A special event celebrating woodwinds and percussion instruments will be held at Langley’s Kwantlen Polytechnic campus this Saturday.
The Woodwind Workshop and Day of Percussion will feature clinics and performances by local and international artists.
Musicians and enthusiasts from south of the Fraser can come to hear cutting-edge performances.
“We’re creating opportunities for education and performance in Langley that would normally only exist in Canada’s biggest cities,” said Daniel Tones, KPU music instructor.
The Woodwind Workshop will feature some of Vancouver’s leading artists such as Julia Nolan (saxophone), Paolo Bortolussi (flute), Marea Chernoff (oboe), Allan Thorpe (bassoon), and internationally recognized clarinet virtuoso Francois Houle.
The Day of Percussion rivals the Woodwind Workshop with its roster of musicians.
Audiences will have the opportunity to hear Yamaha USA’s Terry Longshore, Roland V-Drums world champion Issah Contractor, world music guru Paul Bray, and Vancouver’s Fringe Percussion.
“While growing up in Maple Ridge I simply didn’t have a musical outlet like this,” said Tones. “But that’s not the case anymore. We’re bringing exceptional talent to KPU Langley. This is an event not to be missed.”
Tones is an award-winning percussionist himself, and has performed across the globe.
His recent performances have been at the Barbican (London, UK), the BEAST FEaST (Birmingham, UK), the Ojai Music Festival in California, and the Banff Summer Arts Festival.
This spring he’s heading back to the UK to give performances and workshops at major venues in England and Scotland.
The Woodwind Workshop and Day of Percussion is open to anyone with an interest in music.
The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017. Tickets are $20. Lunch is provided with early registration.
In addition to the workshop, KPU’s music department is continuing a series of concerts and special events this spring. Below are a few select highlights. All events are open to the public. To learn more, visit kpu.ca/arts/music/events.
• Music at Midweek
Internationally renowned pianist Sara Davis Buechner, Feb. 1, 12 to 1:15 p.m.
• Music Faculty Showcase Series
KPU woodwind faculty, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance by emailing music@kpu.ca.
• 20th Annual Fraser Valley Acoustic Guitar Festival
Featuring national fingerstyle guitar champion Michael Chapdelaine and more, Feb. 24 and 25.
