Crescendo
Date: November 29th, 2015 at 7 p.m.
Location: Christ Church, 1700 Mazo Crescent, Mississauga
Tickets: $10 for students/seniors and $16 for adults reserved, or $12 for students/seniors and $18 for adults at the door (cash only)
Tickets can be reserved online below until November 28th.
Proceeds will go towards a scholarship which young musicians can apply for.
Performers: Emma Meinrenken, Janaya Lo, Kyoko Kohno, Julia Debowska, Ruth Kim, Naoko Sakata, San Rim, and Leslie Ashworth.
View photos from the concert.
Watch Julia Debowska sing "O mio babbino caro" at the concert.
Performers
Emma Meinrenken
Emma Carina Meinrenken, 16, violin, is a full scholarship student of The Royal Conservatory's Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, in the studio of Atis Bankas. Emma has won top awards in many competitions including 1st prize in the Stradivarius International Violin Competition (2013), silver medal at the Stulberg International String Competition, and Grand Prize winner in the CMC National Finals (2012). Last November, Emma performed at the APEC World Summit in China, hosted by Mrs. Laureen Harper. Emma plays on a 1687 Cappa violin.
At age 10, Emma made a debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and has since performed as a soloist with many other professional orchestras across North America, including the Michigan Symphony, and the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Emma has performed in master classes with world acclaimed violinists such as Leonidas Kavakos, Maxim Vengerov and Midori Goto, among others.
Emma Carina Meinrenken, 16, violin, is a full scholarship student of The Royal Conservatory's Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, in the studio of Atis Bankas. Emma has won top awards in many competitions including 1st prize in the Stradivarius International Violin Competition (2013), silver medal at the Stulberg International String Competition, and Grand Prize winner in the CMC National Finals (2012). Last November, Emma performed at the APEC World Summit in China, hosted by Mrs. Laureen Harper. Emma plays on a 1687 Cappa violin.
At age 10, Emma made a debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and has since performed as a soloist with many other professional orchestras across North America, including the Michigan Symphony, and the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Emma has performed in master classes with world acclaimed violinists such as Leonidas Kavakos, Maxim Vengerov and Midori Goto, among others.
Kyoko Kohno
Kyoko Kohno is a piano student at the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, in the studio of David Louie. She studies at the John Perry Academy in Southern California every summer. She is currently in grade 11 at Richmond Hill High School in Canada. Having lived in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and San Francisco, Kyoko is grateful of music for always helping her adjust to new environments. She has participated in numerous summer music programs and has performed in Carnegie Hall. Recently, Kyoko received awards in North York Music Festival and was a finalist in the Open Level of OMFA Provincial Finals.
Kyoko Kohno is a piano student at the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, in the studio of David Louie. She studies at the John Perry Academy in Southern California every summer. She is currently in grade 11 at Richmond Hill High School in Canada. Having lived in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and San Francisco, Kyoko is grateful of music for always helping her adjust to new environments. She has participated in numerous summer music programs and has performed in Carnegie Hall. Recently, Kyoko received awards in North York Music Festival and was a finalist in the Open Level of OMFA Provincial Finals.
Janaya Lo
Janaya Lo is a student of Dr. Andrea Botticelli at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada. She has won top prizes and scholarships at many music festivals such as the American Protege International Competition, the AADGT Festival, the CCC Toronto Piano Competition, the North York Music Festival, and the Canadian Music Competition.
She was the national champion at both the 2014 and 2015 Canadian Music Competition for her age category. In 2015, Janaya was also named the Grand Prize Winner for all contestants in the 7-10 year old age category.
Janaya made her Carnegie Hall debut at age 8 and has returned for another engagement. She has also performed at the CCC Competition Gala concert, the North York Music Festival Gala concert, the RCM Showcase Concert, the CMC Winner’s recital.
She is currently the youngest pianist at the Phil and Eli Taylor Academy for Performance Artists at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
Janaya Lo is a student of Dr. Andrea Botticelli at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada. She has won top prizes and scholarships at many music festivals such as the American Protege International Competition, the AADGT Festival, the CCC Toronto Piano Competition, the North York Music Festival, and the Canadian Music Competition.
She was the national champion at both the 2014 and 2015 Canadian Music Competition for her age category. In 2015, Janaya was also named the Grand Prize Winner for all contestants in the 7-10 year old age category.
Janaya made her Carnegie Hall debut at age 8 and has returned for another engagement. She has also performed at the CCC Competition Gala concert, the North York Music Festival Gala concert, the RCM Showcase Concert, the CMC Winner’s recital.
