Vancouver Women’s Musical Society presents up-and-coming pianist Markus Masaites, December 16 to 30
With works by masters like Prokofiev, Bach, and Rachmaninoff, the digital concert is part of the organization’s 115th season
Markus Masaites. Photo by Diamond's Edge Photography
Vancouver Women’s Musical Society presents pianist Markus Masaites via Vimeo, December 16 to 30
WHEN IT LAUNCHED In 1905, the Vancouver Women’s Musical Society set out to support young, aspiring musicians in all classical music disciplines.
The society’s mission remains the same to this day: to help up-and-coming performers advance their training and education and reach the next level in their careers through annual scholarships and bursaries.
VWMS usually presents live concerts by award recipients. As with everything else COVID-related, this year’s 115th recital season is taking place online, with the next digital performance streaming on Vimeo from December 16 to 30.
One bursary winner to watch is pianist Markus Masaites. VWMS president Edette Gagné describes his style this way: “Spectacular voicing, effortless execution of complex technique, dynamic range from tender pianissimos to passionate fortissimos and positively effervescent playing.”
For the December concert, Masaites will perform solo works and will also collaborate with violist Nina Weber and soprano Deeandra Miranda.
The program features Bach-Busoni Chaconne in D minor; Prokofiev’s Prelude from Ten Pieces, op.10; Schumann’s Widmung; Franco Alfano’s Melodia; Rachmaninoff’s Prelude op.23 no.4; Viola Sonata no.1 in B flat major by Vieuxtemps; Liszt’s Sonetto del Petrarch 104; and Sonata no.4 by Scriabin.
Recorded at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver, the concert will be available for viewing from December 16 to 30 on Vimeo; access is included with VWMS membership or by donation via its website.
Launched in 1905 as the Vancouver Women’s Musical Club, the organization created a scholarship fund in 1923, which helped propel the careers of big names like Jean Coulthard, Barbara Custance, Ben Heppner, Arthur Polson, Jon Kimura Parker, Jamie Parker, and the Chooi brothers (Timothy and Nikki), among many others. It runs scholarship competitions under three categories—vocal, piano, and orchestral instruments. The society added its bursary program thorugh a memorial trust fund in 1976. Musicians have used funds for everything from tuition and supplies (like a new violin bow) to airfare for audition tours.
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