Six musicians shine in the Scarborough Bluffs

Careful to give his best performance, a young violinist closes his eyes as his bow glides effortlessly across the strings. He is lost in the motions as the haunting sound fills the auditorium.

Alexander Volkov, 16, is amongst a select group of musicians billed as the Six Stars of Tomorrow in the Scarborough Bluffs Concert Series.

The young musicians from the Royal Conservatory Young Artists Performance Academy are happy to share their talents for such an important event.

“It’s a very good opportunity for chamber music,” Volkov says before taking the stage.

Every year, Scarborough Bluffs United Church, at 3739 Kingston Rd., holds fundraisers for its music programs.

“We have a concert series from fall to spring,” says Phyllis Coulter, a planning committee member at the church. “This one is for Scarborough Bluffs Music.”

The third in a four-concert series, Saturday night’s proceeds fund the program for children who might not otherwise get a musical education.

“I am happy,” Volkov says. “I get the chance to work with the fundraiser.”

But Volkov is not the only star who shines.

The five other musicians — Vartan Gabrielian, bass-baritone; Rose Hegele, soprano; Emma Meinrenken, violin; Yiwei Yao, piano; and Annie Zhou, piano — are accomplished performers as well. Their ages range from 12 to 18.

As the final notes are played from select pieces from Beethoven, Chopin and Franck, the audience breaks out in applause.

Janice Connell, attending with her mother and two young children, also show their appreciation.

“We came to support the fundraiser,” she says after the performance. “It’s a great opportunity for young children.”

Connell hopes to get her son in the music program when space is available she adds.

Coulter is happy with the performance.

“They are absolutely amazing,” she says. “Beautifully done.”

The final concert in the series will be held at the church on Apr. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

About this article

By: Dileen Simms
Posted: Feb 13 2012 8:57 pm
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Filed under: Arts & Life
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