We are delighted to share several exciting developments at Cowichan Classical Concerts that will make attending our concerts easier than ever—and open the door to exciting new musical opportunities.
A New Online Payment System
Purchasing tickets is now simpler and more convenient with our new secure online payment system. Whether you’re planning well in advance or buying tickets closer to concert day, you can now reserve your seats quickly through our website using a secure online checkout.
We hope this new option makes it even easier for our audience to enjoy the outstanding chamber music performances that have become a hallmark of our concert series. Of course, if you prefer, tickets will still be available at the door, or you can email our ticket volunteer at CCCtickets1234@gmail.com.
Our New Concert Home
Many of you have already joined us at our new venue, Sylvan United Church in Mill Bay, and we are excited about the positive feedback we have received. The church offers excellent acoustics, a clear view to the performers, a welcoming atmosphere, comfortable seating, accessible bathrooms and ample parking, making it an ideal setting for our chamber music performances.
If you haven’t visited us there yet, we look forward to welcoming you to an upcoming concert.
Looking Ahead: Two Grand Pianos
One of the most exciting changes is that our Yamaha C1 grand piano has now found its new home at Sylvan United Church. Together with the church’s own grand piano, a Yamaha C3, we now have two grand pianos available in the same venue.
This creates wonderful new artistic possibilities. In the future, we hope to present concerts featuring repertoire for two pianos, as well as works requiring multiple keyboard instruments—programs that were simply not possible before.
We are grateful to everyone who has supported us through this transition and look forward to sharing many memorable musical experiences with you in our new home.
We hope to see you soon at Sylvan United Church, Mill Bay!
This concert presents a rare journey into the musical world of Mauro Giuliani and his daughter, Emilia Giuliani-Guglielmi, two of the 19th century’s most important figures in the classical guitar tradition. The first half highlights their operatic inspirations: Emilia’s Belliniana No.1, Op.2 draws on the lyrical melodies of Vincenzo Bellini, while Mauro’s Rossiniana No.1, Op.119 celebrates the lively spirit of Gioachino Rossini, both works reflecting the guitar’s dialogue with Italian opera. After intermission, the focus turns to refinement and rediscovery. Emilia’s Six Preludes, Op.46 reveal her poetic voice and technical sophistication. Mauro’s Ten Etudes, Op.1a were recently unearthed from his long-lost instructional method book, recently published for the first time in history by MusiCurate, in collaboration with Mauro’s living descendant Nicola Giuliani. Presented by guitarist Ben Lahring, this program brings authenticity and depth to the Giulianis’ music. As both a celebrated performer and the publisher responsible for reviving Mauro Giuliani’s lost method book, Ben offers a uniquely informed interpretation. His performances unite scholarship and artistry, honouring the historical significance and expressive beauty of these rediscovered works. Rediscovering Mauro Giuliani bridges generations, revealing the artistry, pedagogy, and lasting legacy of the Giuliani family.
“Your interpretation of my Lullaby For My Love is absolutely beautiful. Your tremolo is so even and your tone lovely. Congratulations on your new album!” – Liona Boyd, Composer & Guitarist
“Ben Lahring has a gift of playing the intention behind the music: somehow the force of a crescendo and the sparkle of articulation reach out and touch us through his playing.” – William Beauvais, Composer & Guitarist
“On this latest recording of music for classical guitar, Canada-based Ben Lahring offers some sweet morsels of his tone and touch … Lahring weaves textures rich in color … he is in command of his fingerboard at all times … a fine collection of delightful listening.” – Kirk Albrecht, Minor 7th
From his formative years spent in tropical northern Australia to a globe-spanning music career, Ben Lahring has established himself as a captivating composers and performer with “absolutely beautiful” interpretations (Liona Boyd) and a “gift of playing the intention behind the music” (William Beauvais, composer).
