In just over two weeks, four of Richmond’s most talented young musicians will become part of a very select group when they get the chance to perform with a fully-fledged orchestra.
After winning the Concerto Challenge at the Richmond Music Festival in November, violinist Isabel Lago, 16, and pianists Sue Wang, 13, Hail Lun Yu, 11, and Matthieu Foresi, 10, will be the main attractions at the third annual Rising Stars concert with the Richmond Orchestra on Feb. 27.
According to Natasha Foresi, the non-profit Richmond Music Festival’s executive director, the acclaimed judges in November — Corey Hamm, Nikolai Maloff and Marcus Takizawa — were only tasked to pick three winners, one from each age category.
But such was the quality of the top two in the 11-and-under section, they asked the festival if they could have four winners this time around.
“The number of participants (25 this year) has grown every year,” said Foresi.
“The judges loved both of them (in the junior category) and they were really close on their marks, so they asked if there was a way we could include them both.”
Foresi said the winning spots for the Concerto Challenge are coveted in the local music world because “it’s not often that young musicians have the opportunity to play with an orchestra.
“We’re very happy to give them this chance, as to be able to play with the Richmond Orchestra is very, very valuable.”
Foresi said the event itself, hosted at the Richmond Pentecostal Church, usually has an edge due to its unique blend of seasoned musicians and the up-an-coming talent each performing one movement of their chosen concerto.
“Next year, we are hoping to expand it to a composition challenge,” added Foresi.
“We are hoping that students will be writing works for the orchestra itself to play.
That could be the first of its kind in the Lower Mainland area.
“I know of something like that in Victoria, but not around here. That would be special.”
Rising Stars, which will be conducted by James Malmberg, is on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Richmond Pentecostal Church, 9300 Westminster Hwy.
Advanced tickets cost $18 (adult), $15 (student) and $6 (children under 13).
Door prices are $20 (adult), $18 (student) and $10 (children under 13).
Advanced tickets can be purchased online at roca.ca or in person at Long and McQuade in Richmond, 6760 No. 3 Rd.
