Pianist Ann Rose and violist David Rose will present the music of the season at a Christmas Vesper Service, Friday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ, 733 Central Ave., Dunkirk.
Ann Rose was born in South Korea, and started playing the piano at age 5. She began improvising and composing at a very early age - two skills which she pursued through her early training, achieving a degree in composition and piano from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. Her teachers have included Sydney Young, Jamie Parker, Glenn Buhr and Heather Taves. Ann has appeared with the Canadian Chamber ensemble, and has been seen and heard on CBC television. The winner of numerous competitions and awards, her music has been performed and recorded by several artists in Canada, most recently by her former teacher and also by her husband, violist David Rose. Ann is presently organist at St. John's UCC in Dunkirk. She received her master of piano performance degree in 2012 from SUNY Fredonia, studying under Father Sean Duggan.
David Rose was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. His principal teachers have been Ernest Kassian, Gerald Stanick at the University of British Columbia, and Atar Arad at Indiana University. He was awarded the position of associate principal viola of the Vancouver Symphony. He served for eight seasons as principal viola of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and violist with the Canadian Chamber Ensemble, as well as teaching at the University of Waterloo. Most recently, David served as the acting assistant principal viola of the San Francisco Symphony, enjoying involvement in a European tour and the Grammy winning Mahler symphony recording cycle. David plays regularly at the Fredonia Opera House's annual Bach and Beyond festival. He is currently assistant professor of viola at the State University of New York at Fredonia.
Also taking part will be Ann and David's sons, Billy and Manny, with their own piano and vocal contributions to the program. Billy is in third grade and appeared in the Hillman Opera production of Gianni Schicchi. Manny is in kindergarten and loves art, reading and Super Mario Bros.
Everyone is welcome to attend this special celebration of Christmas. Admission is free. Parking and handicapped access is on the Eagle Street entrance of the church.
