Young Stars and the VSO

Each year, a large number of young pianists take part in the Music Man Festival through a series of competitions held over a three week period. Last night, I went to see the winners of that Festival play with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at the Centennial Theatre in North Van.

The oldest of the pianists was 22 and the youngest only 8 years old! I was amazed how well that kid could play. It wasn't like some piano recital, where the poor little brat is plunking away at The Entertainer. No way, this little kid was banging out a Bach Concerto like he was born on the piano...truly gifted.

The other players were as brilliant, one with an International Baccalaureate, another going to Julliard in the fall, another just recently graduated with a degree in music, and the young kid, who won't be getting his driver's licence for another 8 years!

I can't even remember what I was doing when I was 8.