LCMS Celebrates 50 Years of Music with Charity Concert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 30, 2018

Jon Kimura Parker Performs Special Anniversary Concert in Langley

Langley Community Music School (LCMS) invites the community to help celebrate its golden anniversary with a series of special events throughout 2019.

The year-long line-up kicks-off with an exclusive concert by internationally renowned pianist, Jon Kimura Parker and his wife, the distinguished violinist Aloysia Friedmann, in the intimate setting of the Rose Gellert Hall on Saturday, January 26 at 7:30 pm.

The evening promises a chance to mingle, reminisce and enjoy a world-class performance.

“It is especially fitting that we will be hearing Jon Kimura Parker perform two of the four Chopin ballades at the opening concert of our milestone celebrations,” says LCMS Artistic Director Elizabeth Bergmann. “Each of the Chopin Ballades tells a unique story and depicts a journey of sorts; LCMS has most certainly experienced a unique history and journey over the last 50 years!”

Parker will be joined by his wife for the dramatic Brahms Violin Sonata in D Minor and will round out the program with some fabulous selections of tango and jazz.

Says Bergmann of the hugely versatile and virtuoso musicians, “They have an incredible affinity and flair for so many styles – expect to be thoroughly delighted and utterly mesmerized!”

LCMS officially opened its doors to 28 students in 1969. Today, the world-class facility is home to over 900 students and more than 50 teachers and boasts an impressive list of internationally acclaimed and award-winning alumni and faculty.

Parker, who holds the Order of Canada, gave one of his very first public performances at the opening of LCMS’s original school in 1969.

Says LCMS Principal, Carolyn Granholm,” It is wonderful to have our honorary patron, Jon Kimura Parker, return to Langley to launch our 50th anniversary celebrations. As a charity, we are also grateful for the sponsorship we have received for this concert. All proceeds will go towards the school’s Legacy Endowment Fund, helping to secure the future of the school for the next 50 years.”

Upcoming special 50th anniversary concerts include LCMS Alumna Susan Tang on February 10, Alumna jazz pianist Renee Rosnes and Bill Charlap on April 13, and the LCMS and Surrey Senior Youth Orchestras with the Vancouver Bach Choir on June 9.

A piano master class with Jon Kimura Parker will take place on Friday, January 25 at 6 pm in Rose Gellert Hall. Hear teaching and performance insights from this exceptional artist and pedagogue as he works with senior LCMS piano students. The public is welcome and admission is free.

Concert Tickets: Adult $50 / Senior $44 / Student $32 / LCMS Student $20
Call 604-534-2848 or visit LangleyMusic.com to learn more. The Rose Gellert Hall is located at 4899 207 Street, Langley, BC.

ABOUT LANGLEY COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL
Langley Community Music School (LCMS) is a non-profit organization and registered charity that is committed to providing the highest quality of musical education to students of all ages and levels, from early learning to pre-professional and adult programs. With the support of the community, LCMS has become one of the largest non-profit music schools in the province, earning both national and international acclaim for their comprehensive and innovative programs. Learn more about LCMS programs, scholarships, and bursaries.

The Langley Community Music School hosts multiple musical concerts from October to May, including the Rose Gellert Hall Series, a Saturday evening concert featuring renowned Canadian and international musicians, as well as the Concerts Café Classico Series, a Sunday afternoon concert series featuring stellar local and touring musicians playing classical, jazz or contemporary works.

For more information visit LangleyMusic.com or call 604-534-2848.

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