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Piano virtuoso to perform in Canmore

A unique opportunity is coming our way this week when young pianist Julian Clef puts his fingers to the keys of the community-owned grand piano housed at St. Michael’s Anglican Church on Wednesday, Sept. 14.

A unique opportunity is coming our way this week when young pianist Julian Clef puts his fingers to the keys of the community-owned grand piano housed at St. Michael’s Anglican Church on Wednesday, Sept. 14.

Clef, 21, who has played for English royalty, is coming to Canmore for a special presentation of the Susanne Ruberg-Gordon Rising Stars concert series which features talented young musicians.

Clef – born in the Indian state of Kerala – most certainly fits that bill.

His father, Willy Pulimugath, a piano teacher, first shared his love of classical music with sons Julian and Jordan when he used musical terms for their middle names.

Despite being introduced to the piano by his father, Clef did not receive any formal training until 2006, when he began attending the Chetham’s School of Music; until then the young musician was essentially self-taught, while assisted by his father.

Linda John, who was organizing a charity concert in Kerala, in 2004, discovered Clef after being introduced to Julian and his father while searching for a pianist for the concert.

Recognizing Clef had an exceptional talent, John worked to sponsor Clef and bring him to England where this June he won a gold medal at the Royal Northern College of Music.

In Canmore, Clef is scheduled to perform Chopin’s Fantasie Opus 49, the same piece he played at Buckingham Palace in April 2009.

Canmore-based soprano Michelle Todd, who is helping Gordon organize the event, said the self-taught pianist accompanied her during a concert in Kerala in 2005.

Todd described Clef as an unassuming, gentle person with an exceptional talent.

She said he would be in Canada for 10 days to study with Colleen Athparia, an internationally recognized pianist.

The Canmore concert, which will be Clef’s North American debut, will also be used as a fundraiser to help pay for his trip.

Tickets for Clef’s concert, which are $15 for adults and $10 for students, are available at Stonewaters or at the door. Indian appetizers, provided by Masala Restaurant in Banff, will be available during intermission.

Doors open at 7 p.m.


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