Piano

Classical pianist Sylvia Shadick is known for her diverse talents. As both a soloist and chamber musician, her emotionally-charged performances have been enjoyed throughout Canada and the US, including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, as well as in concerts in Europe and Asia. As a teacher, she has an active studio with many of her students receiving special recognition in music festivals and examinations. Her love of teaching also carries into frequent work as a clinician and adjudicator throughout Canada. Ms. Shadick is also in demand as a collaborative pianist where she adeptly spans opera classics to demanding contemporary concert repertoire. Through her virtuosic pianism and interpretive skills, Sylvia’s performances are known to transform music into captivating storytelling. Broadcasts of her performances have been heard on CBC and CKUA Radio.

Sylvia’s main musical passion is the exploration and promotion of works by Canadian composers. This passion was recognized by the Canadian Music Centre honouring her with the title, Ambassador of Canadian Music, in 2009. Sylvia’s fifth CD, Expressions, was nominated for the Edmonton Music Prize in 2015 and is a sampling of works by composers associated with New Music Edmonton. Her subsequent CD, Piano NorthWest features music of the Winnipeg composer William Pura and was released on the prestigious CentreDiscs Label in 2015. Through recordings and concerts, Sylvia hopes to bring wider attention to the rich creative skills of Canadian composers. Canadian composer, Sid Robinovich, hailed her premiere performance at the 2010 Winnipeg New Music Festival as “The performance of a lifetime!”

Over the past four decades, Sylvia has built a respected name in the Edmonton classical music scene. She has worked for the University of Alberta, Edmonton Opera, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Pro Coro Canada, Edmonton Winds, the Cosmopolitan Music Society and is Past Chair of the Contemporary Showcase Edmonton Society. Summing up Sylvia’s contribution to Edmonton, John Charles of the Edmonton Sun said, “pianists … such as Sylvia Shadick … who shine and inspire, especially in contemporary music … help make Edmonton a city of cultural champions."