First-place wins at local festivals and provincial competitions have crescendoed into national recognition for the AJA Trio.
The Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) music students earned a first-place win at the 45th National Music Festival, held in Edmonton Alta. from Aug. 13-15.
Langley’s Alexander Chernata on clarinet, Julie Lin on violin and Andrea Pedro on piano also made KPU history as the first group to place first at the festival.
Close to six dozen of Canada’s best amateur musicians and groups performed at the annual event, hosted by the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals.
The AJA Trio competed in the chamber category.
“The AJA Trio news was definitely a music department highlight not just for 2015, but for its history,” said Jane Hayes, KPU’s director of piano studies.
“While we have had former students go on to receive prestigious honours, this award is a first for current students.”
Earlier this year, the AJA Trio impressed audiences and judges alike at the Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival, the 2015 Performing Arts BC Festival, and the 61st Annual Young Musicians Competition.
“For the Trio, this is the kind of accomplishment they will remember for their whole lives.,” Hayes said.
“The dedication and time commitment they’ve made results in beautiful-sounding teamwork at the highest level. This really demonstrates the artistic strength of our students.”
Chernata is a second-year performance major and Pedro is entering her third year in the same degree program.
Lin’s talent earned her a place in the trio as a community member.
For more information about KPU’s Department of Music, visit www.kpu.ca/music.
