Music lovers in Winnipeg are in for a treat this Sunday, March 16, as the Mennonite Community Orchestra presents Youthful Sounds, a concert featuring an exciting lineup of classical works. The performance, set for 3:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Cross, will showcase Rossini’s exhilarating William Tell Overture, Amy Beach’s folk-inspired Gaelic Symphony, and Ravel’s dazzling Piano Concerto in G—with rising star Raymond Ding at the piano.
A Star on the Rise
Ding, a Grade 12 student at J.H. Bruns Collegiate, has already made a name for himself in Manitoba’s classical music scene. He has earned top prizes in major competitions, including first place in the advanced category of the Manitoba Registered Music Teachers’ Association Performance Scholarship Competition. At the 2023 Winnipeg Music Festival, he received three of the event’s most prestigious honours: the Royal Conservatory of Music Alumni Association Trophy, the Aikins Memorial Trophy, and the Lieutenant Governor’s Trophy, awarded for the highest overall achievement.
His impressive résumé also includes a performance with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, where he played the third movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 under the baton of Maestro Daniel Raiskin—a moment he describes as one of the most exciting of his young career.
Falling for Ravel
For this concert, Ding will perform the first movement of Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, a piece he initially overlooked but grew to love. “Two years ago, it didn’t stand out to me,” he says. “But when I listened again last September, it felt like a completely new piece. I fell in love with it instantly.”
The concerto is known for its jazz influences, technical brilliance, and lyrical second movement. Although Ding is performing only the first movement, he’s particularly drawn to the cadenza. “It’s very calm, very colourful, almost like washing the piano with impressionistic sound.”
A Collaborative Challenge
As a student of esteemed pianist Shirley Elias, Ding has been honing his technical skills and interpretive approach. He describes Elias as both knowledgeable and engaging, pushing him to explore new ways of approaching music.
Rehearsing with the Mennonite Community Orchestra has also been a rewarding experience. “The concerto has a strong rhythmic pulse, and while there have been challenges, everyone is working hard to bring it together,” he says. As a pianist, he’s used to playing solo, so collaborating with an orchestra is an exciting change. “Being part of a team is a great pleasure.”
With a dynamic mix of orchestral and solo works, Youthful Sounds promises an afternoon of musical brilliance. Don’t miss the chance to witness this rising star in action.
The event will take place on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Winnipeg. For more information, visit mennonitecommunityorchestra.ca.