She is currently the youngest pianist at the Phil and Eli Taylor Academy for Performance Artists at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
Julia Debowska
Julia Debowska, of Polish descent, is a 16 old soprano, born in Toronto. She is currently studying voice with Prof. Jean Macphail, as a full scholarship student at the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada.
In December 2014, Julia performed in Carnegie Hall, New York as a 1st Place and Best Performance Award Winner of The American Protege International Vocal Competition. In March 2015, she performed with the Symphony on the Bay Orchestra in Hamilton, as a winner of The Young Artists Competition.
In June 2015, she returned to Carnegie Hall as the Gold Medal Winner of the AADGT International Young Gifted Musicians' Festival "Passion of Music". She was nominated for and chosen by the Saarburg International Music Festival Committee to receive a scholarship and attend the two-week summer music program in Saarburg, Germany. There, she studied voice under the tutelage of Prof. Carole FitzPatrick of The Arizona State University, under the musical guidance of Nigel Foster of the Royal Academy of Music, England.
In her spare time when not singing, Julia also enjoys piano and violin playing, composing music, theatre, and classical ballet. She is fluent in English, French, Polish and sings in English, French, German, Polish, Spanish, Russian and Italian.
Julia Debowska, of Polish descent, is a 16 old soprano, born in Toronto. She is currently studying voice with Prof. Jean Macphail, as a full scholarship student at the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada.
In December 2014, Julia performed in Carnegie Hall, New York as a 1st Place and Best Performance Award Winner of The American Protege International Vocal Competition. In March 2015, she performed with the Symphony on the Bay Orchestra in Hamilton, as a winner of The Young Artists Competition.
In June 2015, she returned to Carnegie Hall as the Gold Medal Winner of the AADGT International Young Gifted Musicians' Festival "Passion of Music". She was nominated for and chosen by the Saarburg International Music Festival Committee to receive a scholarship and attend the two-week summer music program in Saarburg, Germany. There, she studied voice under the tutelage of Prof. Carole FitzPatrick of The Arizona State University, under the musical guidance of Nigel Foster of the Royal Academy of Music, England.
In her spare time when not singing, Julia also enjoys piano and violin playing, composing music, theatre, and classical ballet. She is fluent in English, French, Polish and sings in English, French, German, Polish, Spanish, Russian and Italian.
Duo Leviosa
Ruth Kim, violin
14-year-old Ruth Kim was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and has been invited to play in small towns there as a soloist since age 7. She is in her fifth year in the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists of the Royal Conservatory of Music, and studies with Mr. Danchenko and Mr. Shiffman.
During the past years, she has participated in competitions and festivals and won top awards. These include the Star Trophy and grand prizes at the Kiwanis Music Festival, Ontario Music Festival Association Provincials Finals, and gala events. In addition, she was awarded a silver medal from The Royal Conservatory’s examinations. She was also invited to play at the Taylor Academy's "Stars of Tomorrow" Concert. She also had the opportunity to play with the Academy Chamber Orchestra. She was awarded this opportunity by winning a Concerto Competition.
Ruth was also filmed for a documentary hosted by Dr. David Suzuki, "The Nature of Things".
As an avid oil painter, her works, including portraits, animals and various landscapes, have also been featured in exhibitions.
Ruth Kim, violin
14-year-old Ruth Kim was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and has been invited to play in small towns there as a soloist since age 7. She is in her fifth year in the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists of the Royal Conservatory of Music, and studies with Mr. Danchenko and Mr. Shiffman.
During the past years, she has participated in competitions and festivals and won top awards. These include the Star Trophy and grand prizes at the Kiwanis Music Festival, Ontario Music Festival Association Provincials Finals, and gala events. In addition, she was awarded a silver medal from The Royal Conservatory’s examinations. She was also invited to play at the Taylor Academy's "Stars of Tomorrow" Concert. She also had the opportunity to play with the Academy Chamber Orchestra. She was awarded this opportunity by winning a Concerto Competition.
Ruth was also filmed for a documentary hosted by Dr. David Suzuki, "The Nature of Things".
As an avid oil painter, her works, including portraits, animals and various landscapes, have also been featured in exhibitions.
Naoko Sakata, piano
Naoko Sakata, founder of Musicians' Dream Aid, studies with Li Wang as a full scholarship student at the Taylor Academy.
Naoko Sakata, founder of Musicians' Dream Aid, studies with Li Wang as a full scholarship student at the Taylor Academy.
