Monday, October 16, 2017

Workshop for the Performing Arts Festival in Singapore

After a thoroughly enjoyable Southeast Asia tour over the Summer, I will be returning to Singapore and Malaysia at the beginning of November. This time, I’ll be predominantly based in Kuala Lumpur (where I’m looking forward to presenting at the UCSI University Piano Pedagogy Conference, and giving presentations for Schott Music), but will also be briefly visiting Singapore too, for lessons and a workshop (see flyer below).

This workshop is intended for students, parents and teachers, or anyone preparing for a piano exam of any level or any examination board. We will discuss practice methods and preparation, and a number of students will have the opportunity to play their programme (or part of their programme) to a friendly audience, after which they will receive helpful, constructive feedback as we work on various technical and musical ideas to improve performances. There will also be a chance to present technical work such as scales and arpeggios.

I know many from Asia read my blog, and it would be wonderful to see you in Singapore on November 4th. Please follow this link to secure you place. I look forward to meeting you.





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Thursday, October 12, 2017

Introducing Duo Feola

For those keen on the piano duo repertoire (both duet and two-piano) – and it’s hard not to be! – these forthcoming concerts are sure to be a pre-Christmas highlight. Contemporary works and lesser known gems sit alongside traditional favourites, and all three concerts feature Italian pianists, Duo Feola. The programmes include works by C. Debussy, R. Hahn, P. A. Grainger, A. Casella, I. Stravinsky, L. Durey and C. Norton.

The concert at Stowe School on December 13th 2017 (in Buckinghamshire) will be a two-piano concert, whereas those at the Christian Science Church on December 14th (in York, North of the UK), and at Peregrine’s Pianos on December 15th (in London), will focus on piano duet repertoire.

Duo Feola are a piano duo from Bergamo.  Sisters Nicoletta and Angela Feola, have been performing together since they were small, and studied at Conservatorio “Giuseppe Verdi” in Milan, continuing their studies at Salzburg’s Mozarteum with Alfons Kontarsky and at Trinity College, London, completing a Masters in Advanced Recital Piano Duet.

They have played for concerts and festivals all over Europe, and have recently recorded a CD featuring the music of Hindemith for the label Art Voice. They have also been featured on radio and television broadcasts in Italy, Germany and Poland.

Duo Feola’s  repertoire is large, ranging from Bach to contemporary music. A number of composers – Matteo Segafreddo, Irlando Danieli, Angelo Paccagnini and Goffredo Haus have written music dedicated to them. Most recently, Christopher Norton, the renowned composer of Microjazz, has written an Italian Suite for 2 Pianos for Duo Feola and it will receive its UK premiere, along with a new Anatolian-Portuguese Suite for 2 Pianos, also written by Norton (both published by 80dayspublishing, Christopher’s own publishing company). The composer will also play (at all three concerts) some of his more popular works, particularly those on examination board syllabuses.

You can reserve your tickets on eventbrite: December 13th at Stowe School,  December 14th at the Christian Science Society, or December 15th at Peregrine’s Pianos, or alternatively buy them at the door.

Hope to see you there!


 

 

 

 

 

 




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Monday, October 9, 2017

The Intermediate Pianist: The winners….

Many thanks to all those who took part in my weekend competition, which was to win one of three new books written by Karen Marshall and Heather Hammond.  I really enjoyed reading all your comments. The Intermediate Pianist is a new piano course for those from Grade 3 – 5 level.

The winners are:

Liz Gethings wins Book 1

Flora Tzanetaki wins Book 2

and, Rebekah Hanna wins Book 3

Congratulations! Please send your address via my contact page here on the blog, and your books will be on their way.

You can find out much more about these publications here.


 




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Saturday, October 7, 2017

Weekend Competition: The Intermediate Pianist

Today’s weekend competition focuses on a new three-book piano course published by Faber Music. The Intermediate Pianist is intended for students and piano teachers tutoring students, from approximately Grades 3 – 5 level. Written by Karen Marshall and Heather Hammond, the course is designed to help students (and teachers) negotiate the intermediate stages of learning, where pupils are often prone to quitting. With this in mind, the books are progressive and roughly graded (Book 1 is equivalent to Grade 3 (ABRSM level), Book 2, Grade 4, and Book 3, to that of Grade 5).

Arranged in chapters, the volumes feature a collection of attractive pieces (both original (many by composer Heather Hammond) and arrangements), and provide a curriculum for teachers to work through with quick-learn studies, musicianship activities, sight-reading exercises and much theoretical information, helpful for those at this crucial stage.

I have three books to give away, so please leave your comments in the comment box at the end of this blog post and I will announce the winners on Monday evening (British time). Good luck!

You can find out more about the books here.


