World-Renown Violinist James Ehnes Kicks Off 2011-2012 pro series Season

Posted September 23, 2011

Brandon, MB — Now in its 13th season, the pro series — professional performances offered by the School of Music for students, the university community as well as for the general public — will begin on October 4 with none other than hometown favourite, James Ehnes.

The son of now retired trumpet instructor Alan Ehnes (who taught more than three decades at the School of Music), James has forged a remarkable career of his own and has fans around the globe. With more than two dozen recordings and a DVD to his credit, the affable virtuoso began his studies in the Brandon University Conservatory. When he was nine years old, he became the protégé of the late Francis Chaplin and four years later, James made his professional debut with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. He is a graduate of The Juilliard School and has won six Juno Awards, a Grammy Award as well as a Gramophone Award.

Furthermore, James was the youngest person, at the age of 27, to receive an honorary doctorate from Brandon University as well as to become a fellow in the Royal Society of Canada. Also a member of the Order of Canada, James has a packed performance schedule that takes him to Great Britain, Australia, Europe, Asia and back to North America. Though he is based in Florida close to where his parents have retired, James often makes his way back to Brandon, the town where he was born and grew up.

Joining James on stage for this pro series recital is pianist Andrew Armstrong. Aside from their stop in Brandon at the beginning of October, the two young musicians will also give recitals in Edmonton, Regina and Kingston. Last December, Andrew also collaborated with James on the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (WMCA) stage with another colleague, ‘cellist Robert deMaine. Much like James, Andrew has performed in halls around the world, both as a recitalist and an orchestral soloist.

“We are greatly honored and thrilled that Jimmy will be sharing his talents with us to open our 2011-2012 pro series,” said Dr. Michael Kim, the Dean of Music. “He continues to be a wonderful ambassador worldwide for Brandon University, and we are grateful for his continuing generosity and willingness to collaborate and work with our students in the School of Music.”

The pro series recital, featuring violinist James Ehnes and pianist Andrew Armstrong, will take place on Tuesday, October 4, at 8 p.m., in the WMCA. Single tickets for this special performance are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. They can be purchased at the WMCA box office.

The next pro series concert will feature accordionist Alexander Sevastian, a member of Quartetto Gelato, on Sunday, October 16, at 3 p.m., in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. Tickets for that recital will be $15 for adults, $10 for students, seniors and alumni, and $8 for Conservatory students. Those tickets can be purchased in advance in the main office of the School of Music or at the door.

The pro series and the School of Music gratefully acknowledge the generous support of The Canada Council for the Arts, the Manitoba Arts Council and of the Province of Manitoba, through a Consolidated Arts Programming Grant from Culture, Heritage and Tourism.
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For more information, please contact:

The School of Music
Brandon University
(204) 727-9631
www2.brandonu.ca/music/events/events.asp
OR
Joanne F. Villeneuve
Communications
Brandon University
270 – 18th Street
Brandon, MB R7A 6A9
Tel. 204-727-9762

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