What makes a piece of music a popular classic?
Probably, it is tuneful, easy to remember, has been performed often, perhaps as a movie or advertising theme. Since it has become familiar, it is comforting rather than challenging for an audience.
Well, this is the music that Eleonore Krullaarts, local concert pianist, has chosen in her upcoming concert titled Music I Love. Sponsored by the Comox Valley Piano Society, Krullaarts will perform this Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Stan Hagen Theatre, North Island College.
In her program, Krullaarts will share her love of such selections as Beethoven鈥檚 Fur Elise and the Moonlight Sonata, Mozart鈥檚 Variations on the Twinkle Theme, Brahms鈥檚 Waltz in A-flat major, Chopin鈥檚 Polonaise in A major and Fantasie-Impromptu. Throughout the program, she will weave a story on how each of the selections came into her life and have stayed special in her memory.
Born in Apeldoom, the Netherlands, Krullaarts remembers being influenced by music at the age of three when she heard her first phonograph recording of Schubert鈥檚 Unfinished Symphony. She was enthralled by the music. She too wanted to make music and began her study of the piano at age five, with her debut as a performer at age 11.
Following grammar school, she went on to study piano at the Conservatory of Utrecht, where she completed a master鈥檚 degree with honours in both piano teaching and solo performance. From there, she embarked on an international performance career throughout Europe and then to the U.S.A. and Canada. Her repertoire ranges from Scarlatti to Ginestera.
In 1989, Krullaarts relocated to the Comox Valley where she has remained active in the music scene. She has performed for the Comox Valley Piano Society several times in the past, including a fundraiser in 1990 when the Society purchased its piano.
In addition to her performances and time spent analyzing music, Krullaarts is a PhD candidate, studying energy medicine. Recently, she was offered a Stanford Honours Reward.
Tickets ($18, $16, $10) for Music I Love are available at Laughing Oyster Book Shop, Blue Heron Books and Videos 鈥檔 More.
For further information about the Piano Society or this concert, contact Donna at 250-339-7782 or www.comoxvalleypianosociety.com.
鈥� Comox Valley Piano Society
