– what a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon
What a fantastic concert! The perfect summer afternoon of music with Vancouver-based violist Thomas Beckman and pianist Kitty Lam. Their in person Instrumental Measures Concert included classical/romantic works from the 19th century for the viola and piano, including Sonatas from Schubert and Glinka, and Rachmaninov’s Vocalize plus a couple of movie scores – all awesomely performed. It was followed by the always popular Performer’s Talkback.
About Arbutus Duo
In 2020, Vancouver-based violist Thomas Beckman and pianist Kitty Lam embarked on a journey of “living room” house concerts, with the aim of bringing live performances into the homes of classical music lovers. In their past concerts, Thomas and Kitty performed late classical/romantic works from the 19th century for the viola and piano, including Sonatas from Schubert and Glinka, and Rachmaninov’s Vocalize. Like the rest of the music community, the first phase of the Covid-19 global pandemic put their house concert series on hold. However they continued to make music and rehearse as a duo whenever possible. In July 2020, they released their first produced video of Faure’s Pavane and has accrued almost 9000 views on YouTube. Together they have produced 7 videos with the latest addition of Song without Words by Felix Mendelssohn. The duo is excited to return to the KnoxVan Instrumental Series this summer (first presented in November 2020).
About Thomas Beckman, Viola
CMC associate composer and violist (MMus from UBC), Thomas Beckman, serves as Festival composer for the Artists for Conservation organization, in-house composer for Mills Pictures Studio, and film composer for the ongoing Promising Practices documentary series. As an active musician Thomas also serves as principal violist for the Prince George Symphony orchestra and lead violist for entertainment group Sons of Granville. His projects have varied widely from independent feature film scores to documentary soundtracks, to concert classical music and environmental/science themed commissions. Recent works include this year’s ‘Metatation’ for the AFC, the Key to Christmas soundtrack, and a host of music videos that showcase his numerous collaborations. In 2019, Flux commissioned by the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, and the St Roch Suite commissioned by the Prince George Symphony Orchestra led to his induction within the CMC associate composers list.
About Kitty Lam, Piano
Pianist Kitty Lam began her piano training at the age of six and is currently studying with Ellen Silverman. Her musical credentials include a Licentiate Performance Diploma from Trinity College London (LTCL). Kitty has been actively performing as a solo pianist, accompanist as well as chamber musician for over 20 years. As the Principal Pianist for the Vancouver Pops, Kitty performs regularly with both its Orchestra and Choir at the Chan Centre and has toured internationally with the ensemble to venues such as the Carnegie Hall, New York and Suginami Koukaidou, Tokyo (partnering with the Tokyo Seraphic Orchestra). Kitty also performs regularly with Symphony 21, a new professional orchestra based in Vancouver, BC. Apart from her musical pursuits, Kitty obtained her Master of Engineering Degree at UBC and is a full-time IT professional specialized in data management.
About the Concert:
| Telemann | Viola Concerto in G major, TWV 51: G9 Largo Allegro Andante Presto |
| Saint-Saens | The Swan – Carnival of the Animals, R. 125 (Arr. for viola and piano) |
| Brahms | Hungarian Dance No. 3 Intermezzo op. 117 No. 1 Hungarian Dance No. 1 |
Intermission
| Dvořák | Romantic Pieces op. 75 Allegro moderato Allegro maestoso Allegro appassionato Larghetto |
| Mendelssohn | Song Without Words op. 109 |
| Piazzolla | Ave Maria (Tanti anni prima) & Oblivion from Enrico IV |
| Morricone | Gabriel’s Oboe from The Mission Love Theme from Cinema Paradiso |
Check out Arbutus Duo’s latest Music Video:
Connect with Arbutus Duo:
Website: Arbutus Duo | For Viola and Piano
Instagram: Arbutus Duo (@arbutusduo) on Instagram
YouTube: Thomas Beckman – YouTube
KnoxVan Events Presented
Arbutus Duo
A Live In Person Performance at 5590 Balaclava Street
Sunday, July 9, 2023
By Donation
2:30PM – Concert Start
Performer’s Talkback Afterwards
Please consider donating to the Instrumental Measures Series to help support hard working, local professional musicians by clicking the yellow button below.
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