Final Awards for BCRMTA Piano Competition 2020

CONGRATULATIONS  ALL

Dr. Jamie Syer Announces:

“First of all, I’d like to thank BCRMTA for asking me to adjudicate this year’s competition. I was delighted to be part of such a celebration: featuring great music, outstanding performances by talented musicians, and the fruits of fine and dedicated teaching.

“I want to congratulate, first, all five of the performers. You were each worthy to be chosen by your local BCRMTA chapter, and all of you gave performances that impressed me with your technical skill and preparation, and moved me with your musical interpretations. I was impressed, too, by the quality of the videos you submitted. Knowing how to use technology to capture your performances has always been important, but now more than ever. I also congratulate your teachers, for the hours of expert guidance and never-ending encouragement they give to you; as well as your families, your friends — all those who help you find the time to practise, and who support you when you need it most.

“I was glad to see, reading your biographies, that many of you have a wide range of activities beyond playing the piano. We pianists can be a solitary lot, if we’re not careful, and you are all doing well in making sure that, although piano is an important part of your lives, it’s not the only important thing. Several of you are finding creative ways to share your music with others, and to explore interests beyond music, too. Bravo for your imagination, your energy and your enthusiasm.

“The results of a competition are always just a snapshot of one moment in your musical careers. In any contest, if you don’t win the award you were trying for, know that there are always more opportunities, should you choose to take them. And of course, in the long run, it is the joy that music brings to ourselves and others which is most important, not whether we have won first place.

“Thanks again for including me in your music-making. Most of all, I hope that I am able to hear you in person sometime.”

Dr. Jamie Syer - Bergen, Alberta

 

Adjudicator’s Choice Award: Michael Robert, North Island

Best Performance of a Canadian Work: Ivy Lin, Vancouver/Burnaby

Third Prize: Braden Eguia, South Fraser

Second Prize: Rafael Brisebois, Abbotsford

First Prize: Johnathan Devey, Victoria

Our Adjudicator - Dr Jamie Syer

Now living in Alberta, Dr. JAMIE SYER was Dean of the Victoria Conservatory of Music until 2012. He also served as Head of the Conservatory’s Keyboard Department, and taught at the School of Music, University of Victoria. As a lecturer for UVic’s Faculty of Continuing Education, he led two arts related travel tours to France. Dr. Syer completed his graduate degrees at the Yale University School of Music as a student of Claude Frank and Ward Davenny. He has taught at universities and colleges in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and New Brunswick.

Jamie Syer is the founder of the Victoria Conservatory’s Young Artists Collegium program, which continues to offer an enriched curriculum for talented young singers, pianists and instrumentalists. He has performed many times in Europe: in Scotland, Ireland, Hungary, France, and England, as well as closer to home in recital venues across Canada. Last season, he was a featured concerto soloist with the Sidney Classical Orchestra.

Dr. Syer is known for his imaginative recital programming, and his artistic, energetic playing. He is a popular adjudicator and workshop clinician, who enjoys working with teachers’ groups and with students of all ages. In addition to his musical activities, Jamie is a skilled letterpress printer, former Manager of his local public library, and Musical Director for a recent production of Matilda: the Musical.