The University of Winnipeg's International Recital & Chamber Music Concert Series, Virtuosi presents a wonderful Remembrance Day tribute this weekend with Maxim Bernard's "The Great War".

Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the start of World War 1, French Canadian Maxim Bernard asks, "What role did the war play in the lives of artists?" - Especially composers living through daily reports of slaughter on the battlefields of Europe. Did the terrible news influence creativity? Stimulate their imagination, or stifle it? These questions are explored with a program of nine works, written entirely while the war raged from 1914-1918. The concert will culminate with Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin which evokes the memory of friends and two brothers the composer lost at the Front.

Maxim Bernard was Claudia Garcia de la Huerta's guest on Música Clásica Saturday morning. Watch the video interview below!

 

 

Maxim Bernard has already established  himself as one of today’s most promising young artists. He has performed solo recitals, chamber music, and concerti in Canada and the United States. He has worked with many esteemed conductors such as Ronald Zollman, Michael Newnham, Yoav Talmi and Charles Latshaw among others.

Born  in Québec City, he began piano studies at the relatively late age of 13, but his outstanding talent and work ethic promptly led to national and international recognition.  Qualities that have been praised by critics include his commendable technique, surprising maturity, boundless imagination, and rare musical sensitivity.

His career was launched in 2006 after winning the prestigious International Stepping Stone of the Canadian Music Competition. He was also a prize winner at the CBC Young Artists Competition  and the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Competition, as well as first prize winner at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Concerto Competition.

He has performed as soloist with many orchestras including the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique du Nouveau Monde, Peterborough Symphony Orchestra and Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.

"The Great War" will have two performances as part of the Virtuosi concert series. Tonight at 8:00 PM and then a matinee performance tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 PM where a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Manitoba division of the Army Cadet League of Canada to assist them in sending cadets to France in April 2017 for the 100th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Call the Virtuosi box office  at 204.786.9000 to reserve your seat!