Langley, B.C. – First-place wins at local festivals and provincial competitions have crescendoed into national recognition for the AJA Trio.
This August, the Langley-based group of Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) music students earned the title of being some of Canada’s best young musicians with a first-place win at the 45th National Music Festival.
Students Alexander Chernata on clarinet, Julie Lin on violin and Andrea Pedro on piano also made KPU history as the first group to place first at the festival. Close to six dozen of Canada’s best amateur musicians and groups performed at the annual event, hosted this year in Alberta by the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals. The AJA Trio competed in the chamber category.
“The AJA Trio news was definitely a music department highlight not just for 2015, but for its history,” said Jane Hayes, KPU's director of piano studies who has worked closely with the trio. ”While we have had former students go on to receive prestigious honours, this award is a first for current students.”
Earlier this year, the AJA Trio astounded audiences and judges alike at the Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival, the 2015 Performing Arts BC Festival, and the 61st Annual Young Musicians Competition.
“For the trio, this is the kind of accomplishment they will remember for their whole lives. The dedication and time commitment they’ve made results in beautiful-sounding teamwork at the highest level. This really demonstrates the artistic strength of our students,” Hayes said.
Chernata is a second-year performance major and Pedro is entering her third year in the same degree program. Lin’s exceptional talent earned her a place in the trio as a community member.
For more information about KPU’s Department of Music, visit kpu.ca/music.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
Photo caption: (From left) Andrea Pedro, Alexander Chernata and Julie Lin - KPU's AJA Trio - at the 45th National Music Festival. Photos of the AJA Trio are available here and here.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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