San Rim
San Rim is a sixteen year old cellist. He studies with David Hetherington in the Taylor Academy for young artists at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. San has been playing cello ever since he was four years old. He has won several competitions such as the senior cello division in the All-TV music competition, the grade ten strings division in the Kiwanis Music Festival, the senior string division of the Canadian Contemporary Music Festival and the RCM orchestra’s concerto competition (Junior Division) and has repeatedly qualified for the finals round of the Canadian music competition. He is currently in grade eleven. In his free time he enjoys playing many sports with friends and reads many books.
San Rim is a sixteen year old cellist. He studies with David Hetherington in the Taylor Academy for young artists at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. San has been playing cello ever since he was four years old. He has won several competitions such as the senior cello division in the All-TV music competition, the grade ten strings division in the Kiwanis Music Festival, the senior string division of the Canadian Contemporary Music Festival and the RCM orchestra’s concerto competition (Junior Division) and has repeatedly qualified for the finals round of the Canadian music competition. He is currently in grade eleven. In his free time he enjoys playing many sports with friends and reads many books.
Leslie Ashworth
Canadian violinist, pianist, violist, and composer Leslie Ashworth is a scholarship student of Mr. Barry Shiffman and Mr. Paul Kantor in the Glenn Gould School, at the Royal Conservatory of Music, in Toronto. She is also studying her Licentiate, RCM, on the piano with Mrs. Dianne Werner and the viola with Mr. Eric Nowlin. For the past eight years, Leslie has been a scholarship student in the Phil & Eli Taylor Academy for Young Artists, RCM.
Leslie has performed as soloist with numerous orchestras across Canada and in celebrated venues such as Carnegie Hall, Koerner Hall, Vancouver Convention Centre, and Rolston Hall in the Banff Centre. She is also the winner of the Grand Prize in the Canadian Music Competition and gold medalist of the ‘Passion of Music’ International Competition in New York City.
Leslie has participated in numerous summer music festivals including the Aspen Music Festival & School, Strings Masterclass Program at the Banff Centre, the Summit Music Festival in New York, and the Toronto Summer Music Festival. She has also performed in masterclasses for renowned artists including Donald Weilerstein, Glenn Dicterow, James Ehnes, and Leon Fleisher. In addition to performing, Leslie also enjoys composing and has created over 30 original compositions.
Producing two CDs with a portion of the proceeds going to Free The Children, Leslie is also the Founder and Director of the Suite Melody Care volunteer program (www.suitemelodycare.com) which encourages talented, young musicians across the country to give back to their community by performing in their local hospital, long-term care, and retirement homes. Recently, Leslie was honoured with the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Service Youth Award for her dedication to giving back to the community and inspiring youth through Suite Melody Care performances.
Leslie plays on the 1779 Odoardi violin generously on loan from the Banff Centre.
Canadian violinist, pianist, violist, and composer Leslie Ashworth is a scholarship student of Mr. Barry Shiffman and Mr. Paul Kantor in the Glenn Gould School, at the Royal Conservatory of Music, in Toronto. She is also studying her Licentiate, RCM, on the piano with Mrs. Dianne Werner and the viola with Mr. Eric Nowlin. For the past eight years, Leslie has been a scholarship student in the Phil & Eli Taylor Academy for Young Artists, RCM.
Leslie has performed as soloist with numerous orchestras across Canada and in celebrated venues such as Carnegie Hall, Koerner Hall, Vancouver Convention Centre, and Rolston Hall in the Banff Centre. She is also the winner of the Grand Prize in the Canadian Music Competition and gold medalist of the ‘Passion of Music’ International Competition in New York City.
Leslie has participated in numerous summer music festivals including the Aspen Music Festival & School, Strings Masterclass Program at the Banff Centre, the Summit Music Festival in New York, and the Toronto Summer Music Festival. She has also performed in masterclasses for renowned artists including Donald Weilerstein, Glenn Dicterow, James Ehnes, and Leon Fleisher. In addition to performing, Leslie also enjoys composing and has created over 30 original compositions.
Producing two CDs with a portion of the proceeds going to Free The Children, Leslie is also the Founder and Director of the Suite Melody Care volunteer program (www.suitemelodycare.com) which encourages talented, young musicians across the country to give back to their community by performing in their local hospital, long-term care, and retirement homes. Recently, Leslie was honoured with the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Service Youth Award for her dedication to giving back to the community and inspiring youth through Suite Melody Care performances.
Leslie plays on the 1779 Odoardi violin generously on loan from the Banff Centre.