Get ready for an evening of extraordinary talent and inspiring stories as Mount Royal University Conservatory presents talented pianists from the internationally acclaimed Les Amateurs Virtuoses Piano Festival. Since 2008, this renowned festival has brought together 254 pianists for 457 concerts across 58 venues. Now, in collaboration with the Calgary Civic Symphony, the festival makes its highly anticipated North American debut this April and will make a special stop at the Bella Concert Hall on Saturday, April 12, with Keys to a Good Life.
A Paris-based organization, Les Amateurs Virtuoses brings together some of the world’s best amateur pianists – people who have successful careers outside of music but still performs at a professional level. These competition-winning musicians prove that passion and dedication have no limits. Their careers range from bioscience research and gastroenterology to teaching and orthodontic surgery – like Calgary’s own Dr. Thomas Yu.
This event is more than just a concert. Along with stunning performances of music by Franck, Grünfeld, Liszt, Piazzolla, Ponce, Romero, Scriabin, and Uchida, these pianists will share personal stories in engaging conversations with expert moderators from the arts and education. Learn how they balance demanding careers with their love of music and what drives them to keep playing at such a high level. Audiences will gain rare insight into the lives of these musicians, exploring how they manage to maintain technical excellence despite the demands of their professional lives. Their stories will reveal the perseverance, creativity, and sheer love of music that fuels their artistry.
Whether you’re a student juggling different interests, a musician looking for inspiration, or simply someone who loves beautiful music, this event will leave you motivated and uplifted.
Featured Pianists:
Don’t miss this rare chance to hear world-class performances and the incredible stories behind them. Tickets are available for $30 (general) and $15 (students) plus fees, and can be purchased at tickets.mru.ca or at the door.
By attending, you’re not just enjoying an exceptional concert. Proceeds from this concert will go toward scholarships and bursaries for students at the Mount Royal University Conservatory, helping to support the next generation of musicians.
--------
The Calgary Civic Symphony will also present these talented soloists on Sunday, April 13, where they will perform selections from famous piano concertos. This second event will highlight their ability to shine not only as solo recitalists but also as concerto performers alongside a full orchestra.
More info and tickets