Classical or Contemporary – everyone can find connection through music
Is interest in Classical music dying a slow death? At the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM), the answer is a resounding “No”! The VCM’s reputation for nurturing top musical talent over the past 52 years, as seen through such renowned artists as opera tenor Richard Margison, and violinists Jonathan Crow (Concert Master of the TSO), and Nikki Chooi (newly appointed Concert Master of the New York Metropolitan Opera), has been built on the well-established Classical music tradition, and carried forward by the VCM’s world class teachers.
Stephen Green, Dean of the VCM, describes learning about Classical music: “It can be like going on a treasure hunt in an old attic, and uncovering a masterpiece, except that unless someone has the knowledge and skill to take what are merely music notes on a page, and bring the work of art conceived hundreds of years ago to life, it remains just ink on paper. Learning about our past through art of any form, including music, gives us a better understanding of the present, and guides us into the future. No matter what profession a music student may ultimately choose, the study of Classical music offers insight to valuable lessons learned long ago, that continue to be passed on from generation to generation. Self-discipline, a sense of spatial awareness, the ability to understand and solve complex problems, to be selfconfident and yet compassionate about others – these and many other transferable life skills are acquired simply through learning to play Classical music, and are absolutely essential to ensuring that we as human beings fully realize our potential.”
Complementing the VCM’s Ann and George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music is the new Chwyl Family School of Contemporary Music. Bringing these two diverse worlds of music under one roof has significantly broadened the VCM’s reach into its community, ensuring that everyone can find a connection through music, no matter what age or ability. Music is said to be a universal language, and at the VCM, this couldn’t be more evident, as students benefit from experiencing music from its many perspectives. Whether training to be a Classical violinist, Jazz violinist, or Celtic fiddler, where the one improvises a cadenza to a 300-year-old concerto by Vivaldi, another improvises to one of Billie Holiday’s great hits, while the fiddler improvises a new arrangement to the Big John McNeil.All music is alive and well at the VCM!