Metro Vancouver, B.C. – Works by a Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) music instructor have been nominated for two prestigious Western Canadian Music Awards.
Paolo Bortolussi is a renowned floutist who has premiered over 150 solo and chamber works, performed across North America and abroad, and has been sharing his talent with music students at KPU Langley since 2006.
He is nominated in the classical artist/ensemble of the year category for his CD Israfel, which was produced with the help of a professional development grant from KPU. 'Birds of Paradise Lost' by John Oliver, one of the songs on the CD, is also nominated for classical composition of the year.
“I’m honoured to have been nominated for my CD Israfel and I’m also very pleased that the recording of John Oliver’s fantastic piece “Birds of Paradise Lost” from the same album has been nominated for composition of the year,” said Bortolussi. “This CD was made possible by a KPU grant – I’m deeply appreciative for this support, and grateful to my fellow faculty members and the students at KPU for making the music department such a great place to work.
“KPU's Department of Music has a truly remarkable faculty, and I hope this album is one of many more to come from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.”
Bortolussi’s KPU colleague Jane Hayes is also nominated in the classical artist/ensemble of the year category as a member of Turning Point Ensemble. Her nomination in the category follows the one she received last year for the album Sassicaia. She was also nominated in the classical composition of the year category for a piece called 'Duotone', written by Owen Underhill.
“I think this type of recognition is important for current and future KPU music students," said Don Hlus, chair of the Department of Music at KPU. "What they realize is that KPU music instructors are not just academics sitting in ivory towers but practising musicians who have street savvy, and are involved in the current music industry."
“KPU music instructors, like Paolo and Jane, are top-notch professional musicians who also enjoy teaching and helping others develop their art, and guiding students so that they can realize their own musical goals," he added.
Israfel, released by Redshift Records and recorded in the KPU Langley auditorium, features four recordings that highlight flute, and some of the incredible developments that have taken place in the world of electronic music. Listen and learn more here.
The 2016 Western Canadian Music Awards are part of BreakOut West, a four-day multi-genre music festival hosted in Regina this October. More information on the Western Canadian Music Awards categories and nominees is available here.
To learn about KPU’s Department of Music, visit kpu.ca/music.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
A photo of Paolo Bortolussi is available on Flickr.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
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c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
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