Jane Coop, internationally-renowned pianist, wowed her Oceanside Classical Concerts audience last Wednesday at Knox United Church.
Coop has thrilled audiences worldwide, from New York to London, St. Petersburg, Warsaw, Prague, Beijing, Tokyo and across Canada, and Knox United was nearly full despite the rain and the competing World Series game.
Standing ovations and rousing cheers were solid proof of audience response to the brilliantly played program of Bach, Haydn, Beethoven (with surprises, as Coop promised!), Chopin and Debussy. The spectacular Haydn was requested specifically by George Zukerman, artistic advisor to OCC artistic director David Douglas. Zukerman has commented to OCC that classical music is indeed alive and well; Coop told the audience exactly that when she looked out over the crowd at the beginning of her performance.
Telling comments from audience members include “…the music envelops you and it is pure magic”; “…it’s her ability to bring you into the essence of the composer that is so powerful”, and ”… the passion on her face is evident.”
Oceanside Classical Concerts, a subscription-only series, will present its remaining two concerts for the 2015-2016 season on Tuesday, Feb. 9 (“Couloir”, Heidi Krutzen, harp and Ariel Barnes, cello) and Saturday, April 23 (the Elmer Iseler Singers). All concerts begin at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).
For further information, please contact the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville, 250-248-8185, and check the OCC website, www.oceansideclassicalconcerts.ca .
—Submitted by Mary Leigh-Warden
