December 16-30 2020

Markus Masaites, piano

Markus Masaites is a student of Dr. Corey Hamm from the UBC School of Music currently completing his 4th year of a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. Previous to his University studies, Markus developed his musicianship under the tutelage of Ms. Jean Brown. During his time with Ms. Brown, at Jean Lyons School of Music, Markus had many successes in competitions and exams including 1st place at the BC Registered Music Teachers’ Association Provincials, and most notably, receiving the Gold Medal for the Highest ARCT exam mark in Canada for the year 2016. During his time at UBC, Markus co-founded the Genesis Trio alongside Violist Nina Weber and Clarinetist Jonathan Lopez. In summer 2019, the Genesis Trio traveled to El Paso Texas to present interactive performances for thousands of youth. They then proceeded to New York and took part in Ensemble Connect's Audience Engagement Intensive program at Carnegie Hall. Markus also is very involved in his music community hosting and playing in charity fundraiser concerts such as Concerts in Care. Outside of the practice room, Markus can’t get enough of skiing, coffee and petting his cats.  

Deeandra Miranda, soprano

Deeandra Miranda is in her third year studying vocal performance with Prof. Dale Throness at the UBC school of music. She initially began her musical journey with piano lessons at the age of 8 and then began to study voice with Grant Wutzke. Upon becoming involved with the Johnston Heights Secondary School choir, Deeandra decided that she would like to teach and conduct choirs in her post-secondary career. She is currently enjoying her time with the UBC University Singers and loved making music with them throughout Italy last summer. Although choral singing is what inspired her to pursue a career in music, Deeandra very much enjoys performing art song and opera as well. When she is not in rehearsals or onstage at UBC, Deeandra can be found at home in Surrey spending time with her family and loved ones.

Nina Weber, viola

A native of St. John's, Newfoundland, Nina Weber began her musical studies on the violin and later  found her true instrumental voice in the viola. Currently at The University of British Columbia, she is  entering her final year in a Bachelor's Degree of viola performance under the tutelage of professor,  

Marina Thibeault. Recent professional engagements have included sitting principal viola for Opera on the  Avalon's productions of Tosca and the contemporary opera, Dead Man Walking, as well as joining the  Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra as their youngest player ever. She is a founding member of The  Genesis Trio who regularly concertizes throughout Vancouver, and in 2019, they took home first prize in  Friends of Chamber Music Competition. Their 2019 tour took them to the Fox Theatre in El Paso, TX,  Carnegie Hall in New York City, and Calgary, AB, where they took 2nd prize in the 2019 Canadian Music  Competition. Additionally, Nina has attended summer festivals such as Interlochen Center for the Arts,  Domaine Forget, The Tuckamore Music Festival and sat as a principal viola for The National Youth  Orchestra of Canada in the summers of 2018 and 2019. Nina plays on a 2018 viola made by St. John’s  based luthier, Rodney De Vries.

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This recital is generously sponsored by VWMS Concert Chair and Honorary Life Member, Susan Wong Lim.

Programme