Young virtuosi off to Carnegie Hall

Two gifted West Island musicians depart for the Big Apple this weekend where they will take part in a gala concert at one of New York City’s most venerated institutions. Twelve-year-old violinists Colton Reed of Hudson and Alexandra Frischman of Dollard des Ormeaux were named first place finalists in their category in the Crescendo International Music Festival, which was held at McGill University in December. The winners of the prestigious youth competition will take to the stage at Carnegie Hall on Jan. 24. “The competition is held in countries around the world. All the winners will be presented with their trophies at the gala, and will also give a performance,” said Catherine Aznar, Alexandra’s mother. “While we’re there we’ll also visit Juilliard, which Alexandra hopes to attend.” Colton and Alexandra’s musical prowess has earned them a series of distinguished awards in the past few years. “Both have been finalists at the national level of the Canadian Music Competitions, and they made their international debut in Vermont last summer,” Aznar said. The two have also fared consistently well in the Valleyfield classical music competition which is held each spring, and have frequently performed at Pollack and Redpath halls. Alexandra, who is enrolled in the International Program at St. Thomas High School, studies Collegial I violin at McGill and performed with the Westmount Youth Orchestra in 2009. Colton is home-schooled and has played with esteemed ensemble I Musici in the past. The aspiring virtuosi are students of Lucine Balikian of Vaudreuil, “an exceptional teacher who helps them each develop their own unique style, and knows how to tap in to their best qualities and their strengths,” said Michelle-France Manuel, Colton’s mom. At Saturday’s concert, Colton will perform the first movement of Mozart’s Concerto in G Major. Alexandra will play Bach’s Partita no. 2 Allemande and Gigue. Crescendo International’s regional winners will also give a recital Feb. 13 at Chapelle de Bon Pasteur in Montreal.