Soloists a study in musical, personal contrasts
When two teen pianists are selected to share the role of young soloist at Victoria Symphony Splash, you’d expect they might have something in common.
But in many ways, Eric Manning and Carter Johnson seem polar opposites: one soft-spoken, the other chatty; one sensitive, the other passionate; one dark-haired, the other fair.
Both share an obvious musical inclination, however, and with enough classical repertoire in the world to complement their strengths, they were both worthy choices for maestra Tania Miller.
CARTER JOHNSON
Age: 16
Location: Campbell River School: Graduated from Campbell River Christian School, planning to teach piano and focus on music in Campbell River before applying to music school. “I actually can’t drive by myself yet. My mom thinks it’s a bit young [to move yet] and of course I agree.”
Other hobbies: Reading, games.
“Not sports.”
Genesis story: His parents put him in piano lessons on the recommendation of his grandmother, who would play classical record- ings for him. “I would dance and clap and sing … I think she sensed that either I really liked it or I was really musically inclined.”
Early success: Johnson advanced to the CFMTA National Piano Competition at age 14, by fluke. The Canada-wide competition accepts one competitor from each province, aged 25 and under, but the B.C. pianist who qualified ahead of Johnson dropped out.
“I went there thinking I would be at the bottom of the bottom, because I actually snuck in there by chance,” he said. Instead, he was named to the Top 3 in the final competition. “That weekend was probably one of the best in my life, just because of the great surprise.”
Rehearsal schedule: Johnson said he didn’t practise as much as he’d like while enrolled in school — about half an hour each day, plus an hour or so on weekends. He anticipates a much stronger focus on piano now that school’s out. But summer vacation is getting in the way. “It’s very hard to find a grand piano on Gabriola Island.”
Experience with other instruments: Played the oboe in school band. “It was a good match because it was a challenge, as a double-reeded instrument. … It helped me with general musicianship because I’m not used to being able to make a note get louder the longer you play it.”
Reaction to being named Splash’s Young Soloist: “I was super excited of course, because I was not sure about the audition. To be honest, [maestra Tania Miller] was kind of difficult to read. … When I got the email, I had prepared myself for it to say, ‘Sorry, you weren’t picked.’ Then I opened it and was very excited.”
Symphony Splash piece: Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G
Why he chose the piece: “I’m a big lover of Ravel’s music. It’s a really colourful piece with bright orchestration and really colourful piano parts.”
What he’s looking forward to at Splash: “I think it’s neat that I get to represent northern Vancouver Island.”
ERIC MANNING
Age: 18 Location: Metchosin School: Graduated from Lighthouse Christian Academy this year, plans to study piano at UVic this fall
Other hobbies: Mountain biking, skiing, rugby
Genesis story: “I guess it’s musical genes,” he said. Manning started playing at age five, when his pianist mother signed him up for lessons. He follows his older brother’s footsteps; violinist Philip was a Victoria Symphony Splash young soloist three years ago. “When she asked my brother what instrument he wanted to play, he just said right away, ‘violin.’ My mom suggested piano to me, because violin and piano go together. I agree with that.” Eric and Philip’s favourite duet is Monti’s Czardas: “It’s really fun and upbeat and pretty fast.”
Early success: Multiple awards at the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, including the Nathan Geminiano Memorial Cup for outstanding musicianship, as well as first prize in the B.C. Provincial Performing Arts festival.
Rehearsal routine: “I rarely miss a day of practice. It’s about one to two hours a day, then I have lessons once or twice a week.”
Instrumental experiments: Played the cello for five years before concentrating on piano. “It’s just a more versatile instrument. You can play solo or with orchestra and do a lot ore things with the piano.”
Reaction to being named Splash’s Young Soloist: “I was super excited because it’s something I’ve been working toward for a few years.”
Symphony Splash piece: Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, 2nd mvt
Why he chose the piece: “Chopin is my favourite composer and I think this piece really represents his style well. There are lots of contrasts and a lot of personality.”
What he’s looking forward to at Splash: “I’ve never played on a barge before. And of course, it will be the biggest audience for me for sure.”