Cobourg’s Les AMIS kicks off the new year with a captivating performance featuring the extraordinary talents of 19-year-old violin virtuoso, Grace Lau.
Scheduled for January 7 at 3 p.m. at Victoria Hall, Lau is set to deliver a diverse program that promises to enchant the audience. In an exclusive interview, the Toronto-based musician shared insights into her upcoming performance and the unique pieces she’ll be presenting.
Among the highlights of Lau’s repertoire is “Fantaisie Bohémienne,” a composition originally penned by Les AMIS’ artistic director, Michael Pepa. Lau recounted how a chance encounter led to Pepa attending one of her recitals, subsequently earning her an invitation to participate in the concert series.
The concert’s program unfolds with the melodic tones of “Romance for Violin and Piano,” a creation by American composer Amy Beach. Lau then showcases her technical prowess with J.S. Bach’s “Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor” before delving into Pepa’s own “Fantaisie Bohémienne.” The musical journey concludes with the grandeur of Camille Saint-Saens’ “Violin Concerto No. 3,” with pianist Ben Smith accompanying Lau.
This dynamic collaboration promises an afternoon of musical brilliance, seamlessly blending classical compositions and contemporary works. Grace Lau’s commanding presence on the violin, coupled with the masterful accompaniment of Ben Smith, ensures Les AMIS’ inaugural concert of the year is not to be missed. Join the community in celebrating the prodigious talents of this rising star on January 7 at Victoria Hall.