 




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Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Evelyn by Onni – At Forest’s-Edge West Vancouver 2-Bedroom + Den Pre-Construction Homes

North elevation of Evelyn At Forest's-Edge Three & Four.

At a Glance

  • terraced concrete building
  • lushly landscaped grounds in a spectacular setting
  • understated interiors & designer appliances
  • adjacent to Park Royal shopping centre
  • convenient connections to Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay & Whistler
  • LEED Silver master-planned community
  • geothermal energy system

West Coast Modernism
With an absence of unnecessary ornaments, Evelyn utilizes a combination of natural raw materials that fit within its environment, creating beauty unique to its setting and embracing nature. Private terraces provide homeowners with their own garden space, accentuated by the natural surroundings and trees. The site and building orientation is organized so that everyone has southern views and ample sun exposure. Meticulous attention has been placed on the ground level experience, as well, with water features, wandering paths, and pedestrian walkways which are central to Evelyn’s urban expression.

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West Vancouver offers some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in all of Canada. From the beaches of Ambleside and Dundarave, to the rocky shoreline of Lighthouse Park through to Howe Sound, this is an unparalleled playground. With 138 parks, seemingly endless public waterfront, and more than 100 kilometres of urban paths and wilderness trails, Evelyn is perfect for those who lead active lifestyles and value the time they spend outdoors as much as in. There’s no shortage of things to do, with year-round options at your doorstep ranging from sailing to skiing.

With all the charms and amenities offered in West Vancouver, you may rarely need to venture to downtown Vancouver. But if you do, the newly-redesigned Lions Gate Bridge on-amps and adjacent Taylor Way bus stops will take you there in minutes. With direct connections to Highway 1, Highway 99, and the ferries in Horseshoe Bay, your escapes to Bowen Island, the Sunshine Coast, and Whistler have never been easier.

Contact me today to learn about remaining opportunities to own in this established, master-planned community.

Pricing for Evelyn
Details have not yet been released. However, given the great popularity of Evelyn’s earlier phases, we strongly recommend you sign up to our VIP list above to ensure priority access to this incredible purchase opportunity.

Floor Plans for Evelyn
Onni’s Fall Feature Home for At Forest’s-Edge Three & Four is Plan B, a 2-bedroom + den designed for owners who have a sophisticated eye for style and detail.

Evelyn On Forest's-Edge Three & Four floor plan B.
Plan B
2 Bedroom + Den
Living: 1,125-1,145 sq ft (approx)
Outdoor: 170-175 sq ft (approx)
Total: 1,295-1,320 sq ft (approx)

Evelyn Interiors
Evelyn On Forest's-Edge Three & Four living room concept design.
Timeless Finishes

  • Automated lighting in living areas
  • Automated sound control with built-in speakers in kitchen
  • Premium wide-plank, engineered oak hardwood flooring with resilient brushed finish throughout living, entry, flex space, dens, and kitchen
  • 100% wool berber carpeting with cushioning underpad throughout bedrooms and walk-in closets
  • Porcelain tile in laundry closet
  • Full size high-efficiency Energy Star front-loading washer and Energuide-rated dryer
  • Modern, slim-line roller shades with 95% blockage to filter UV light on exterior windows with remote control operation for living and dining rooms
  • Flat painted ceilings throughout with recessed pot lighting in entry, bathrooms and kitchen
  • Ample in-suite storage with multiple oversized closets featuring contemporary flat-panel doors and modern polished chrome door hardware
  • Forced air heating and cooling
  • Contemporary flat profile painted baseboards and door casings
  • Painted solid wood interior doors
  • Multiple outlets for high-speed internet

Evelyn On Forest's-Edge Three & Four kitchen concept design.
Spacious Kitchens

  • Designer appliances package:
    • Sub-Zero 30” or 36” wood-paneled integrated fridge with dual freezer drawers at the bottom
    • Asko 24” full size wood-paneled integrated dishwasher
    • Miele 30” or 36” gas cook top
    • Faber 30” or 36” low-profile slide out 3 speed hood fan
    • Miele 30” convection wall oven
    • Sub-Zero under-counter integrated wine fridge
  • 1 1⁄2” thick double-nosed honed granite or composite stone counter tops with breakfast bar overhang
  • Full height stone backsplash to match counter tops
  • Custom made flat panel wood cabinets featuring custom wood gables and accent lacquer panel upper cabinets and bar backs
  • Soft close mechanism on all kitchen doors and drawers
  • Double bowl stainless steel zero-radius under-mounted sink
  • In-sink waste disposal
  • Kohler polished chrome kitchen faucet with extractible spray
  • Recessed pot lighting throughout kitchen
  • Under-cabinet puck lighting illuminating work space
  • Plug-in USB outlet included in the kitchen for convenient charging of your smartphone or electronic device

Evelyn On Forest's-Edge Three & Four bathroom concept design.
Luxurious Bathrooms

