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Burnaby pianist in the spotlight for Beethoven concert

A Burnaby pianist will be in the spotlight when the Vancouver Academy of Music pays tribute to Beethoven in March.

A Burnaby pianist will be in the spotlight when the Vancouver Academy of Music pays tribute to Beethoven in March.

The VAM is celebrating its 50th anniversary season, and the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, with Resounding Joy: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, on Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre.

The program will include Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, featuring Burnaby native Ian Parker – an acclaimed pianist who also serves as the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra’s music director and principal conductor.

Audiences will also be treated to Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, featuring more than 100 students in the VAMSO, along with the Vancouver Bach Choir and members of the Vancouver Academy of Music’s choral program, plus four vocal soloists: tenor Martin Renner Wallace, soprano Joslin Romphf Dennis, baritone Alan Corbishley and mezzo-soprano Leah Giselle Field. They will perform under the baton of conductor emeritus Leslie Dala.

Opening the concert will be the Fidelio Overture, from Beethoven’s first and only opera.

“As part of VAM’s 50th anniversary season, we are delighted to join the global celebration honouring the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth,” said Joseph Elworthy, president and CEO of VAM, in a press release. “This extraordinary concert pays tribute to Beethoven’s musical genius and his tremendous accomplishments and contributions to western classical music. … Audience members will be moved by the themes of hope and joy within these glorious works, and bear witness to the powerful and positive effect music has on the community.”

Tickets are $15 general, and $10 for students and seniors, available through www.eventbrite.ca.

For more details, see www.vancouveracademyofmusic.com.