Talk about a treat for the ears! Music and Beyond and Ashbury College are presenting a very special musical occasion April 16, featuring acclaimed jazz pianist Oliver Jones along with local musicians and young performers. The event is a fundraiser for a range of initiatives to introduce young people to music.
Ashbury College music students, the Ottawa Catholic School Board Children’s Choir, jazz pianist Jones (winner of a 2009 Juno Award) and cellists Julian Armour and Stéphane Tétreault are featured in a concert from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the theatre at Ashbury. The performance will include a new work prepared by teachers and students of Ashbury College.
The concert will be followed by an elegant reception in Maclaren Hall from 8:15 to 9:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres, wine, and beer supplied by Hy’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar and Kichesippi Beer Co.
Both Ashbury College and Music and Beyond are committed to music education as an important part of the life of every child. A 2013 study carried out by researchers at Concordia University found that music lessons early in life help to encourage brain development and motor skills. Music and Beyond is dedicated to exposing young people, their peers, their families, and their friends to the world of classical music in an environment that is enriching, exciting, and entertaining.
As a final step in the campus renewal plan, Ashbury College will raise $5 million to develop a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to creative learning. The new Creative Learning Centre will bring together music, fine arts, a modern library and optimal space for collaborative learning, while sparking creativity in all forms.
Tickets for the evening are $150, and are available for purchase online at www.musicandbeyond.ca, www.ashbury.ca/musicandbeyond and by contacting the Music and Beyond box office at 51 William Street. Call 613 241-0777.
About Music and Beyond
A cultural festival that takes place each July in Ottawa, Music and Beyond presents a diverse classical music program linking the music to other art forms and cultural disciplines. This year the festival runs from July 4 to 14. See www.musicandbeyond.ca.
About Ashbury College
Established in 1891, Ashbury College is an independent school for boys and girls in Grades 4 to 12. Its Creative Learning Centre will embed creativity in academic excellence and drive educational innovation. To learn more about the SPARK Campaign, visit www.ashbury.ca/spark. See www.ashbury.ca.
About the Ottawa Catholic School Board Children’s Choir
Founded in 1991 by its current director, MaryAnn Dunn, the Ottawa Catholic School Board Children’s Choir is made up of 83 students in Grades 4 to 8 from 40 different schools. The children are chosen by audition. The choir performs 10 to15 engagements around Ottawa each year. See www.ottawacatholicschools.ca.
About Oliver Jones
Since coming out of retirement in 2006, legendary jazz man Oliver Jones has been nominated for two Juno awards: one for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year for Just You, Just Me with singer Ranee Lee, and a second one in the same category for Second Time Around. Second Time Around also won a Félix award for best jazz album of the year. See www.justin-time.com/artists.php?lang=en&aid=283
About Stéphane Tétreault
Stéphane Tétreault, 19, was the First Prize winner in the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Standard Life-OSM 2007 Competition. He was also selected to participate in the prestigious 2008 Geneva International Cello Competition, the 2009 Rostropovich Cello Competition and the 2011 Tchaikovsky International Competition. www.stephanetetreault.com
