This year, the WYO organized a masterclass with Denise Lupien, violinist and professor at McGill University. The masterclass was mostly for selected violinists and violists from the Westmount Symphony Orchestra but 3 lucky musicians from the younger orchestra were also invited. Ben and Elliott found out on Wednesday that they had been selected to participate at this first masterclass edition.
Ben performed his Haydn concerto and Elliott played his Bréval concertino. A masterclass is a great opportunity for a musician to perform in front a professional musician and get some feedback to enhance his play. The format is very simple, it is basically a music lesson that is given in front of an audience.
Ben got to work for about 30 minutes with Mrs. Lupien. She was just wonderful and Ben responded very well to her comments and suggestions. She told him that she liked his style and sound which sent Ben straight to the moon!
Towards the end, they ran out of time and the organizer told Elliott that he wouldn't be able to play but Mrs. Lupien insisted that she wanted to hear him even though she wouldn't have time to work with him. We thought this was most kind of her.
Another great experience for our musicians. Every week they amaze us and we are always so very proud of everything they are able to accomplish.
Benjamin and Mrs. Denise Lupin, violinist