She owns a smile that would melt the coldest of hearts and, by all accounts, plays the violin sweet enough to charm the birds from the trees.
Seven-year-old Gabrielle Liu is one of a host of young, local soloists practising ahead of next week’s annual Richmond Music School Concerto Concert, featuring students from the school performing with a professional chamber orchestra.
Gabrielle — who attends the private Noah’s Ark elementary on No. 3 Road, south of Steveston Highway — is no stranger to the stage, however, having won several Richmond Music Festival competitions in her three years playing the violin.
It’s an important evening, not just for the 72 students taking part, but also for the school’s principal.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to play with an orchestra,” said Patricia Rolston.
“It’s very exciting for the students and for me; I play every note with them (in my head).
“Some of them have been preparing for months, some for years.”
Gabrielle will open the March 5 concert at the school — on No. 3 Road, near Steveston Highway — with a violin concerto by Vivaldi, followed by a succession of Richmond’s top solo talent on violin, piano and cello.
Other soloists, who range in age from 11 to 17, include: Risa Shoji, Sally Kim, David Au Yeung, Victor Lum, Leon Liu, Stacy Wang and Brian Li.
The concert will be conducted by Allen Stiles, a well-known Vancouver musician and Richmond music school piano teacher.
Tickets are $20 (adults), or $15 (students and seniors) and are available by contacting the school on 604-272-5227. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
