The Keynotes Concert is the grand finale of the St. Thomas Rotary Music Festival – the concert on Friday April 11th once again showed off a range of amazing musical talent. It was also the 60th anniversary edition, marking a milestone of achievement made possible by the work of many Rotarians over the years.
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Scenes from Friday evening include Emily Greer (vocalist) with her grandmother, Sarah Asselstine (on piano) and music instructor, Mom Hilary Greer (top left); Ron Somerville, Jennifer Routhier (vocalist), Pat Martyn (top right). Vanessa-An and Tyler Tran (string duet) with their pianist (bottom left).
This year’s festival ran from February 24th to 28th with just under 300 entrants. Music festivals like this one serve to encourage excellence in musical performance and guide musicians in their development. Begun in the early 1950s by dedicated Rotarians, the St. Thomas Festival has run annually with the exception of one year, 2008.
St. Thomas has seen some very fine musicians progress through the festival over its 60 years. Participants represent St. Thomas as well as surrounding communities such as Aylmer, Central Elgin and London.
In opening, Festival Chairman Ron Somerville noted, with a smile, “We often hear from festival participants that they like the St. Thomas festival because it is fun.” Committee members themselves seemed to be having fun throughout the evening of performances and presentations.
Along with a showcase of musical talent, the Concert includes the awarding of trophies, plaques and scholarships. The awards, which are to aid in furthering the participants’ musical studies, are financially supported by many local donors. Scholarships totaling $8,250 were presented this year to 61 students.
St. Thomas has seen some very fine musicians progress through the festival over its 60 years. Participants represent St. Thomas as well as surrounding communities such as Aylmer, Central Elgin and London.
In opening, Festival Chairman Ron Somerville noted, with a smile, “We often hear from festival participants that they like the St. Thomas festival because it is fun.” Committee members themselves seemed to be having fun throughout the evening of performances and presentations.
Along with a showcase of musical talent, the Concert includes the awarding of trophies, plaques and scholarships. The awards, which are to aid in furthering the participants’ musical studies, are financially supported by many local donors. Scholarships totaling $8,250 were presented this year to 61 students.
From left, Nicole Krzywdzinski the Stephanie Leung Scholarship and Trophy. Vannessa-An Tran, the Silver Tray and Scholarship (piano associate level) and the Tom Cunniffe Plaque and Scholarship for Saxophone. Jennifer Routhier the Rose Bowl and Scholarship for vocal
In closing, Malcom Rust, past president of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas Foundation, thanked those who had once again joined to help celebrate music, noting, "Music ...
- Calms and soothes the new born infant
- Delights the children
- Is listened to for hours on the ipads of teens
- Heals broken hearts: those feeling rejected and in pain
- Gives wings to the mind Is a safe place when I need to be alonge
- Is enjoyed by crowds at a symphony or in church
- Gives flight to the imagination
- Blends thoughts and feelings
- Makes us want to dance
- Expresses what cannot be said
- Inspires
- Allows us to escape and find freedom"
Without music, life would be a mistake.
~~ Friedrich Nietzsche - German Philosopher
Rotary members on hand to assist with the Friday evening concert, from left to right, Bill Horn, Trudy Kanellis, Alma Roberts, Elaine Catchpole (front) & Ron Somerville (Festival Chair), Pat Martyn and Malcolm Rust (back).
Planning for the 2015 Festival will soon begin - more volunteers are always welcome! The Festival contact is Ron Somerville, Chairman of the Rotary Music Festival Committee, 519-631-0852.
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