Young talents shone
published: Wednesday | April 28, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I AM a violinist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in Canada. I recently accompanied three young musicians, from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, to Jamaica to see them perform in three concerts. The students, alongside Jamaica's own young violinist Jessica Yap, performed two concerts at Edna Manley College in Kingston, and one concert at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville.

The performers played to a nearly full house, every time. It was an eye-opening experience for the audience to hear such young, talented musicians, aged 11 to 14, perform like professionals. I believe this kind of musical exposure is extremely valuable for the cultural enrichment of Jamaica. I would like to point out that these concerts would not have been made possible without energy and time being expended by certain people.

Among these people, I would like to single out Rosemary Yap. Rosemary, when studying piano abroad at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, was overwhelmed after hearing a piano recital given by the students of Mrs. Marina Geringas. She was then inspired that other fellow Jamaicans should be given an opportunity to hear as well. Through her hard work and effort, she made her vision a reality. I would like to congratulate her and all others who participated in this worthy endeavour.

I am, etc.,

HYUNG-SUN PAIK

hyungsunp@yahoo.com

First violinist, Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Toronto, Ontario

Canada

Via Go-Jamaica