Meet Layla Park!
One of the student soloists at the 2023 Spark to Flame Student Showcase!
Layla Park is 17 years old and studies violin with Simon MacDonald and Müge
She started playing violin at the age of 6 and discovered her passion for music once she began to perform chamber music. She is a member of the Young Artist Collegium Program and the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra (GVYO). Layla received numerous awards and scholarships from the Victoria Conservatory of Music, GVYO, Victoria Chamber Orchestra (VCO), and Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival (GVPAF). For 2 consecutive years, she represented Victoria both provincially and nationally, winning at the provincial level in solo and chamber music. Additionally, she placed first in the Louis Sherman Concerto Competition as well as third place in the Don Chrysler Concerto Competition last year in 2022. She has also participated in music theory and chamber music programs at the VCM.
Why did you apply to perform at Spark to Flame?
I wanted to be part of this big annual event of the conservatory for so long. I also think that it will be fun and a good experience for me.
What piece are you performing and why did you choose it?
Mendelssohn violin concerto in D minor 1st. The Mendelssohn violin concerto in E minor is one of the most popular violin concertos but fewer people know about his other violin concerto. I wanted to share something different with the audience and bring the best out of the piece that is often overlooked.
What are your aspirations in music?
My goal is to become a musician who is wanted back on stage again and again. Personally, there isn’t a better compliment out there for me to top “wow I want to hear you play again!”. I’m also interested in playing in different countries and teaching when I become a professional.
Tell me a bit about yourself, outside of music.
I like to read books, watch films, and paddle board in my spare time.
2023 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 two rounds of auditions. The Spark to Flame program offers soloists the opportunity to be mentored by various VCM faculty over the weeks leading up to the concert, including rehearsals with orchestra.
The concert is a magical evening, and this year’s performance on Saturday February 25, 2023, will feature six very talented student soloists chosen this year to be accompanied by the VCM’s Chamber Orchestra, consisting of fellow student peers who are joined by faculty artists and other professional musicians.
Admission is free. Please use the Victoria Conservatory of Music entrance at 900 Johnson Street.
Supported by the Henwood Family Foundation and BC Gaming.
Learn more and read the bios of the six student performers.
