University of Ottawa concert honours memory of special student

November 20, 2006

Source: University of Ottawa
http://www.media.uottawa.ca/mediaroom/news_details-e.php?nid=1020

The University of Ottawa is proud to present a concert dedicated to the memory of Allan Michael Miskell (November 10, 1983 – March 22, 2006), presented in collaboration with The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the Little Angels and Bone Marrow Transplant Fund. The University of Ottawa Orchestra’s second concert of the 2006-2007 Orchestra Series, conducted by David Currie, features solo performances by percussion students Jean-Sébastien Lacombe and Reynaliz Herrera-Martinez.

Allan Michael Miskell was a percussion student in the University of Ottawa Department of Music. He developed acute leukemia at the age of 21 and underwent a bone marrow transplant. He became well enough for a time to rejoin his family, friends and fellow musicians and to appear again with the University Orchestra last year. However, his illness returned and despite a heroic struggle he died of leukemia in March 2006. He remains in the hearts of his family, his many friends and the professors, staff and students of the music department. A music scholarship is being established at the University to honor his legacy of great dedication and infectious enthusiasm for life and for music.

WHAT: Orchestra concert honouring life of Allan Michael Miskell

WHEN: Thursday, November 23, 2006, 8 p.m.

WHERE: St. Joseph’s Church (corner of Wilbrod and Cumberland)

On the program: Bach’s Concerto in D minor for two violins (arrangement for two marimbas), Debussy’s Prélude à l’Après-midi d’un faune and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5 in D minor, "Reformation."

Conductor David Currie became music director of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra in 1992. His previous guest-conducting engagements have included the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Opera Lyra Ottawa productions. He has been a member of the teaching staff in the Department of Music and conductor of the University of Ottawa Orchestra since 1976.

Admission is a voluntary contribution at the door ($10 suggested). There will be free parking for concert attendees in parking lots B and C (at the corner of Cumberland and Stewart streets).