Wow! (First draft)
Wow!
(Feedback from my editors: Too short. Redo.)
Wow! (Second draft)
That was incredible!
(Feedback from my editors: Still too short. Lacks imagination. Change the title.)
Virtuosity (Third draft)
It just feels like that’s all there is to say after a performance like that—a display of virtuosity from Johan Dalene and Sam Hong that left me and many others astonished.
Virtuosity—great technical skill in the practice of music. The skill was there in spades. Accurate notes, dazzling speed, precise intonation, perfectly together. But that was not enough to communicate the experience on Friday evening.
Musicality—sensitivity in communicating through music. I have heard technically marvellous performances that left me impressed but unmoved. On Friday, Johan and Sam led us through five different emotional journeys in the five pieces on their program. Meaning and passion infused every part of the concert. Yet there was one more mind-boggling aspect to the evening.
Ease. Whether the music was straight-forward, challenging, or devilishly difficult, they made it look easy. Twenty-four-year-olds should not be able to do what we heard. I really don’t know what else to say. I’m just in awe.
Every one of the people in the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium on March 21 was enormously privileged to share that experience. It was special. Keep your eye on those two artists. They are going places.
(Feedback from my editors: At least it’s more than one sentence. Approved.)
John Wiebe - President
The Valley Concert Society