Lahring has always been bold in his musical explorations, with engagements ranging from a year-long solo-guitar performance residency in Sydney, Australia, to playing in the orchestra pits of musical theater productions and touring with choirs, rock bands and soul singers. He was a regular fixture in the New York City guitar scene for several years, where he released his first album of solo guitar music, praised for being “fun and enthusiastic” and displaying “a natural feel for the music” (This is Classical Guitar). Lahring’s latest album of solo guitar music, Driftwood, has been reviewed to high acclaim as “a work of originality and shimmering beauty” (Vivascene) and “one of the most singularly beautiful guitar recitals” (Fanfare Magazine). His own compositions are consistently popular with audiences and have been receiving increased attention from performers, with recent Canadian premieres of his works for guitar orchestra, guitar quartet, solo guitar, solo ukulele, and solo piano.
Ben Lahring is an Associate Composer with the Canadian Music Centre and an Adjudicator with the Royal Conservatory of Music College of Examiners. He teaches guitar on the faculties of Ambrose University and Mount Royal University. Additionally, he serves as the Vice-President of the Classical Guitar Society of Calgary and is the founder of MusiCurate, a music publishing company.
Hungarian cellist László Mezö and Calgary-based pianist Derek Chiu treated our audience to a program of luscious Locatelli, contemplative Liszt, shape-shifting Debussy, and spirited Prokofiev and Bartók pieces this afternoon.
Our thanks to the artists and to our ever-supportive audience!
Hungarian-born Mezo, recognized as one of the top cellists of his generation, joins acclaimed Steinway Artist Derek Chiu in a program of music by French, Hungarian and Italian composers. At the heart of this program is Franz Liszt, a composer whose musical identity bridges all three cultures. Debussy’s evocative colours, Piatti’s Italian brilliance, and the folk-infused fire of Bartók illuminates the distinctive yet interwoven sound worlds of these nations.
Programme
Sonata in D major, arr. Alfredo Carlo Piatti — Pietro Antonio Locatelli (1695-1764)
I. Allegro II. Adagio III. Minuetto
St. François de Paule: Marchant sur les flots, S. 175 No. 2 — Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
12 Caprices for Solo Cello, Op. 25, No. 7 — Carlo Alfredo Piatti (1822-1901)
March for solo cello, from ‘Music for children’, arr. Gregor Piatigorsky — Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Consolations, S. 171, arr. Jules de Swert — Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
I. Andante con moto IV. Quasi adagio II. Un poco piu mosso III. Lento placido V. Andantino VI. Allegretto sempre cantabile
Sonate pour violoncelle et piano, L. 135 — Claude Debussy (1862-1918) I. Prologue: Lent, sostenuto e molto risoluto II. Sérénade: Modérément animé III. Finale: Animé, léger et nerveux
Romanian Folk Dances, Sz. 56 — Béla Bartók (1881-1945) I. Bot tánc / Jocul cu bâtă (Stick Dance) II. Brâul (Sash Dance) III. Topogó / Pe loc (In One Spot) IV. Bucsumí tánc / Buciumeana (Dance from Bucsum) V. Román polka / Poarga Românească (Romanian Polka) VI. Aprózó / Mărunțel (Fast Dance)
Background information
“Derek is an incredibly skilled and effective online music teacher. His vibrant personality and deep experience as an instructor make his online lesson engaging and productive. He has a top-notch studio setup and a broad capacity for using technology in his teaching. This creates a seamless and highly successful digital learning environment for his students.” – John Scully, Educational Online Program Specialist – The Royal Conservatory
As a performer, Chiu has presented solo and chamber music recitals in Canada, England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United States. His orchestral engagements have encompassed performances with the Windsor Community Orchestra, Briercrest College Orchestra, Rockland Symphony Orchestras, The Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra, and the Simon Fraser University Concert Orchestra. He has collaborated onstage with esteemed partners such as Roberto Cani, David Lakirovich, John Lowry, Laszlo Mezo, Sean Wang, and Dara Lynn Zusko.
