Jane Coop that extra something.

"It is difficult to pinpoint what makes this pianist so expressive, for in her playing everything works together ... Coop has that extra something that lets a pianist become a poet. "--MONTREAL GAZETTE

On Sunday March 25, participants in the Collaborative Conference will enjoy a special concert at Roy Thompson Hall. This stunningly beautiful Toronto landmark is in the heart of the theater district and within comfortable walking distance of the conference site. Under the baton of Bramwell Tovey, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra will present a program consisting of Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto, Saint Saens's Organ Symphony and Stephen Chatman's Over Thorns to Stars. This is certain to be one of the highlights of the Collaborative Conference.

The featured soloist, Jane Coop, is one of Canada's most distinguished pianists. I first heard Jane perform many years ago in Toronto, when I was still a student and she was just beginning her career. I remember being impressed and inspired by her playing, which was admirable in every respect. Her pianistic brilliance and lyricism, coupled with the ability to communicate intimately with the audience was so striking that I remember the concert vividly even now!

Since then, I have followed her career with great interest. Over the years I have enjoyed her performances, listened to her recordings and heard glowing reports from students describing her teaching. Indeed, in keeping with the theme of our Collaborative Conference, her musical activities have been rich in diversity, encompassing the roles of solo pianist, collaborative artist, recording artist, master class artist, teacher and mentor.

Her career also reflects the geographic diversity of Canada, as it has unfolded literally from coast to coast. Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, her early studies took place in Calgary, Alberta, with Alexandra Mann and Gladys Egbert, followed by studies with Anton Kuerti at the University of Toronto. After serving as Kuerti's teaching assistant from 1976-80, she began teaching at the University of British Columbia, where she is currently professor of piano and chamber music.

Her studies also included work with Peter Feuchtwanger in London and Leon Fleisher in Baltimore. In 1971 she was awarded the W.O. Forsyth Memorial Scholarship for study in Europe, and was also the recipient of Canada Council grants for study in the United States. She was winner of the prestigious CBC National Young Performer's Competition in 1970 and Washington International Piano Competition in 1975. Since then, she has performed with virtually every major orchestra in Canada, including numerous appearances with the Toronto Symphony, as well as the CBC Vancouver Chamber Orchestra, Calgary Philharmonic, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Edmonton, Victoria, Winnipeg and Saskatoon Symphony Orchestras.

On the international scene, Coop has appeared as recitalist and soloist throughout North America, Europe and Asia, playing in the most magnificent halls of the world including the Lincoln Centre, Kennedy Centre, Wigmore Hall, Salle Gaveau and the Great Hall of St. Petersburg in Russia.