Sparwood’s own triple threat, pianist-composer-conductor Jesse Plessis returns from his Doctor of Music studies in Montreal to perform at Fernie’s Mountainside Community Church on Saturday October 29 at 7 pm - and twice on Sunday Oct 30: 1 pm at Kimberley’s Centre 64, 7 pm at Cranbrook United Church. Admission is by donation.
The EK region is fertile ground for both sport and arts masters. From prolific painter ManWoman to the hockey-famed Niedermeyer brothers, from Everest conqueror Pat Morrow and ski champion Gerry Sorensen to renowned actor-singer Brent Carver, our home-grown stars make a big impression near and far.
Plessis, 29, is fast rising in this fine company. He studied with Arne Sahlen locally and Allen Reiser in Calgary, then earned Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Lethbridge AB and Brandon MB respectively. He has performed across Canada and in Europe, such as at Italy’s Casalmaggiore Festival and Dark Music Days in Iceland. “Jesse has explosive talent,” says Sahlen, “with towering technique and expressive skills. As he once tossed off a tough piece, one hand each on keyboards facing opposite, one of my teacher friends called him a Force of Nature! We talk of being one with the instrument; it’s never truer than with Jesse, and he’s also a fun-loving livewire.”
These concerts are presented by PianoFocus (PF), the international music summer school set for Kimberley in late August 2017. Plessis has joined the PF planning team and will be a faculty member. For concert details contact 250-427-2159, cell/text 250-540-4242, contact@pianofocus.ca – and for PF information visit www.pianofocus.net