Chiu is passionate about collaborating with living composers and has worked extensively to bring contemporary music to audiences worldwide. In 2021, he collaborated with Canadian composer Vince Ho on his composition The Twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals, Book 1. Chiu gave the world premiere performance of the pieces in 2022 in Canada, followed by subsequent performances in Germany, Italy, and the United States. In addition, he has worked with and performed the works of composers Michalis Andronikou and Margaret Boswell-Senyshen, further enriching his diverse repertoire. Looking ahead, Chiu will premiere a new work by up-and-coming Canadian composer Maggie Lu with the Kensington Sinfonia in their 2026/27 season, continuing his commitment to contemporary music.
Chiu’s expertise in online music education has been invaluable during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly when many music teachers faced the challenge of transitioning to remote teaching. He was sought out by other music teachers interested in establishing a virtual teaching presence. Chiu provides personalized consultations to teachers and demonstrates various online programs, resources, and apps that can enhance e-learning. He has also led professional development workshops to assist music teachers in adapting to online teaching.
Chiu is a dedicated piano pedagogue who has conducted pedagogical workshops on the use of technology in the teaching studio, cognitive practice, aural skills development, sight-reading, Baroque performance practice, and music memorization. His academic lectures have delved into the music of Bach, Chopin, Liszt, and Mozart. Chiu has presented at the Colorado State Music Teachers’ Conference, The Colburn School, The University of Windsor, and Lakehead University, among others. Additionally, he serves as a clinician for The Royal Conservatory of Music and has conducted workshops in both Canada and the United States.
In Calgary, Chiu maintains a private studio where his piano students have earned scholarships to attend undergraduate and graduate music schools. They have also received gold medals from The Royal Conservatory of Music and have won prizes at local, national, and international piano competitions. Beyond Calgary, he is on the Faculty of the Cremona International Music Academy (Italy) and the Vancouver Island Music Academy. Chiu is sought after as a master class clinician, ensemble coach, and guest teacher.
His extensive training includes mentorship with notable Canadian teachers Dr. E. Gregory Butler and Joel Hastings at The University of Windsor. While in Windsor, Chiu pursued additional studies in piano pedagogy with Dr. Thomas Green, Chief Examiner Emeritus of the Royal Conservatory of Music. Under the guidance of Solomon Mikowsky (featured in Benjamin Saver’s book “The Most Wanted Piano Teachers in the USA”) and Donn-Alexandre Feder at The Manhattan School of Music in New York, Chiu graduated with a Master of Music degree in 2003. During his studies at the Manhattan School of Music, Chiu was mentored in chamber music by pianist Daniel Epstein of the Raphael Trio and engaged in rigorous studies in Baroque and Classical performance practices with the late Kenneth Cooper, one of the world’s foremost music specialists in the music from those eras. Chiu has participated in master classes in Canada, Europe, and the United States, with instructors such as Janina Fialkowska, Robin Harrison, James Howsmon, Lorrin Hollander, Ramzi Yassa, Cecilio Tieles, and Jesus Angel Rodriguez.
He is an Ambassador for the Royal Conservatory and a member of their College of Examiners. Chiu is featured on CBC Music’s website, discussing the topic of teens and piano lessons.
Derek is also passionate about wine, with a particular fondness for French Bordeaux and Italian Barolo. He draws inspiration from the art of Giovanni Antonio Canal, commonly known as Canaletto, Henri Matisse, and his own grandfather, Ng Po Wan. Additionally, Derek is a fan of basketball, enjoying the sport for its blend of strategy, athleticism, and teamwork.
Born in Budapest, Hungary, Laszlo Mezo gained national recognition as one of the top musicians of his generation when he won First Prize in the Kertész Ottó Memorial Competition at the young age of 18. Since then, he has won numerous other Competitions which have brought him international recognition including the Fourth Prize in the Antonio Janigro Junior International Competition in 1998, Second Prize in the International Dávid Popper Competition for Young Cellists in 2000, the Special Prize in the International Dávid Popper Cello Competition in 2004, and First Prize in the Ima Hogg International Competition in 2008.
