Katie McBean, viola, to represent Ontario at National Music Festival in Edmonton
Violist Katie McBean is heading to Edmonton next month to compete at the prestigious National Music Festival, hosted annually by the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals (FCMF). McBean – a fourth year BMus (Music Education) student in assistant professor Sharon Wei’s viola studio – earned her entrance by winning the Open Strings category in June at the Kiwanis provincial competition in Peterborough.
The National Music Festival invites Canada’s best young amateur musicians from across the country, ranging in age from 12 to 28, to compete and represent their province in nine disciplines: piano, strings, voice, woodwinds, brass, classical guitar, percussion, chamber groups, and musical theatre. FCMF is the umbrella organization for 230+ local and provincial festivals.
Western was well represented across many categories at the provincial competition. Among the provincial award-winners were several alumni band and choral conductors, in addition to alumni and students placing well in open categories. McBean’s pianist is Western alumna Janelle Scharringa.
London audience members will have the chance to hear McBean’s repertoire during a special performance on Thursday, designed to help her prepare and “get some nerves out” before the competition.
The 46th annual National Music Festival takes place August 11-13 with the Grand Concert on August 13.
Recital details:
Thursday, July 28, 2016
7 p.m., von Kuster Hall, Music Building, Western University
Free admission. One hour performance. All are welcome.
Program:
Concerto in D major, by Franz Hoffmeister (1754-1812)
Sonata for Piano and Viola, by Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979)
Related links:
Provincial Results
Federation of Canadian Music Festivals
Violist Katie McBean overcomes broken string to earn top marks in solo competition (The London Free Press)
Day in the Life video feat. Katie McBean and Bryce Lansdell
Viola Studio teacher Sharon Wei, Assistant Professor
