Celebrating Canadian Music at Canada Music Week: A Day of Inspiration and Talent
The Brandon and Westman Registered Music Teachers' Association (BWRMTA) orchestrated a celebration of Canadian music on November 22 at the School of Music, Brandon University. This Canada Music Week event brought together students, educators, and music enthusiasts for a day of learning, performance, and connection, serving as a testament to the richness and diversity of Canadian musical artistry.
Master Class: A Showcase of Growth and Creativity
Led by the pianist and educator Dr. Daniel Tselyakov, the Master Class provided 14 students with a rare opportunity to refine their skills under expert guidance. Known for his thoughtful mentorship and charismatic teaching style, Dr. Tselyakov seamlessly blended technical insight with storytelling, creating a memorable experience for participants and the audience.
With a repertoire spanning charming beginner pieces to technically demanding works, the class highlighted the depth of Canadian piano literature. Among the many standout moments:
Anna-Lucia Mena Shevchenko brought grace and poise to Homage to S.R. by E. Schneider.
Alfred Qiao delivered an electrifying performance of Oskar Morawetz's Scherzo, capturing its fiery character.
Bella Penner expressed the haunting beauty of Solitude by Stella Claire ter Hart.
Adeline Hehn infused vitality into Buenos Días by Sarah Konecsni.
Dimitra Pipilou conjured vivid imagery with her interpretation of The Stormy Sea by Anne Crosby Gaudet.
Younger performers captivated the audience with their heartfelt interpretations of beginner pieces.
The Master Class wasn't just about polishing technique—it was about uncovering the stories within the music. "Every piece has a story to tell," Dr. Tselyakov noted, "and as performers, we breathe life into those stories—whether it's the playful antics of a sneaky feline or the grandeur of the open sea."
Concert: A Celebration of Canadian Music
The evening concert, featuring 25 talented performers, transformed the recital hall into a vibrant stage celebrating Canadian music. The program showcased the creative expanse of Canadian compositions, from gentle beginner pieces to sophisticated works by renowned composers.
Standout performances included:

  • Joy SunQiaoYi Zhang captivated the audience with Boîte à surprise by S.C. Eckhardt-Gramatté.
  • David (Juncheng) Yu offers a deeply moving rendition of A Wild Innocence by David L. McIntyre.

Community, Connection, and Canadian Spirit
The event concluded with a warm reception that buzzed with excitement and pride. Attendees shared reflections on the day's performances, celebrating the talents of the students and the vibrancy of Canadian compositions.
Gratitude was also extended to the executive team—Alla Turbanova, Lara Mason, Dianna Neufeld, Maureen Baird, Marla Winters, and Wing Chow—for their dedication to organizing such a remarkable event. Special acknowledgment was given to the leadership of BWRMTA President Laura Liu, who travelled from Toronto to join the festivities.
A Celebration to Remember
This year's Canada Music Week celebration was more than just an event—it was a shared journey through the richness of Canadian music. From Dr. Tselyakov's inspiring mentorship to the heartfelt performances of students, the day underscored the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift.
As Dr. Tselyakov aptly remarked, "Canadian music has a voice that deserves to be heard—and today, you all gave it wings."
Respectfully submitted by
The Brandon and Westman Registered Music Teachers' Association

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The Manitoba Registered Music Teachers' Association Brandon Branch was formed through the efforts of Dr. W.L. Wright of Brandon College and a group of local music teachers in May of 1936 at the Prince Edward Hotel in Brandon, Manitoba. The branch, between 1936 and 1944, independently sponsored recitals by visiting artists. After 1944 the branch began supporting annual recitals in the Young Artist Series and the Canadian Music Week Series. In 2010 the branch changed its name to the Brandon and Westman Registered Music Teachers' Association to be inclusive of members in the area surrounding the city of Brandon.

Our members are from Alexander, Boissevain, Brandon, Margaret, Melita and Reston. Each of our members are involved within their own community’s local arts festivals, workshops, recitals, choirs, orchestras, schools and churches. As members, we are learning together through monthly online pedagogy chats and inclusively inviting the larger community of private teachers to grow with us. We continue to be encouraging to all levels and ages of students.

Executive Members

President: Dianna Neufeld
Past President: Ann Germani
Secretary: Maureen Baird
Treasurer: Lara Mason
Registrar: Alison McNeil-Hordern
Program & Concert Convenor: Alla Turbanova
Young Artist Series: Marla Winters

 

Members

Alexander

  • Marla Winters - Violin, Viola

Boissevain

  • Tenley Dyck - Piano, Theory: Rudiments, Piano Pedagogy

Brandon

  • Wing Chow - Piano, Voice/Vocal/Singing, Rudiments, Early Childhood
  • Ann Germani - Piano, Early Childhood, Harp
  • Alison McNeil-Hordern - Piano, Theory: Rudiments
  • Lara Mason - Piano, Theory: Rudiments
  • Laurissa Sieklicki - Piano
  • Alexander Tselyakov - Piano
  • Alla Turbanova - Piano

Margaret

  • Dianna Neufeld - Piano, Theory: Rudiments

Melita/Brandon

  • Maureen Baird - Piano, Theory: Rudiments, Woodwinds

Winnipeg/Killarney:

  • Eleanor Epp - Piano, Theory: Rudiments, Harmony, Counterpoint, Analysis, History
  • Heidi Peters - Piano, Theory: Rudiments, Composition, Harmony, Counterpoint, Analysis, Online lessons, Aural Musicianship, Performing Arts Health Educator, Collaborative Piano