Mr. Mezo has forged a career as a soloist, recitalist, master teacher, and chamber musician. He has performed extensively in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Always eager to pass on his knowledge, Laszlo has conducted master classes in Japan, Brazil, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, and the United States. Mr. Mezo was adjunct professor in cello at Chapman University from 2012 to 2022 and he was Assistant Teacher at the University of Southern California between 2007 and 2008.
As a soloist, Mr. Mezo has performed with maestros Ádám Fischer, Thomas Wilkins, Grant Llewellyn, Zsolt Hamar. As a chamber musician, he has collaborated in recitals with pianists Kevin Fitz-Gerald, Steven Vanhauwaert, Gábor Farkas, Márta Gulyás, Piotr Folkert, and Balázs Szokolay, violinist Kristóf Baráti, cellist Philipp Muller, and the Bartók Quartet. He has also played under the direction of Zubin Mehta and Kent Nagano as a member of the Bayerische Staatsorchester in Munich, Germany.
Mr. Mezo holds master’s degrees from the Liszt Ferenc University of Music in Budapest and the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München. He graduated from the class of Ralph Kirshbaum at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Mr. Mezo is a member of the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and is also a sought after soloist and an active studio musician in Hollywood. He has played in many film scores, blockbusters including Star Wars, Super Mario, Ice Age, Life of Pi, Pirates of Caribbean, Wolverine, and The Lone Ranger.
We were delighted to welcome the Meeks Piano Duo back to our concert series today. Their performance was filled with warmth, creativity and a musical connection that resonated with our audience. Thank you for sharing such artistry and joy with us—it was truly a memorable afternoon.
The Meeks Duo: Scott Meek, piano; Clare Yuan, piano
Sunday, April 12 at 2:30 pm
VENUE: St Michael’s Church, Chemainus
Please note that this concert starts at 2:30pm
Recognized for their ground-breaking inventiveness and diverse repertoire, Scott Meek and Clare Yuan return with a program of music arranged for piano duo. Scott has published more than one hundred piano duet arrangements, many of which they have performed across Canada and Asia. With warmth and humour, Scott and Clare inform and entertain with stories and anecdotes, truly making each performance a uniquely enjoyable experience for their audience.
Programme
La donna è mobile, from Rigoletto, Act III — Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) (arr. Scott Meek)
Nessun dorma, from Turandot, Act III — Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) (arr. Scott Meek)
Serenade (Ständchen), D889 — Franz Schubert (1797-1828)/Franz Liszt (1811-1886) (arr. Scott Meek)
Over the Rainbow — Harold Arlen (1905-1986) (arr. Scott Meek)
Another Day of Sun — Justin Hurwitz (1985- ) (arr. Scott Meek)
Legend of Ashitaka — Joe Hisaishi (1950- ) (arr. Scott Meek)
Summer — Joe Hisaishi (1950- ) (arr. Scott Meek)
Invierno Porteño (Winter), from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires — Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) (arr. Kyoko Yamamoto)
Firebird Suite, K010 — Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) (arr. Scott Meek) Danse infernale Berceuse Finale
Happy Birthday, Rachmaninoff! — Scott Meek
Pas de deux, from The Nutcracker — Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) (arr. Scott Meek)
Polovtsian Dances, from Prince Igor, Act II — Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) (arr. Scott Meek)
Background information
The Meeks Duo (married Canadian pianists Scott Meek and Clare Yuan) is recognized for its groundbreaking inventiveness and uniquely diverse repertoire for piano duet. Scott and Clare’s concert programs feature their own creative transformations of classical pieces into anything from Happy Birthday to Japanese pop, as well as standard duet repertoire and works by living composers. Scott has over 100 piano duet arrangements and the number keeps growing!
