“As a Heebee-jeebee, one of my favourite memories of Christmas in Song is that of our first appearance, waiting backstage wearing one of our ‘less-than-traditional’ costumes and seeing the incredulous looks of amusement and bewilderment on the faces of the musical directors who had likely just finished a thoughtful and inspiring talk to their choristers about focus, listening and connecting with the lyrics.”
Chris Herard
“As emcees, the Heebee-jeebees get a lot of opportunities to interact with the performers. I am constantly blown away by the talent, focus and high quality performances of the youth involved, and their incredible directors. My favourite memories are always the ones where we have performed alongside these talented musicians. A specific memory which stands out was our collaboration with the CYO to present PDQ Bach’s Beethoven’s Fifth baseball parody two years ago. It was one of those brilliant and entertaining moments which for me defines what each Christmas in Song is.
“As a local music educator, I also revel in the pride of knowing many of the students involved every year, having either taught them in the distant or near past, or currently teaching them today. It’s a proud moment for a teacher when we see students so engaged and having the time of their lives performing on the big stage.”
Ken Lima-Coelho
“My favourite part of Christmas in Song is the diversity of ages in the talent represented onstage. From the young, fresh faced children’s groups singing their hearts out, to the focused and “wise beyond their years” Youth Orchestra virtuosos to the, um, long-experienced but equally eager Kantorei singers (of which I was one,) everyone is there to make magical, beautiful and moving music. And there is also the Heebee-jeebees.”
Jonathan Love
“Christmas in Song is a magical holiday tradition where every year, we get upstaged by MRU’s gifted performers. It always makes me wish I had practiced more.”
Call 403-440-7770 to order Christmas in Song tickets today.
Conservatory construction nearing completion, community open house Jan. 24, 2015
It’s been going up before our eyes for the past three years, and now we’re in the home stretch.
Mount Royal’s new Conservatory and Bella Concert Hall are nearing completion as Calgary’s newest performing arts centre.
On Jan. 24, 2015, everyone is invited to sneak a peek inside the state-of-the-art $90 million construction project. Our Community Open House will give the public, our faculty, and students a first look inside our new home.
Inside, you’ll find a glamorous two-storey lobby, six ensemble rehearsal halls, 43 private teaching studios, masterclass rooms, an early childhood education suite with parents’ lounge and stroller parking, and practice rooms.
“Architectually, it’s a stunning space. It’s a signature piece. When people walk in, their jaws will drop,” says Conservatory Director Paul Dornian.
In September 2015, our grand opening festival will be launching the new Conservatory and Bella with a star-studded array of local and internationally-renowned musicians for a spectacular performing arts celebration.
Until then, consider joining the Conservatory by claiming your seat in history: only 500 seats in the Bella Concert Hall are available for naming by donation. It’s a wonderful way to create a family legacy.
Stay tuned for more details about Community Open House and our September Opening Festival.
We’ve gone from this:
To this:
See more photos on our webpage.
Mount Royal Conservatory speech arts hits golden jackpot
Sunday was a golden day for Mount Royal University Conservatory’s Speech Arts students.
Seven young students earned medals from the Royal Conservatory of Music for receiving the highest mark in their grade in the province.
The awards were presented Sunday at the RCM convocation in Calgary.
Of the 16 provincial speech medals awarded in Alberta, 10 were students from Mount Royal Conservatory.
Mount Royal University Conservatory Speech Arts and Drama coordinator Jennifer Orr, who was a member of the team that produced the 2000 edition of RCM Examinations Speech and Drama syllabus and works as an adjudicator and specialist consultant, said she is proud of her students.
“Only piano had more medalists in Alberta than speech, which speaks to the size of the program here and to our support and leadership. Of the 16 provincial speech medals in Alberta, 10 were taught at MRU. I’ve had lots of medalists over the years, but seven is quite the jackpot,” said Orr.
Mount Royal instructor Jilliane Yawney had two speech medalists (preparatory and Grade 3), Jim Dobbin taught the Grade 10 medalist, and Susan Duska taught student Heather Macnab, the national gold medalist for ARCT Speech and Drama Performance.
A partnership between RCM Examinations and Mount Royal Conservatory’s speech program has yielded the RCM Examinations’Speech Arts and Drama Syllabus, 2011 edition. The Conservatory speech program and faculty continue to provide leadership in curriculum and teaching as speech teachers throughout Canada meet the challenge of this new syllabus.
Speech arts and drama training truly exemplifies the benefits of arts education. It is both a remarkable artistic endeavor and a fundamental, empowering life skill. It is founded on two main areas of study: training the speaking voice, and performance and presentation in such forms as verse-speaking, acting, storytelling and public speaking. Students gain a deep appreciation of literature and the power of language, and develop clear thinking and speaking abilities that they will carry into every aspect of their lives.
Speech arts and drama is for everyone; it is a boost for shy children, a haven for children that love literature, and a magical outlet for children that are driven to perform. it gives students the confidence to speak, to communicate, and to be heard. The confidence and ability it offers its learners is a gift they will benefit from for the rest of their lives.
The Speech Arts & Drama program at Mount Royal Conservatory is the largest in Canada, with faculty and programs recognized as the finest in the nation. Our teachers are professional speech instructors with backgrounds in speech, voice, literature and drama.