Sunday, November 6, 2011

Dr. Robert Silverman to conduct Masterclass at new Showcase Academy


RICHMOND, BC - Recognized as one of Canada's premiere pianists, Robert Silverman has reached a level of musical and technical authority that can only be accomplished after years of deep commitment to the instrument and its vast literature. Many aspects of Silverman’s playing are frequently noted: a polished technique, an extraordinary range of tonal palette, an uncanny ability to sing his way into the heart of a phrase, and probing interpretations of the most complex works in the repertoire.

Robert Silverman resides in Vancouver where he was a faculty member at the UBC for thirty years, served a 5-year term as Director of the School of Music in the 1990s, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters in 2004.  He now devotes himself full-time to concertizing and recording.  He is frequently heard on the CBC English and French radio network; and he has recorded for EMI, Stereophile, Marquis Classics, OrpheumMasters and CBC Records.

On Sunday the 13th of November he will conduct two masterclasses at the all new Showcase Academy on the 3rd floor of Richmond's Aberdeen Centre.   Masterclasses are 2 hours long and open to the public, but seating is limited.  Only 4 students are allowed per masterclass and for a cost of $100 each student is given 30 minutes.  To enroll please call Rachel or Julie at (604) 270-8861 or contact them by email: info@showcaseacademy.com 

Tribute Dinner to Dr. Thomas Fung at Pan Pacific Hotel


VANCOUVER, BC - Enjoy a great night for a great cause in honour of a great man.  Join the LIVERight Gala in paying tribute to philanthropist and entrepreneur Dr. Thomas Fung at the Pan Pacific Hotel on Friday November 18!  Click HERE for the details, or email info@showcasepianos.com 

Thursday, November 3, 2011

New Academy and Piano Showroom Opens in Richmond


Highly sought after pianist will teach at new Academy in Aberdeen Centre

RICHMOND, BC - Much like celebrity chefs that come to Vancouver open fine dining restaurants, Seattle resident Dr. Sasha Starcevich is the Artist Director of a new piano school opening in Richmond's Aberdeen Centre: Showcase Piano Academy.

Concert pianist Sasha Starcevich received his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from Yale University in 2003 and continues to thrill audiences around the world with his performances in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Windsor Castle, Tchaikovsky Hall, and Wigmore Hall in London.

Perhaps you remember reading about some young performers from the local area - Tristan Teo, Evgenia Rabinovich, and Tim Zhang.  They all had one thing in common: their teacher was Dr. Starcevich.

Dr. Starcevich is in frequent demand as a performer, adjudicator and presenter of Master Classes throughout North America, Russia and China. He will come to Vancouver once a month to teach master classes at the new Academy, and coach other teachers.   Master classes are open for public viewing, and aspiring pianists of any age can pay $100 to be one of four students in a two hour long master class.

"At $200 an hour his rate is one of the highest in the city - or maybe even the highest," says Academy Manager Rachel Lam, "so I wasn't sure how long it would take to fill up his schedule, but I'm happy to say that the response has been excellent - probably due to his fantastic reputation in Vancouver.  We've had a number of students that have asked to be booked for every single upcoming master class with Dr. Starcevich."

The new school accepts students of all ages and also has some other well known teachers such as Bogdan Dulu, Lay Tuan Tan, Clare Yuan, Ross Salvosa, as well as the current president of the Richmond Association of Registered Music Teachers: Mimi Ho.  Children as young as three and a half years of age can learn music together with one parent in the very successful 'Music for Young Children' program that is endorsed by famed Canadian concert pianist Angela Hewitt.

Call to arrange a lesson at 604-270-8861 or email info@showcaseacademy.com 


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

China Musik Messe in Shanghai


SHANGHAI, CHINA - Every year piano manufacturers are invited to at least 3 main shows to display their instruments for retailers and industry professionals to see.  The largest and most important of these shows has now become the one in Shanghai, China.  This year it started on Tuesday the 11th of October, and Showcase Pianos cashed in all of it's airline points to send a representative on their behalf to have a look.