  • Nuheat electric floor heating system with thermostat
  • 12” x 24” imported honed travertine stone floor tile with matching 2” x 4” shower floor tile
  • Generously sized floating custom oak vanity cabinet and coordinating medicine cabinet
  • Soft-close mechanism and chrome door hardware on cabinetry
  • Honed marble slab countertops featured in Ambleside scheme
  • Honed quartz slab countertops featured in Dundarave scheme
  • Under-mount wash basin with double-handle chrome faucet in master bathrooms (and in main bathrooms in single bathroom homes)
  • Semi-recessed wash basin with single-lever chrome faucet in second bathrooms
  • Water-conserving elongated toilet
  • Showers encased in frameless glass and floor-to-ceiling tile
  • All showers equipped with wall mounted hand shower as well as rainshower head and pressure balanced valves
  • Deck-mounted deep soaker tub with flexible hand shower
  • Polished chrome bathroom accessories
  • Contemporary and functional wall sconces and pot lighting

Amenities at Evelyn
Landscaping includes heritage and additional trees, tranquil gardens and water features, inviting walkways, paths community linkages. Two convenient footpaths run through the site to Park Royal. Ample, secured residential and visitor parking for vehicles and bicycles. A complete selection of urban amenities, personal services and shopping adjacent to the property. Convenient access to nearby waterside parks, beaches and community services. Oversized south facing terraces with landscaped framed edges, ranging from 100 – 1,600 sq ft.

Parking and Storage
There are 122 resident and 10 visitor vehicle spaces, and 53 bicycle stalls contained in the building’s three levels of underground parkade.

Maintenance Fees at Evelyn
Included in pricing information.

Developer Team for Evelyn
The Onni Group is one of North America’s leading private real estate developers, with extensive experience designing, developing, building and managing innovative projects. As a fully-integrated company that directly oversees every step in the development process, Onni has built over 10,000 homes. In addition, the company owns and manages more than 7 million square feet of commercial property, over 5,500 rental apartment units, and has an additional 10 million square feet in various stages of development. With offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Mexico, Onni continues to expand and diversify into new markets throughout North America.

Expected Completion for Evelyn
To be determined.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in West or North Vancouver?

Check out these great North Shore Presales!

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1245 Harwood – Availability, Plans, Prices

1245 Harwood designed by Bing Thom Architects.

At a Glance

  • 17-storey luxury residential tower
  • one 2,205 sq ft. home per floor
  • stunning English Bay vistas
  • close proximity to Stanley Park
  • walking distance to Davie Village shops & restaurants
  • near seawall and beaches
  • home automation system

View of English Bay from 1245 Harwood balcony.

Redefining Vancouver’s West End
This exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime offering in one of the world’s most desirable cities, can now be yours. Each home encompasses the entirety of a full floor and is comprised of a gracious and exceptionally well-appointed 2,200 plus square feet. Designed with the upmost consideration, these beautifully crafted residences have been entirely executed using only the finest finishing materials available. Inspiring and serene living is ensured. Boasting quintessential vistas of English Bay, ocean, mountains, Stanley Park and cityscape, 1245 Harwood offers the best of Pacific West Coast scenery. Now completed, this exceptional residential landmark tower stands alone as an iconic exemplar of quality and uniqueness.

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Residing in the heart of the West End, 1245 Harwood is situated in one of downtown Vancouver’s longest established and most eclectic neighbourhoods. Where nature meets the downtown core, one can bike the the seawall, the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, then conveniently dine in one of Vancouver’s top upscale restaurants. Sunbathing on the beach and shopping along The Golden Mile, Vancouver’s high-end retail district, are all within walking distance. Amenities and activities range from community centres and farmers markets to local festivals, numerous parks, and beaches. The West End’s diversity and natural environment characterize the community, making it one of Vancouver’s most desirable places to live.

Pricing for 1245 Harwood
Offered from $5.8 million.

Floor Plans for 1245 Harwood
Floorplan for 1245 Harwood downtown Vancouver condominium.

Contact me today to discuss this outstanding purchase opportunity.

1245 Harwood Interiors
Spacious living room of 1245 Harwood.

  • Mozart Collection natural finish Oak Bianca flooring
  • Slab Carrera marble foyer
  • Giellesse closet system and accessories
  • 60”-long custom applied concrete fireplace with white oak millwork
  • hydronic radiant floor heating system
  • individual heat pump on each floor
  • dimmable LED, cove, recessed lights

Sumptuous master bedroom of 1245 Harwood.

  • automated Living, Dining, Master Bedroom, Ensuite shades
  • operable and fixed angel-hair stainless steel marine grade screens
  • Timbertech composite balcony decking
  • Millson home automation system

Chef-inspired kitchen at 1245 Harwood.

