The Gleaner

Hinchinbrooke violinist Roman Fraser is living his dream career

le mardi 31 octobre 2017
Modifié à 10 h 53 min le 31 octobre 2017

Emily Southwood On October 28th, violinist and Haut Saint Laurent native Roman Fraser performed with pianist Philip Chiu and cellist Joshua Morris at Le Salon Vert in Hinchinbrooke. The trio interpreted the work of Bach, Franck, and Arensky in a moving performance followed by an English Tea, which was also a thank you concert for Madame Pierrette Rayle of Havelock who has enthusiastically supported Roman Fraser’s flourishing musical career. Quebec Court of Appeal Judge Madame Rayle first heard Roman play at a concert in Hemmingford when he was only ten. At the time, she was extremely impressed by how adeptly he played his violin, which as she explains: “Is not an easy instrument for a youngster to play so beautifully.” Flash forward to 2016 when she noticed that Roman was performing with the Milton String Quartet at Le Salon Vert and went to see how the young musician had progressed. Roman was by then studying with The McGill Schulich School of Music and was the first violin of the award winning Milton Quartet. The Quartet has won numerous prizes, including a gold medal for their group and the grand prize at the 2017 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, the largest chamber music competition of its kind. Madame Rayle was once again blown away by Roman’s talent. She spoke with him after the show and learned that he was playing on a borrowed violin; his had broken and he was saving to acquire a suitable instrument of his own. She was astounded that he could perform so masterfully on a borrowed instrument. With the close guidance of a professor from The Schulich School of Music, Madame Rayle has since helped Roman acquire two violins— one from the 18th century with an ancient and mellow sound; the other built by award winning Quebec violin maker, Martin Héroux, who was also present at Saturday’s concert. After the performance, Madame Rayle expressed: “I’ve been overjoyed to watch Roman launch into the world as a young professional. He’s only flying higher and higher.” Le Salon Vert is an intimate hall that hosts regular music, wine and fireplace concerts at a charming hobby farm with views of 200-year-old maples, horses, dogs and a few goats. Property owner Sarah Fraser (also Roman’s mom) originally conceived of the concert space with pianist Philip Chiu, winner of the 2015 Prix Goyer (the biggest classical music prize in Canada for emerging artists). Philip will be playing again at Le Salon Vert this November 12th. For more information or to RSVP see: http://www.lesalonvert.com/