For the first half of July, the Comox Valley will be host to over 30 wonderfully talented musical visitors.
They are CYMC’s classical students, many of whom aspire to careers in music.
Their days will be filled with masterclasses, ensemble practice and private tutoring. After classes they are under the watchful eyes of Naomi Hoffart. She and her team of counsellors show them the best of the Valley’s trails, waters and beaches.
Mike Blair, camp chef, will feed as many as 75 out of the Mark Isfeld home economics room. His five young apprentices will learn the trade as CYMC develops its own mini-cooking school.
Week One culminates in the student chamber concert July 7. Nancy DiNovo, leading the Festival Strings has chosen the familiar and beloved Pachabel Canon in D, among other works. The Symphonic Wind Orchestra is under the direction of John White, well-known across Canada as instructor and adjudicator.
This chamber music concert, starting at 7:30 p.m., is free to the public.
Classical camp concludes July 14 with the full orchestra led by former longtime CYMC artistic director Yariv Aloni. Three students have the honor of performing a concerto movement of their choice.
The Festival Choir returns with a trio of beautiful choruses from Mendelssohn’s Elijah.
The Grande Finale is an evening to celebrate and enjoy the accomplishments of our students. The public is welcome. The concert starts at 7:30 at Mark Isfeld Senior Secondary.
Tickets are available at Laughing Oyster in Courtenay, Blue Heron in Comox and at the door.
— Comox Valley Youth Music Centre