The Meeks Duo’s music has been played on CBC and Fairchild Radio, and their albums are available worldwide all streaming platforms. Keen on promoting living composers and arrangers, Clare and Scott have had several new works and arrangements written for them, and they often perform works by lesser-known and female composers.
As members of their community, Clare and Scott raised funds for local flood relief from the sale of their Christmas album, and performed several months of weekly live-streamed recitals at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, to entertain audiences worldwide during the lockdown period.
Clare and Scott have performed at such prestigious venues as the Taiwan National Concert Hall (Taipei, Taiwan), the Kay Meek Centre (North Vancouver, Canada) and the Vancouver Playhouse (Vancouver, Canada), as well as at museums, art galleries, private residences, universities, churches, and outdoor performances.
Playing the piano together was how Scott and Clare first met, and they formed The Meeks Duo shortly after they got married in 2013. They love the unique closeness of two musicians sharing a single instrument, and aspire to share this love of four-hand piano music with you!
VENUE: Duncan United Church, 246 Ingram Street, Duncan
Please note that this concert starts at 4:00pm
Born in Campbell River, now based in Paris, France, Matthew Blackburn’s performances have been described as breathtaking, uplifting, and glorious. In this recital, he illuminates the captivating dialogue across generations of composers such as J.S. Bach and his son C.P.E. Bach, as well as Franz Liszt and his student Juliusz Zarebski. Other works by Beethoven and Canadian composer John Burge round out a program that celebrates reflection and renewal.
Programme
French Suite No. 4 in E-flat major, BWV 815 — Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Allemande Courante Sarabande Gavotte Menuet Air Gigue
Rondo in A Major, Wq. 58 No. 1, H. 276 — Carl Philipp Emmanuel Bach (1714-1788)
Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Opus 31 No. 2 “The Tempest” — Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) Largo – Allegro Adagio Allegretto
Everything Waits for the Lilacs — John Burge (1961- )
Barcarolle No. 4 in A-Flat Major, Op. 44 — Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
Les roses et les épines, Op.13 — Juliusz Zarębski (1854-1885) Andante con moto Allegro molto
Mephisto Waltz No.1, S.514 “The Dance in the Inn”, from Lenau’s Faust — Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Background information
Born in British Columbia, pianist Matthew Blackburn was the winner of the Lethbridge Symphony’s Young Artist Competition (Canada). He holds a Master of Music from the University of Calgary, where he studied with Charles Foreman and Marilyn Engle. He completed his performance studies with Georgian pianist, Guigla Katsarava, at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris. For his studies, he was generously supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and awarded an artistic residency at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris.
At ease with a varied repertoire, from Bach and Beethoven to Hétu and Andronikou, Matthew Blackburn’s performances are always enthusiastically received. His performances have been described as “breathtaking” and “uplifting and glorious”. He has performed at numerous festivals, including the Mountainview International Festival (Calgary, Canada), Tuckamore Chamber Music Festival (St. John’s, Canada) and Académie Musicale Internationale “Barbara Krakauer” (Vaison-la-Romaine, France).
He has also performed at Salle Cortot, Espace Georges-Bernanos and Salon Honnorat at Cité Internationale (Paris, France), among others. He has performed with the Calgary Orchestra (Liszt’s Totentanz) and the Lethbridge Orchestra (Prokofiev’s Concerto No. 2), Lily String Quartet and Musaeus String Quartet. His last performance: a duo recital with Quebec tenor François-Olivier Jean, featuring French and Russian lyrical music at the Théâtre de L’île Saint Louis in Paris.
An avid outdoorsman, Matthew enjoys life in Montmartre, Paris with his young twin daughters.
We were mesmerized by Catherine Ordronneau and Kai Gleusteen’s performance yesterday! Please enjoy these few glimpses of an unforgettable afternoon of masterfully performed music for violin and piano, and piano solo. It was a privilege to host these exceptional artists.
