Master Piano Recital Series resumes this spring

By Roland Graham

After three years’ hiatus, the Master Piano Recital Series (MPRS) is back, presenting its first concerts since the pandemic this March and April in partnership with Southminster United Church.

Honouring its tradition of presenting superb emerging and established pianists, the MPRS will showcase Sofya Gulyak, the multiple-award-winning Russian who broke a glass ceiling as the first woman to win gold at Leeds, and Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, a 23-yearold from British Columbia making big waves internationally, on his first appearance in Ottawa.

A lot has changed, including the arrival of a 9-foot Steinway D606 at Southminster United Church. Backed by an army of music lovers who donated to cover the costs, the church acquired the piano, and now fans of evening recitals and of elite artists of the calibre associated with the MPRS will be able to hear the new instrument.

MPRS concerts this season will also feature mini-recitals by high-achieving local piano students as opening acts. Thanks to a collaboration with the Steinway Gallery of Ottawa, the young performers will each play 15-minute sets to showcase their budding talents and introduce featured artists.

SOFYA GULYAK: March 3

To kick things off, on Friday, March 3 at 7 p.m., piano fans will be treated to the dynamite playing of Russian virtuoso, Sofya Gulyak. She is delighted to be back on-stage playing works by Rachmaninov, Stravinsky and Scriabin.

JAEDEN IZIK-DZURKO: April 30

There’s keen interest in playing for the MPRS among the brightest emerging talent, and 23-year-old Jaeden Izik-Dzurko from Salmon Arm, British Columbia, is no exception. He will perform Sunday, April 30 at 7 p.m.

The MPRS is delighted to be back in action and grateful for the collaboration with Southminster United Church and the Steinway Gallery that makes this possible. For more information, check MPRS listings on Eventbrite.com. MPRS concerts take place at Southminster United Church (15 Aylmer Avenue) starting at 7 p.m. Roland Graham is artistic director of the Master Piano Recital Series.