Pianist wins Chanukah songwriting competition
A Toronto musician has won first prize in the amateur category of the Amadeus Choir’s Chanukah Song Writing Competition - for the ninth time.
Laura Silberberg, 21, has been composing music since she was four. The oldest of four children, she credits her parents with encouraging her interest in music.
“I was involved in pretty much everything as a kid,” she said. “I was a competitive dancer for many years.
“I excelled in music, and my parents made sure I continued with it.”
Silberberg has many years of musical education under her belt. She studied at Yamaha Music School and the Royal Conservatory of Music, is certified as an associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in piano performance and is in her fourth year of undergraduate study at the University of Toronto, majoring in music composition.
Silberberg’s instrument of choice is the piano, but she has also experimented with the violin, drums, guitar and organ. She gives piano lessons to 16 students and also teaches group classes for Colorkeys, a program run by Orthodox Jews that brings music into religious schools.
“Music is pretty much my life,” she said. “It is an art form, a creative way to express yourself.”
Silberberg, who in 2003 was named one of Maclean’s Top 50 Under 30, says her future is definitely in music.
“[Music] has been around since the beginning of time - it is something everyone can share,” she said.
“I get to create this myself. It’s something very personal, but that I can share with everyone.”
On Dec. 14, Amadeus Choir is joined by the Bach Children’s Chorus for a holiday concert featuring the winning compositions from the 21st annual Christmas Carol and Chanukah Song Writing Competition and traditional favourites. $35. Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St., Toronto. For tickets, call 416-446-0188.