Port Moody violinist Corina Deng will dazzle at the Concerto Extravaganza next month for the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra.
The eight-year-old girl will help to launch the orchestra’s season with other young talent on Oct. 16 at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver.
The youngest solo performer in the showcase, Deng recently won first prize in her age group at the Canadian Music Competition.
In other arts news...
PIANO HARDWARE
A 12-year-old pianist from Coquitlam has scored the medal of excellence for her Grade 6 exam. Olivia Wong took the accolade from Conservatory Canada for having the highest mark in the province.
THEATRE AWARDS
A Coquitlam theatre company took two awards at this month’s Community Theatre Coalition (CTC) awards gala.
Paddy Tennant won for best graphic design — poster and programme — for Stage 43 Theatrical Society’s production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.
As well, Port Moody resident Dale Kelly, who has directed for Stage 43, was named best director for a comedy/drama for his guidance on The Last Lifeboat by the Surrey Little Theatre.
And Erika Babins, a musical theatre faculty member at Coquitlam’s Place des Arts, scooped the best choreography accolade for her moves in The IT Girl by DramaNatrix Productions; she also earned the best performance by an actress in a supporting role - musical for the show, an award shared by Lucia Forward in Fighting Chance’s Cats.
SALSA PARTY
Celebrate the city of Coquitlam’s 125th year at a salsa and Latin dance party at the Evergreen Cultural Centre Saturday night.
The municipality is partnering with the Hot Salsa Dance Zone to present Latin Night Coquitlam 125. Dance lessons start at 8 p.m. while, at 9 p.m., the rehearsal hall floor opens up for salsa, bachata, cha-cha-cha, cumbia and merengue moves. Admission is $10. Visit hotsalsadancezone.com.
VARIETY HOUR
The Green Hornet and the Great Carny Caper is the title of the next production presented by the Port Moody Heritage Society and Expect Exceptional Theatre.
The variety hour show on Sunday starts at 4 p.m. in the Inlet Theatre (100 Newport Dr.) and aims to take viewers back to the days before television when stories were told to families gathered around the radio.
There’s no cost to attend; however, to save a seat, call 604-939-1648. Ticket pick-up will be at 3 p.m. at the Inlet Theatre box office. Visit portmoodymuseum.org.
A BOOK... AND A UKE?
Readers at Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam can check out more than books this fall.
The facility, which is part of the Fraser Valley Regional Library system, has partnered with the Coquitlam Ukulele Tiny Instruments Enthusiasts Circle — better known as CUTIE — to loan out the Hawaiian instrument to the public.
The new Uke ‘n Play collection will be launched at the Mary Hill Road library on Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
AUTHOR TALKS
Adults 50 and up can join writer Stefano Mazzega at Coquitlam’s Dogwood Pavilion next week as he interviews local writers.
On Sept. 29, writers will give a reading and answer questions about their process. The free presentation starts at 10 a.m. at the seniors’ centre (1655 Winslow Ave.). To register, call 604-927-4386 or visit coquitlam.ca/dogwood.
READING BUDDIES
Students in kindergarten to Grade 3 can get literacy help with a reading buddy at Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam. Teen volunteers will be available on Mondays from 4 to 4:45 p.m. until Oct. 25.
Parents can visit the library (2470 Mary Hill Rd.) to fill out an application form. Call 604-927-7999.
CHRISTMAS ART
Artists wanting to see their work at a Port Coquitlam Christmas market have until Oct. 28 to apply to the city.
Christmas in Leigh Square — a celebration that includes live music, a visit from Santa, craft making and a holiday parade — runs Dec. 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. Jewellers, crafters, potters, knitters, sculptors and other artisans can be part of the outdoor event, free of charge. Email [email protected]. Call 604-927-8442.
