| MAUREEN SMITH & DINUK WIJERATNE | |
| SUNDAY OCTOBER 17, 2010 | 19:30 h AT THE MUSIC ROOM | GET TICKETS |
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| Maureen Smith | |
| Reeny Smith was born May 12, 1992. She hails from the community of North Preston, Nova Scotia. Since the age of five, she has been a singer as well as a pianist. She was enrolled in the conservatory of music at the age of seven pursuing piano, and is currently studying under Halifax based pianist, Paul Simons. Reeny is currently studying jazz vocals at the Maritime conservatory under Ryan Billington, head of vocals at St. Francis Xavier University. Reeny is a volunteer pianist at her local church; Saint Thomas Baptist, and is a member of three choirs within the church. Her musical roots stem from a long list of great family musicians. Her father and grandfather, Wallace Smith Sr. and Jr., are former members of The Gospel Heirs, one of Canada’s Premier Gospel bands. Her father also directs the award winning Hallelujah Praise Choir. Uncles Carson and Murray Downey of the Carson Downey Band are additional testaments to the great musical legacy that Reeny has for inspiration. After hearing Reeny’s demo CD, Laura (Lulu) Healy, Artistic Director of the 2010 Atlantic Jazz festival, stated “the vocals are incredible”, earning her a showcase at this years Festival. Reeny’s love of music has driven her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in jazz vocals at St Francis Xavier University in September. |
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| Dinuk Wijeratne | |
| Dinuk made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2004 as a conductor, composer and pianist, performing with Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble. A second Carnegie appearance followed in 2009, this time alongside tabla legend Zakir Hussain. Dinuk has also appeared at Opera Bastille (Paris), the Kennedy Center (Washington DC), Der Philharmonie (Berlin) and has toured the Middle East. A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music (UK), Mannes College (NYC), and from the Juilliard School where he studied with Oscar-winner John Corigliano, Dinuk now lectures at Dalhousie University, and the NSCC. He is also currently Music Director of the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, having conducted the National Arts Centre Orchestra (Ottawa) and appeared many times with Symphony Nova Scotia during his 3-year appointment as Conductor-in-Residence. He is the recipient of the Jean-Marie Beaudet Award for Orchestral Conducting, double Merritt Award nominations (2009), as well as numerous other international prizes. His music and collaborative work embrace the great diversity of his international background and influences. |
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