Beatriz Bonilla, left, and Nicole Lorenz are excited to perform in concert with their friend, Melissa Latos (not pictured) this Saturday, June 12. - Katie Ryan Photo
By Katie Ryan
As young girls first learning their scales and entering music festivals, dreams of performing were not far away.
And today those dreams are even closer for vocalist Beatriz Bonilla, pianist Nicole Lorenz and saxophonist Melissa Latos – three young women who are homeward bound and eager to share their talent with the community that fostered their love of music.
Casual conversation spurred Bonilla, a University of Alberta music student, to organize Saturday night’s concert at Grace United Church. Bonilla enlisted the musical talents of fellow Lloydminsterites Lorenz and Latos who are also studying music at a university level.
“If this had come into town when I was little,” said Bonilla referring to the concert, “I would have been so excited to see it because it’s something that I love and they are doing something with it. It’s to encourage the kids as well and it’s also to encourage the teachers. You are doing a great job and the work and the time that you put into us is greatly appreciated.”
Bonilla began taking lessons at the age of 10 in piano and voice, participated for years in the Lloydminster Kiwanis Music Festival, sings in several Edmonton based choirs and is currently entering her fourth year of study in Edmonton. Lorenz began tickling the ivories when she was seven, scooped up awards and accolades in festivals, recently graduated from the University of Alberta’s Augustana campus and is bound for grad school in Montreal to continue her studies in music. Latos was also a regular on the festival circuit and recently competed at the provincial level. She is studying saxophone performance at the University of Saskatchewan.
The three musicians, who met through school and at music festivals, are sharing their musical gifts and selections of their extensive repertoire with the city to reach out and inspire others. The special concert is their expression of gratitude to the community, their families and local music teachers including Margaret Venance, Ruth Knispel, Jeanine Hatchard, Barb Lorenz and Michelle Andres for laying the foundation of the musical paths they continue to trod today.
“The heart behind it for me was to thank the community because without their support we would suck probably,” said Bonilla with a laugh. “We wouldn’t be as good as we are.”
Concert goers can expect to hear a wide range of music from each musician, including an ensemble piece. Admission is by donation and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on June 12 at the Grace United Church.