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Youth pianists hit stage

19 young pianists will perform at Gateway Theatre on Nov. 4.
pianists
Many young Richmond pianists will be among the finalists next month. Photo submitted

Some of B.C.’s brightest young pianists will perform for a Richmond audience next week in the fifth Pacific Youth Music Festival Gala.

As one of the largest piano competitions for young people in B.C., the competition attracted hundreds of participants across the province this year, including many from Richmond.

Nineteen young pianists, aged six to 17 years old, will be chosen to give live performances at the finals at Gateway Theatre on Nov. 4.

“We hope to provide an opportunity for the kids to go on-stage and have a concert playing experience,” said Peggy Yip, vice president of the Pacific International Youth Music Society.

“The kids are amazing, and very professional. We have received a lot of compliments in previous years.”

Together with a group of local music enthusiasts, Yip, a Richmond piano teacher, came up with the competition idea to give young pianists a chance to showcase their talents.

The finalists will perform their best piece to compete across nine categories according to their age and level.

“This year, for the first time, we will have one child performing concerto at the end of the gala as a special section,” said Yip.

This year's adjudicators include pianist and KPU keyboard studies director, Jane Hayes, and pianists Raymond Wong and Steven Mann, who are currently based in New York.

They will select nine winners and honour them with medals and scholarships from $50 to $400.

The other adjudicators are Raymond Wong and Steven Mann. Dr. Wong hails from Vancouver and both gentlemen are currently based in New York City.

“I keep reminding the young players to treat it not only as a competition but as a chance to perform on a real stage,” said Yip.

“They are already winning by getting on-stage, and they all become friends after the game.”

She hopes the audience will enjoy the music delivered by the budding pianists and appreciate the effort that they have put in.

She also hopes the festival will grow into a gathering for piano lovers from across the world in the future.

Tickets are $20 at Gateway Theatre website. For more online information, see Piyms.org.