Pianist Andre Laplante in Concert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 4, 2016

One of Canada’s greatest pianists epitomizes the classics at Langley’s Rose Gellert opening concert

Discover the classics all over again with one of the greatest romantic pianists of the era: internationally-acclaimed Juno-award winner Andre Laplante is set to perform at the Langley Community Music School (LCMS) season opener of the Rose Gellert Concert Series at 7:30 pm on Saturday evening, November 19, 2016.

Experience the virtuosic and poetic piano works of Chopin, Liszt and Schubert the way they were meant to be heard. “Bone deep musical sensibility; a perfection of detail in the meaningful context of the whole. Nothing, neglected, nothing inflated, and everything brimming with life,” says The Globe and Mail. Laplante demonstrates “immense technique,” applauded The Vancouver Sun. “Everything he plays is intensely musical. Chopin’s wild B-flat minor sonata … was thrilling. It had urgency and colour. The trio of that famous funeral march wasn’t played sweetly but eerily, as it should be, and the famous finale … was light, racing and fantastic.”

Heralded as one of the world’s master pianists, Laplante has garnered international attention, winning multiple international awards in Geneva, Sydney and Moscow, placing him in the elite circle of global virtuoso pianists who do not hesitate to take risks. Consistently a winner of the “Best Performer of the Year” or “Best Concert of the Year,” Laplante has been granted one of Canada’s highest honours: Officer of the Order of Canada. An active recording artist for the likes of CBC and Melodia, Laplante has gained notoriety for his orchestral recordings, earning multiple awards such as Canada’s esteemed Juno award. Laplante continues to tour the world as an orchestral soloist, working with symphonies from Vancouver, Montréal, Toronto, Chicago, Czech, Minnesota, Buffalo, Columbus, Mexico, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and more. When Laplante is not touring or serving as a juror on international piano competitions, he teaches class at the Montreal Conservatory as well as summer classes and master classes throughout Canada and the United States. Learn more at www.andrelaplante.com.

“We are honoured to welcome such a critically acclaimed talent to Rose Gellert Hall,” says LCMS artistic director Elizabeth Bergmann. “He will be playing some of the great romantic works that established his reputation as a legend of the concert stage, and the audience can expect an absolute musical tour de force.”

Laplante will also be giving a master class on Thursday, November 17, 2016, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Langley Community Music School. Working with some senior LCMS piano students, Laplante’s master class will be a great opportunity to garner musical and teaching insights from this legendary pianist. Audience is welcome and there is no charge to attend the master class.

Andre Laplante is represented by Jonathan Wentworth Associates, Ltd. Langley Community Music School also wishes to thank our Rose Gellert Concert Series sponsors Hub Insurance and HSBC, as well as express our appreciation for the support of the BC Arts Council and the Province of BC.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, $16 for students, and $10 for LCMS students. Save 15% with Rose Gellert Hall Season Ticket holder prices at $85 for adults, $75 for seniors, and $58 for students. Call the box office at 604-534-2848 or visit langleymusic.com purchase tickets. 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.

Visit langleymusic.com or call 604-534-2848.

-30-