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.
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.”
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
Artist Spotlight
Alias Wayne celebrates the beauty of genuine affection on latest release “Tribute”
Alias Wayne brings the romantic message to the fore with “Tribute,” a song written to celebrate someone whose qualities deserve recognition and appreciation. The whole release is really about love and wanting the world to know how special someone is to you. It’s a simple yet significant idea, especially since the song takes an appreciation-based approach to romance rather than focusing on the thrill of attraction.
As the track progresses, the addition of shakers and hand drum adds yet another layer of rhythmic character, giving the arrangement a lively quality. What I really like is how these elements help the song move forward without detracting from its romantic message.
The lyric direction also keeps affection at the center, expressing admiration for someone’s qualities and a desire to get closer through a personal invitation to share a dance. It gives the song a warm, accessible feel. “Tribute” is a release that celebrates someone special. Alias Wayne blends a message of love with guitar, percussion, and rhythmic movement. It’s a nice treat for fans of romantic songs with a personal touch.
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Artist Spotlight
Séhkou unveils a beautiful connection between faith and intimacy on latest release “Song of Songs 1:3-4 (I Know)”
Romance meets spiritual expression in Séhkou’s new single, “Song of Songs 1:3-4 (I Know),” featuring Angélica Allen. The release provides a fresh take on attraction and intimacy. The song blends hip-hop with soul and R&B influences, celebrating a bond between two people who genuinely choose and cherish each other. Rather than the indecision of chasing after someone who keeps their distance, it’s about mutual affection, desire, and the reassurance of being wanted back.
I particularly appreciate the solemn flute that flows throughout the track. This gives the arrangement an interesting musical character and strengthens the connection between the romantic and spiritual themes. The rap rhythm is also noteworthy, bringing a different feel to the track, while keeping the lyrical focus front and center.
Allen’s spoken-scripture intro and outro provide an important framework for the record, connecting its expressions of intimacy to a sense of reverence. Song of Songs 1:3-4 (I Know) has something meaningful to offer listeners who appreciate music that goes beyond surface attraction to explore love. Séhkou blends hip-hop, soul, R&B, and spiritual expression thoughtfully.
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