Various astounding art pieces were displayed for Epcor Centre’s Celebration For the Arts – 25 years in the community – in the Jack Singer Hall on Sept. 18 and 25. Many speeches were made by prominent patrons of the arts, including Peter Lougheed and Jeanne Lougheed, a message from the former Governor General Michaelle Jean and several more. The arts in Calgary, and especially the Epcor Centre, was a “cultural beacon” and “the heartbeat” of Calgary. The vibrant and unrelenting growth of the arts partially owned its start with the construction of the Epcor Centre 25 years ago, and this was also visually presented with a heartfelt video presentation of their journey throughout those years.This amazing event showcased featured artists- the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra with Melanie Leonard as conductor, a world premiere of a piece composed by Jeffery Ryans, organist Neil Cockburn on the outstanding Carthy Organ, Alberta Ballet, and solo pianist Georgy Tchaizde (whom WeiJia and I had the incredible chance to interview after the show!)
Excitedly anticipating the event, WeiJia (a fellow blogger) and I entered the concert hall breathlessly stunned by the awe-inspiring vastness of the stage, occupied by a neat mass of brilliant musicians seated in pairs and possessing beautiful instruments – ranging from the prevalently polished violins and cellos, to the brightly reflected brass instruments. The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra are revered as world-class musicians that choose Calgary to be their home, and it was an absolute honour and privilege to hear these fantastic musicians.
The world premiere of “Beautiful Forms,” a piano concerto composed by Canadian Jeffery Ryans featuring Georgy Tchaizde and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, was certainly a memorable experience for me. The three different movements left a mark upon my senses, longing for more. The solo pianist Georgy Tchaizde and the orchestra masterfully commanded their individual instruments, creating a harmonious, unified and emotionally moving sound. Taking a seat on the far left, very close to the violin ensemble, it was quite easy to focus on their sound. However, their sound contributed to the flowing music resonating the Jack Singer Concert Hall. All the pieces played by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra were lively and vibrantly colourful, skillfully sending the audience into a frenzy of delight and awe.
Neil Cockburn, an acclaimed organist with many achievements, thoroughly impressed me as his eerie rendition on the magnificent $750, 000 Carthy Organ was incredibly performed. Unknown to me before the concert, a musician must play the organ with the difficult and precise coordination of their hands and feet, with huge bass keys underneath the organ that bellow the fearful and powerful sound typically associated with organs. Uncovering many emotions and striking me speechless, the loud and overcoming sounds performed with the organ entrancing, half expecting the inevitable Count Dracula to suddenly grant the audience an appearance.
The Canadian premiere of Sleeping Beauty pas de deux, choreographed by Kirk Peterson and performed by the Alberta Ballet and Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, was a brilliant act of ballet. Donning beautiful, flowing white and sequined costumes, a pair gracefully performed an excerpt of a fairy tale of a beautiful princess awakened by the kiss of her true love. Fluid movements along with skillful balance of techniques joyously rivets the attention of the spectators, as their eyes take in and fill with emotion created by the expressive dance.
Finally, the unbelievable soprano, Armenian-Canadian Isabel Bayrakdarian performed Soaring arias with impressive precision and unfaltering perfection. Her ability to hold notes with unwavering intensity and volume was quite amazing and aspiring. My high school choir would have welcomed such a talented performer to passionately sing, her powerful voice vibrating throughout the Jack Singer concert hall, accompanied by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. WeiJia and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience at the concert, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Epcor Centre, a memory we thoroughly loved, and even though I am musically inclined, the majesty of the performances penetrated through and disregarded these barriers, leaving me with a greater appreciation for the arts.
Thanks goes to Kids Up Front, an organization committed to providing youth the chance to enjoy outstanding performances.