After going virtual for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bow Valley Music Festival (BVMF) was able to return in person and the wait was worth it.
Participants from BVMF saw success with several earning top spots in the provincials held by the Alberta Music Festival Association.
“We were able to get back to a live [event] this year and everyone was so excited,” said Cathy Robinson, BVMF media relations. “The festival is a very integral part of the Bow Valley music community.”
Being back in person allowed the participants to meet their peers, get support, and experience a sense of community.
Robinson spent time behind the scenes encouraging students and teachers to come back to this year’s festival to allow for a successful year.
“There is stress involved, but in the long run it is so wonderful to be a part of it,” she said.
Iri Takano won first place in Grade 10 and Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music piano solo class at provincials. Lily Burden, Melie Inageda, Sonora Inageda all earned third in their respective classes at provincials.
“It's very encouraging to have those kinds of placements,” said Robinson.
Takano also placed first in 2021, as well as second in 2019 and 2016.
“The people in the Bow Valley are so supportive of music, and my teacher is very supportive. So, I think that's what got me to first place at provincials,” said Takano.
Takano said she encourages people to participate in BVMF because it’s a welcoming place to get involved with music.
Kotomi Takano, Terrance Eggenberger, Vasylisa Nikolenko were also participants in provincials that came from BVMF.
The organization will resume operations in the fall to prepare for next year's festival.
