What does 25 years of music at KPU sound like?
On March 24, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) will recognize a cacophony of talent produced from the music department over the past quarter of a century with a night of opera, guitar, piano, woodwinds and so much more.
The anniversary celebration of KPU’s music program will recognize the top 25 music alumni who were nominated by the KPU community and selected by KPU music faculty for their outstanding achievements as performing artists, composers, business owners, teachers and academics in the field of music.
"When I first entered the doors of the KPU music department in August 1993, little did I think that I would be reflecting back today on 25 wonderful years as piano and theory instructor,” reminisced Jane Hayes, who will MC the evening. “A special KPU feature, small classes, meant that my colleagues and I could develop close bonds with our students that went beyond the demands of an individual class. These bonds often helped to shape an individual student's life and career path. I am still in touch with students from our first year and through social media can now track many of my former students’ marvellous achievements. I could think of nothing better than a celebration focussing on our alumni, a kind of musical reunion showcasing the varied talents that have walked our halls.”
A select few of the top 25 alumni will perform at the event. Winner of the National Musical Festival of Canada and Oklaholma City University music instructor Stephen Lochbaum will play guitar. Soprano Melanie Krueger will delight attendees with a voice that has been reviewed as a “show stopper” by the Vancouver Sun. The KPU Wind Symphony will be directed by Stuart Martin an emerging artist known for conducting and producing operas in found spaces. To round out the evening, celebrated pianist and founder of the prestigious music academy World of Music & Arts Anna Vavilova will also perform.
“Immigrating to a new country and speaking a new language has been made easy for me by inclusive and friendly instructors and staff and KPU,” said Vavilova. “Special thanks to my dear piano professor Jane Hayes for easing me into the North American music world!”
This event is open to the public. All are welcome to join for an enchanting evening of performances from students, faculty and alumni.
All proceeds from the event help support awards and scholarships for KPU’s music students.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming back 25 of our music alumni and recognizing the significant impact they are having in the world,” said Nancy Armitage, executive director of KPU’s Alumni Association. “From internationally acclaimed award-winning symphony conductors and performers to highly successful local music school and studio owners shaping our community, our alumni are everywhere doing incredible things.”
25 Years of Music
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2018, 5 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: KPU Langley (20901 Langley Bypass, Langley, B.C.)
INFO: Tickets are $25 and are available online. Doors open at 5 p.m. Wine and hors d'oeuvres reception from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Concerts begins at 7 p.m.
For more information on the 25 alumni and to purchase tickets, visit kpu.ca/musicalumni.
To learn more about KPU’s music program, visit kpu.ca/arts/music. Over 350 students have graduated from the program since its inception. KPU’s Alumni Association is dedicated to supporting the continued success of over 55,000 alumni by providing a variety of programs and services.
Photos of performing alumni, Krueger, Martin and Vavilova are available on Flickr.