Young pianist continues to shine
Michelle Powell continues to move forward along her path as an up-and-coming young Canadian artist.
A former student of the Alberta College Conservatory of Music at MacEwan University, Powell studied with David Tutt from 2006 to 2008. “Michelle has a tremendous enthusiasm for music and the piano as an instrument. She has an exceptional ability to understand everything being examined from technique to style. Her playing continues to deepen and mature – I am so pleased to be able to hear and watch her as she builds her career,” says Tutt.
Powell, who has become known for her dynamic and exciting playing, has been the recipient of numerous awards and is a laureate of the Canadian Music Competition, Kiwanis Music Competition, and the winner of the University of Alberta Concerto Competition. She also holds a Bachelor of Piano Performance and Masters degree from the Université de Montréal.
In May, Powell returned to Edmonton and Muttart Hall to perform in the Connections Concert Series and compete in The Shean Piano Competition, where she received fourth place. “I’m truly indebted to Mr. Tutt for providing inspiration and encouragement,” Powell says. “I am continually impressed with the Conservatory and the great lengths it goes to ensure that a quality musical education is available to its students,” she adds.
Always a dedicated pianist, Powell’s commitment to music continues to gain strength. “I am convinced of the importance of the artist’s responsibility to share their art with others and to pass it along to the next generation,” she says. “Music really has this amazing capability to touch hearts and minds in a way that words cannot – it can express any emotion that we sometimes just can’t find the words for. And that is where the magic lies – when we get a step further in our discoveries, we realize how much there is really left to find.”
Powell will be attending master classes in Spain and at the Banff Centre this summer and plans to pursue an Artist Diploma with the Université de Montréal in the fall. She also runs her own piano studio where she is able to share her knowledge and encourage others to appreciate music.
