Two young musicians who are making a name for themselves and gaining a reputation for their performance are teaming up for an intimate performance in High River next week
Mari Coetzee and Angela Ryu will play a duet at the High River United Church on April 23 for the next installment of the Gift of Music concert series.
Coetzee and Ryu, have been well-accomplished solo artist but now bring their talents together to put on a meaningful and emotional show for all ages to enjoy.
Their playing styles constantly change between the artists because of the musical freedom classical offers.
Ryu won two top awards at the Canadian Music Competition in August 2015, the prestigious grand prize as the best overall musician and top violinist. She was one of the youngest at the competition and the youngest to win the top violinist award at the age of 16.
“Playing violin is really just a apart of my everyday life,” said Ryu. “It’s been really rewarding because of the friends I’ve made and the things I’ve accomplished.”
Ryu did not expect to win the national music competition at such a young age. She said it was a great confidence boost and it helped her discover her love of music.
The future is bright for Ryu for of her ability to play violin. Starting at the age of five, she was eager to play her violin and learned quickly. She has been in several competitions in her young life and still balances her music life with her school life.
“I’m not to sure about the future because I am still in school,” said Ryu. “ But I know I want to pursue music, maybe a major in music and a minor in academics.”
Coetzee has accomplishments of her own as a cellist playing around the world and is currently in her first year at The Julliard School of Music.
“I want my music to broaden the horizon on what’s possible for people and want them to feel different after the show,” said Coetzee.
Coetzee plays in three-to-five competitions a year and tries to gain as much performance experience as possible.
She said she wants to uplift the audience and relax to forget about other things in life.
Both Ryu and Coetzee use music as a release from everyday life, practicing between three to five hours a day. Coetzee’s main goal for the future is to pursue playing cello.
Tickets are $10 for youths and $25 for adults, see highrivergiftofmusic.com for more information.
