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Artist Spotlight

Pianist Minna Re Shin presents a new album “Sonate Tableaux”

In collaboration with ombú productions and the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, Gallery Gora of Montreal welcomes on June 15th the Canadian pianist Minna Re Shin who will publicly present her most recent multidisciplinary project based on the four-movement work for piano solo by Canadian composer Alain Payette, Sonate Tableaux, which serves as the inspiration for the recording of a digital album and video.

Indulge in the live performance of this dynamic pianist and feel the intense passion and musical poetry that will come to life under her deft fingers. Enjoy the public presentation of the music video which has recently garnered recognition, honours, and distinctions on the international scene, including the Best Classical Music Video Award at the 5th Music Film Festival (Buenos Aires), the Jury Diamond Award for Best Short Music Video at the March 2022 edition of the Europe Film Festival U.K., and the Judge’s Choice Award for Music Video at the 2022 Winter session of the World Premiere Film Awards (Los Angeles). Marvel at the multidisciplinary collaboration among the Canadian female artists who have join forces for the first time in this creative interpretation coloured by the interplay of different art forms (music, painting, dance, and theatre).

With your presence, you will support the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation in its continuous role in raising awareness and funding for cutting-edge research, groundbreaking innovation, and patient-support programs, and offering hope to breast cancer fighters, survivors, caregivers, and communities.

To purchase tickets for the benefit launch concert event on June 15th, please visit https://pianist-minna-re-shin-launch-concert-june-2022.eventbrite.ca.

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The digital album will be available online via CD Baby; please visit www.minnareshin.com/discography/ for updates and direct links to CD Baby for purchase.

Women: Source of Inspiration for the Project

Sonate Tableaux, featuring the musical performance by Minna Re Shin, embraces the theme of beauty, the dynamics of the female body and its movement quality, the empowerment of women, and their role in the art world. Through the prism of her solo piano performance, painter Natalija Jeremic, ballet dancer Catherine Toupin, and mime artist Laurence Castonguay Emery present their interpretations of the Canadian pianist’s rendition of the composer’s work, permitting other women’s voices to be heard through the different art forms featured in the original and multifaceted presentation. The visual musical rendition of the neo-romantic composition interweaves with the imaginative interplay of cinematic applications inspired by the music and the artwork associated with the four movements or “tableaux” of Payette’s piano œuvre.

Minna Re Shin: Pianist and Performing Artist

Winner of numerous prizes in national and international competitions, the Montreal-born pianist of Asian heritage Minna Re Shin has graced the classical music stage with her virtuoso technique, mature artistry, stage personality, and rare sensitivity. This versatile artist has won enthusiasm for her performances of diverse repertoire, including new, lesser familiar works by lesser-known composers who are under-represented on the Canadian and world stage. Here at home and overseas, critics and audiences alike have raved about her performances as “intense,” “inspiring,” and “powerful.” In the words of the legendary Russian pianist Lazar Berman, “Minna Re Shin and her great talent.”

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Since her solo début at the age of ten with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, this dynamic artist has performed in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia and has received high praise as recitalist, as chamber pianist, and as soloist in concerts with major orchestras, such as the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the Montreal Chamber Orchestra, and the chamber orchestra I Musici de Montréal, and with distinguished conductors like Charles Dutoit, Marc David, and Jacques Lacombe. She has played in many concert series and festivals, including the prestigious International Haydn Festival in Eisenstadt where she made her Austrian début.

Minna Re Shin has also been lauded as a recording artist. Her début CD devoted to Haydn piano sonatas on the ombú productions label has been released to great critical acclaim. Le Journal de Montréal hailed her as a “great performer with great sensitivity and intelligence.” Following the success of this recording, Shin has embarked on a multi-recording project with ombú. Her second solo album, Images & Ballades, which features works by the Canadian composers Alain Payette and Jean Coulthard, was applauded by Paroles et Musique: “the pianist’s interpretation is impeccable; it was as if these two composers had lent her their pen.” Her most recent music album Sonate Tableaux celebrates the world premiere performance of this unknown work, and the complementary performance video marks her début as producer.

For a preview of the video Sonate Tableaux, please visit
www.minnareshin.com/video


To listen to the album Sonate Tableaux, please visit
www.minnareshin.com/media/sonate-tableaux


www.minnareshin.com

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Album Review

Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album

Dian Sheng

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

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The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Connect with Dian Sheng on | Facebook | X | Spotify | Instagram |

 

Written by:

Faith Koch

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Artist Spotlight

Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound

Sporty-O

“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.

Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.

“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.

Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.

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What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.

Connect with Sporty-O on | Facebook | Spotify | Instagram | TikTok | Website |

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