  • Bulthaup light grey quartz worktops
  • Bulthaup natural oak veneer grey bar top
  • Bulthaup kaolin tall and base mat lacquer cabinets
  • Bulthaup sand beige pantries
  • Bulthaup under-mount stainless steel sink
  • Gaggenau fully integrated refrigerator
  • Gaggenau cooktop
  • Gaggenau exhaust fan
  • Gaggenau wall oven
  • Gaggenau steam oven
  • Bosch fully integrated dishwasher
  • Cavavin wine fridge
  • Panasonic microwave
  • AEG full size washer and dryer

Spa-inspired ensuite at 1245 Harwood.
Master Bath

  • Sculptural free standing bath tub
  • Shower with Axor shower heads for multiple spray
  • Dornbract shower fixtures
  • Villoroy and Boch dual under-mount sinks
  • Custom dual backlit vanity mirrors
  • Duravit water closet
  • Stone Project naturale falda grey stone tile

Second Ensuite Bath

  • Stand alone shower
  • Duravit undermount sink
  • Duravit water closet

Powder Room

  • Slab stone pedestal sink
  • Duravit sink
  • Dornbracht faucet
  • Duravit water closet

Amenities at 1245 Harwood
Landscaped courtyard with Western Canada’s oldest-living, non-native deciduous tree and a street level reflecting pond.

Parking and Storage
One level of underground parking.

Maintenance Fees at 1245 Harwood
Details provided in offer.

Developer Team for 1245 Harwood
Acadia Development awarded the design of 1245 Harwood to Bing Thom Architects. Bing Thom is an innovative and global architectural and urban design practice with an emphasis on community-minded work. Founded in 1982, the firm has a core staff of 50 who, in addition to architecture and planning, bring expertise in engineering, sustainable building, interior design, project management, landscape design, and construction. With offices in Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Washington, DC, Bing Thom is known for design excellence and the ability to integrate site master planning, architecture and urban design into a compelling vision that inspires individuals, institutions and communities to do great things.

Expected Completion for 1245 Harwood
Completed. Selling now.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in Yaletown, Downtown, or near Chinatown?

Check out these great Downtown Vancouver Presales!

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September 2017 Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver Statistics Package with Charts & Graphs

Home buyer demand continues to differ based on housing type

Apartment and townhome activity is outpacing the detached home market across Metro Vancouver. This activity helped push total residential sales above the historical average in September.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in the region totalled 2,821 in September 2017, a 25.2 per cent increase from the 2,253 sales recorded in September 2016, and a 7.3 per cent decrease compared to August 2017 when 3,043 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 13.1 per cent above the 10-year September sales average.

“Our detached homes market is balanced today, while apartment and townhome sales remain in sellers’ market territory,” Jill Oudil, REBGV president said. “If you’re looking to enter the market, as either a buyer or seller, it’s important to understand these trends and use this information to set realistic expectations.”

There were 5,375 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in September 2017. This represents a 12 per cent increase compared to the 4,799 homes listed in September 2016 and a 26.6 per cent increase compared to August 2017 when 4,245 homes were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,466, a 1.2 per cent increase compared to September 2016 (9,354) and a 7.5 per cent increase compared to August 2017 (8,807).

“Detached homes made up 30 per cent of all sales in September and represented 62 per cent of all the homes listed for sale on the MLS®,” said Oudil. “This dynamic has slowed the pace of upward pressure that we’ve seen on detached home prices in our market over the last few years.”

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for September 2017 is 29.8 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 14.6 per cent for detached homes, 42.3 per cent for townhomes, and 60.4 per cent for apartments.

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,037,300. This represents a 10.9 per cent increase over September 2016 and a 0.7 per cent increase compared to August 2017.

Sales of detached properties in September 2017 reached 852, a 27.9 per cent increase from the sales recorded in September 2016 (666), a decrease of 33 per cent from September 2015 (1,272), and a decrease of 32.9 per cent from September 2014 (1,270). The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,617,300. This represents a 2.9 per cent increase from September 2016 and a 0.1 per cent increase compared to August 2017.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,451 in September 2017, a 19.1 per cent increase compared from the sales recorded in September 2016 (1,218), a 5.1 per cent decrease from September 2015 (1,529), and a 22.1 per cent increase from September 2014 (1,188). The benchmark price of an apartment property is $635,800. This represents a 21.7 per cent increase from September 2016 and a 1.4 per cent increase compared to August 2017.

Attached property sales in September 2017 totalled 518, a 40.4 per cent increase compared to the sales recorded in September 2016 (369), a 4.8 per cent decrease from September 2015 (544), and an 11.6 per cent increase from September 2014 (464). The benchmark price of an attached home is $786,600. This represents a 14.5 per cent increase from September 2016 and a 1.1 per cent increase compared to August 2017.

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