Friday, July 11, 2008

Percussion Power has purpose

Lively City column by Dan Hilborn
Published Nov. 26, 2005


She calls herself a pianist in search of a fairy godmother.

Anna Levy is looking for a benefactor to help keep alive the music of Russian-born composer Nikolai Korndorf, who died suddenly in Burnaby in 2001 after suffering an aneurysm while playing soccer with one of his sons.

On Dec. 2, Levy will present Percussion Power, a concert featuring works from Bartok, Lutoslawski and the world premier of Bulgarian-Canadian composer Roussi Tarmakov's Wine Candlelight and Hot Chili Peppers for two pianos and percussion at the Shadbolt Centre.

The performance will feature two of the top percussionists in the Lower Mainland, Vern Griffiths and Sal Ferraras, along with pianists Jane Hayes and Levy, as part of her annual series of concerts in memory of Korndorf.

CBC Radio 2 will be on hand to record Percussion Power for rebroadcast in an upcoming edition of its Westcoast Performances show.

Levy, who will have copies of Korndorf's memorial CD on sale at the show, is also seeking a benefactor to help keep alive the Nikolai Korndorf and His Contemporaries concert series.

Tickets are $15 adults and $10 for students or seniors through the Shadbolt box office, 604-205-3000.

PURPLE PIRATE ON STAGE

A local performer who wants to get young people away from in front of the television and out into the real world is bringing his song and dance routine to the Michael J. Fox Theatre this weekend.

Dustin Anderson, aka the Purple Pirate, said he wants to depose Santa Claus as the wintertime role model for young people.

With magician Denis Hewson, the show combines acrobatics, contact juggling, dance and magic that encourages kids to get moving.

The Purple Pirate's Winter Extravaganza is Nov., 27, at both 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $8.50 children, $12.50 adults or $37 for families.

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