On Sunday, June 2, 2019, at the Keyboard Concepts Sherman Oaks showroom, founder and piano instructor, Linda Wehrli of Pastimes for a Lifetime hosted the annual Spring Student Piano Concert.
Store manager, Adam Chester was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for making this special space available to the school. Adam regaled the audience with his witty and interesting tidbits about the store, his background as a pianist, composer, conductor, and author, and the jaw-dropping Yamaha concert grand they graciously made available.
Master of Ceremonies, Radina Veliova, vocal coach of Vocals on Stage introduced each student and their piece with wit and warmth.
This year’s show included classical and contemporary solos performed by eight of Linda’s students.
Click the links to watch their performances on YouTube.
Aidan Caplan
Prelude No. 1
Etude Opus 25, No. 1
Berceuse Opus 57
Eileen L.
Picnic
My Favorite Things
Gavotte
The Clear Stream
Cameron Carr
Etude #20, Jazz Waltz
Solitude
The Desert and the Parched Land
Chris K.
That Grace May Abound
Sepia Tones
Prelude in A Major, Opus 28, No. 7
Ryan P.
Sunday Blues
Pink Panther Theme
Minuet in F
By the Sea
Michael G.
Gymnopedie No. 1 Excerpt
In a Minor Mood
David G.
Petals
Spring Colors
Ryan B.
Nocturne Opus 9, No. 2, Excerpt
Waltz Opus 39, No. 15 Excerpt
Linda presented each student performer with a beautiful Certificate of Merit acknowledging their hard work.
Office manager extraordinaire, Jessica Lee Sanders greeted guests and assisted with refreshment table duties in addition to behind-the-scenes assistance in creating the programs, certificates of merit and concert-related correspondence with student performers and their families. Guest Mrs. Penka Kouneva presented Linda and Jessica unexpectedly with beautiful bouquets. What a lovely and thoughtful treat!
Linda’s hubby and fellow pianist and composer, Barry Michael Wehrli expertly videotaped the performance in addition to assisting with set up and clean up.
Following the student portion of the concert, pianist Linda Wehrli had the pleasure of closing the program with two solo piano performances.
Lent et Mélancolique
Gato La Mayor No. 1
After the concert, students and guests enjoyed delicious gourmet empanadas and desserts by Chef Karla Peguero and her sister Meridys of Cake Bash Studio.
A delectable fruit platter and other finger foods were generously donated by students’ families.
Performers and staff received tasty artisanal chocolate musical notes by Anita Burgoyne of Custom Chocolate Designs. It’s a tradition!
A heartfelt thanks to the dedicated piano students and their families, staff and Keyboard Concepts for making this memorable concert possible.
Thanks to photographer Katie Stone for taking such timeless photos.
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Pastimes For a Lifetime Art and Piano School is located in Valley Glen, California. 818-766-0614. School is open Tuesday – Saturday year round, except for major holidays.
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I’ve been committed to continuing lifelong learning and inspiring creative thinking through art and music since 1989. I’d love to meet you! You’re welcome to chat with me on Zoom or stop by the studio. Just shoot me an email at Linda@pastimesinc.com and I’ll be glad to set up a mutually convenient time.
Another great concert and fun new venue!
Thank you. Indeed! Thanks for your wonderful help. 🙂
It is interesting and pleasant to play on a Concert Grand, with its usually marvelously beautiful tone elicited by its large sounding board. It is also interesting to know about the various piano sizes, by the way:
Modern Grand Piano Sizes:
Petite Grand Pianos are shorter than 4′ 11″ (sometimes called miniature)
Baby Grand Pianos – 4’11” to 5’1″
Classic or Medium Grand Pianos – 5’2″ to 5’8″
Full Grand Pianos – 5’9″ to 6’2″ …
Semi-Concert Grand Pianos – 6’10” to almost 9′
Concert Grand Pianos – anything over 8’10”
The over 8’10 Concert Grands have a momentously beautiful, impressive tone.
One should try to get the opportunity to play one for the beautiful experience.
Thank you for the interesting comment.
What a wonderful and enjoyable experience. The venue was perfect. The performances were fantastic, and the food delicious! The Yamaha Grand was beautiful. Linda, Barry and Jessica another great show.
Looking forward to Fall!
Thank you for the kind words of support, Brian! They mean a lot to us. 🙂
I remember being in those piano concerts! They were always fun to do and location looks great!
You were a favorite at my student concerts, being well prepared and playing with heart. This time we were treated to playing on an outstanding concert grand piano. Truly memorable. Thanks for the kind comment.
So very enjoyable.
Thank you.