Editorial

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It was a bright Sunday last February 26th that greeted 35 guests to patron-of-the-arts Margaret Lefebvre and Ronald Walker’s home for an afternoon of Tea and Trumpets featuring Paul Merkelo, first trumpet of the OSM and pianist Alexandre Vovan, both of whom generously donated their time toward La Scena Musicale’s 2012 Fundraising Campaign.

Paul brought out three trumpets and thrilled the audience with virtuosity in a program of Bach and Spanish transcriptions, all the while explaining and answering questions about his instrument. The casual exchange between artist and public was unlike the usual concert experience and again reinforces my thesis that musicians should go into the homes of their neighbours to promote their art.

Please see pictures of the event, along with the thanks to those who contributed. To make a donation or find out about our future fundraising activities (including sale of tickets to the Opera de Montréal’s production of Faust—May 19, 22, 24 & 26), please visit http://dons.lascena.org.

Our cover this month features Maxim Vengerov, the violinist-conductor who makes his North American return to the violin in Montreal as part of the Montreal Chamber Music Society’s Gala evening in May. It’s a highly anticipated event. Sidelined by a shoulder injury in 2007, Vengerov has found the joy of playing the violin again.

Passion is also what it’s about for pianist Alain Lefèvre, as we discuss his new album, the first recording of the 1926 version of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 4.

Our Jazz section features a portrait of Katie Malloch, who is retiring from an illustrious career as a jazz broadcaster.

Don’t forget to check out our regional calendar and our online calendar http://calendar.scena.org for all your Easter and spring concert going.

Have a great musical spring!