A wealth of musical talent

Yee haw! As Samuel Nikkel’s fingers drummed the keyboard at St. John’s Lutheran Church, it was easy to imagine rows of Stetson-wearing cowboys, their buckaroo boots striking a wooden dance floor.

The rollicking rhythms of Christopher Norton’s Texas Line Dance captured the spirit of a country and western jamboree.

It was a moment of unabashed fun and exuberance at the 34th Barrhead Rotary Music Festival, which ended last Saturday.

Twenty-five minutes later Samuel was seated at the piano again; this time his fingers caressed the keys for Chopin’s Prelude in E minor Op. 28 No. 4, one of the composer’s most mournful and delicate pieces. The contrast between the two works could not have been more striking. Not only did it flaunt Samuel’s growing virtuosity, it also reflected the the festival’s dazzling diversity.

For five days, students led listeners across terrain which included classical music, jazz, blues, ragtime, baroque and contemporary, with pop, TV and movie themes thrown into the mix. Giants like Mozart and Chopin shared the limelight with Rodgers and Hammerstein and such traditional evergreens as Mary Had a Little Lamb.

There was even a smattering of opera when Emerald Artemenko flexed her vocal cords for Puccini’s O mio babbino caro. The first two days featured English and French poetry recitals, choral speech, and singing, while Thursday saw the introduction of instrumentals; guitars and violins came out, a Neerlandia woodwind ensemble performed, so too did Fort Assiniboine handbell ringers. Friday and Saturday showcased the talents of pianists.

Adjudicators were Monica Maddaford, English speech; Kim Mattice Wanat, vocal; Larry Schrum, instrumental; Gerry St. Pierre, French speech; and Esther Madsen, piano.

This year the festival concluded with a Saturday concert at Barrhead United Church. It was another chance for musicians to strut their stuff, before the evening culminated with the awarding of medallions and scholarships.

One of the biggest honours went to 16-year-old Amanda Warkentin, who will be representing Barrhead for the second year running at the provincial music festival at Edmonton’s Grant MacEwan College in May. She will perform with top students from around the province.

“I’m delighted and very honoured,” she said.

A Grade 8 piano student, Amanda was recommended for the provincials by adjudicator Esther Madsen. To complete her night she was also awarded the Margaret Thomas Memorial Scholarship.

Another multiple winner was pianist and guitarist Lexi Stein.

Organizer Jennifer Thomas was delighted with the success of her first festival as committee president. She applauded the high level of performances.

“I thought the students were awesome throughout the festival,” she said.

Thomas praised the adjudicators for their positive and constructive comments, and said credit should also go to parents and teachers. In addition, she thanked volunteers and donors.

“Without them the festival would not be possible,” she said.