A cello that’s now a clock. A violin transformed into a beautiful painting. One-of-a-kind, once unplayable-violins painted and repurposed by renowned artists are the feature items at Piano by Request, a fundraiser supporting young musicians, Saturday, May 11, 6:30 p.m. at Casa.
Hosted by the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music, all funds raised through the live-auction sale of these unique musical art pieces will support subsidies for young musicians to participate in the Young Artists Music Academy, an intensive performance-based program for teen-aged musicians.
“We wanted to find a way to repurpose some of our older violins, rather than just throw them out, so I approached some local artists to transform them into art and it snowballed from there,” says Conservatory Director, Breeanne Fuller. “The pieces are more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. They are simply stunning works of art.”
Crowsnest Pass artists Tony Partridge and Kari Lehr are among those who created the stunning pieces. Lehr, whose prints are sold at over 100 retail locations across Canada, crafted a violin featuring a black bear in a prairie wilderness setting. Partridge’s classic style features a floral front and angelic back providing two unique display options. Mark Robinson and Diana Zasadny works are also featured. All of the original artworks are currently on display at Casa for advance viewing and bidding.
Launched in 2017, the Young Artists Music Academy is open to teenaged classical strings players, percussionists, pianists and vocalists looking for intensive performance-based training. It includes several activities per week that aim to expand the awareness, skills and experiences of the classical musician optimizing the success of the most dedicated and gifted young musicians.
“Because of the intensive nature of this program, the costs to the students could become very expensive,” says Fuller. “We felt strongly that cost should not hinder a student’s ability to be part of this program, so a model was devised that subsidizes the costs to the students by 70 per cent. All funds raised at Piano by Request will go to benefiting the youth in this program. We are proud to say that because of these subsidies; our music academy is within reach for any committed young musician in this community.”
Piano by Request includes appetizers, drinks, live and silent auction, and live music in a piano-bar style with Anna McBryan. Tickets are priced at $40 each or $360 for a table, which includes wine and reserved seating. Tickets are available at the Conservatory of Music front desk, located at Casa (230 8 St S) or by phone at 403-329-2304. Advanced bidding on the live auction will be accepted until May 10.
To view online: http://www.uleth.ca/unews/article/young-artists-music-academy-fundraiser-features-unique-works-musical-art
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Contact:
Breeanne Fuller, Director, Music Conservatory
403-329-2304
breeanne.fuller@uleth.ca
