Meet Emilia Vozian! At age 17, Emilia is a talented flutist who will take center stage at this year’s Spark to Flame student showcase on March 1. With free tickets available (RSVP required), this is your chance to experience the magic of young musicians bringing their dreams to life.
A Musical Journey
Emilia has been playing the flute for six years, studying under the expert guidance of Dr. Mary Byrne. Her passion for music began in middle school when band teachers recommended the Esquimalt Township Youth Mentorship Program, which opened her eyes to a whole world of music that she did not know existed. The Victoria Conservatory of Music Collegium Program further expanded her musical perspective.
“This broad music community, along with a love for flute repertoire, inspires me to play my instrument.”
Emilia has experienced numerous memorable moments, including collaborating with the Gardellino Flute Trio and Jubilee Flute Quartet – whether those moments were downright comical in the practice room or truly heartwarming on-stage.
Choosing the Perfect Piece
For Spark to Flame, Emilia chose to perform “A Night Piece” by Arthur Foote. The piece grew on her as she slowly extracted her own vision out of it:
“For a long time, the imagery I associated with the piece was that of a distraught character waltzing with his wife’s ghost under moonlight. However, the range of emotions exuded in this piece eventually led me to perceive its story as a representation of being caught between dissonant realities. It dawned upon me that the wife was in fact alive, not truly just an imaginative figment of the man’s past, and while the man’s declining grasp on his memory is tainting his perception of reality, it does not lessen his passion.”
Inspirations and Aspirations
When asked about her biggest musical influence, Emilia didn’t hesitate to name her flute teacher, Mary Byrne who, through her energy, thoughtfulness, and musical expertise, has imbedded a dedication to music that will stay with Emilia for the trajectory of her life.
Outside of music, she can be found reading books on neuroscience, working on crochet projects, painting natural scenery, and is a Hospital Volunteer Team Lead through the Island Health Step Up Youth Program, showcasing her well-rounded personality.
Emilia’s postsecondary studies are focused on human biology, though a deep appreciation and exploration of musicianship will continue throughout her life, in whichever shape or form that may take. She is focused on delivering a performance that will leave the audience feeling immersed in their own personal interpretation of the piece.
“I hope that my performance can deliver as many subtleties of Foote’s hauntingly emotive writing as possible.”
Limited tickets available!
Join us at the Spark to Flame showcase to witness Emilia and other talented young musicians perform alongside professional mentors.
- Date: March 1, 2025
- Time: 7:30pm
- Location: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, entrance at 900 Johnson Street
- Tickets: Free (RSVP required)
2025 Spark to Flame Student Showcase
The annual Spark to Flame program is presented through the Ann & George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music and supports the development of young emerging professional artists.
Open to all students of the Victoria Conservatory of Music, soloists are selected through audition, and then offered the opportunity to be mentored by various Conservatory faculty over the weeks leading up to the concert, including rehearsals with orchestra.
The concert is a magical evening featuring seven very talented student soloists accompanied by fellow student peers, faculty artists, and other professional musicians.
