Introducing Simon Eskildsen!
One of the student soloists at the 2024 Spark to Flame Student Showcase!
Simon Eskildsen is 19 years old and studies piano under Robert Holliston at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. He also performs regularly in the community, with frequent concerts in retirement homes and various other events such as Conservatory board meetings. He also participated in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, in which he won the Open French award in 2023. Outside of piano, Simon studies the violin with Simon Macdonald.
How long have you been learning music/ playing your instrument?
I have been studying piano for 5 years, since early on in high school. I was inspired to learn Fur Elise by Beethoven from a friend’s performance, after which I was hooked. I am now in the Music Performance Diploma program, studying piano with Robert Holliston, and violin with Simon Macdonald.
Why did you apply to perform at Spark to Flame? What piece are you performing and why did you choose it?
I wanted to perform with an orchestra and meet talented musicians. I am playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto in C minor, K. 491, mvt. 3: Allegretto. I chose this piece upon my teacher’s recommendation because it has a tragic, somber tone pervading the work, which is not often found in Mozart’s compositions.
2024 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, and this year’s performance on Saturday February 24, 2024, will feature seven very talented student soloists chosen this year to be accompanied by fellow student peers who are joined by faculty artists and other professional musicians.
Supported by the Henwood Family Fund and BC Gaming.
Venue Accessibility
The 900 Johnson Street entrance is at ground-level and wheelchair accessible. There is an elevator located on the first floor: as you enter the building go down the ramp to your right and the elevator is on the left at the bottom. Priority seating can be provided at concerts if you have accessibility issues; please contact the Venues Department . Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located on the main floor, beside the lobby in the Reception and Registration area.
Capacity is limited for this concert, please order your free ticket in advance for entry.
Entrance for this concert is at 900 Johnson Street, and the balcony will be closed.
