Internationally acclaimed pianist Jan Lisiecki performed in La Ronge on March 3, and the audience there was luckier than the one in New York. When Lisiecki recently played at Carnegie Hall, he didn’t speak to the audience, notes Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (SSO) Executive Director Mark Turner. In La Ronge, however, the 20-year-old classical musician introduced his pieces with an explanation or an anecdote.

Along with answering questions, Lisiecki played a number of pieces on the piano for the students.

“He’s very charming when he talks,” says Turner.

Thanks to a partnership between the SSO and Cameco, Lisiecki charmed and inspired students at the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s Senator Myles Venne School (SMVS), and an over-capacity crowd at a free evening concert for the public.

Former La Ronge resident Tristen Durocher made a special trip in from Prince Albert just to take in the concert which was held at Churchill Community High School.  Durocher, who is also 20 years old, and an accomplished fiddle player, appreciated Lisiecki’s commentary.

“I enjoyed his interaction with the audience,” said Durocher.  “We’re not very educated as far as classical music goes, because that’s just not our genre.  He really made it more accessible to us.”

Students at Senator Myles Venne School crowd around classical piano superstar Jan Lisiecki to get his autograph.

Cameco’s Director of Corporate Relations Jonathan Huntington was pleased with the number of families that attended the concert.

“We’re thrilled to see so many young people here,” said Huntington. “Jan is a tremendous role model.”

It was Lisiecki’s idea to come to northern Saskatchewan prior to a performance with the SSO in Saskatoon, despite already having a very demanding touring schedule. Although he makes his home in Calgary, just days before arriving in La Ronge he had completed nine performances in nine European cities over 10 days.

Still, he says he finds meeting with students energizing, and his time answering questions and playing at SMVS was a highlight.

“They were really curious,” he observed.

“Piano, for me, is my way of expressing myself,” he told the students, encouraging them to focus on their strengths and work hard.

“The cool thing in life is that you can figure out a way to make money at whatever you like to do – you should know that,” he said.

His message struck a chord with Grade 9 student Faith Bird, one of many who sought Lisiecki’s autograph and posed for photos with him.

“I thought it was inspiring,” she said.