Today's Canadian Music Week feature is Jillian Carney who has been a dedicated member of past VCO productions Echo, The Daughter of the Regiment and most recently Don Giovanni. Remember if you donate this week 50% of funds will go directly to the artists and donations of $50 or more are eligible for tax receipts! Click here to donate.
Jillian Carney is an aspiring flautist currently entering her fourth year of her Honours Bachelor of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University. Majoring in Orchestral Music Performance, Jillian currently studies with Dr. Amy Hamilton. She has been a member of the Wilfrid Laurier University Symphony Orchestra for two years, and was a member of the Wilfrid Laurier University Wind Orchestra for one year. She has also performed with Spiritus Ensemble and the Kitchener-Waterloo Youth Symphony Orchestra. As a Vera Causa Opera performer, Jillian has played with the opera orchestra for three productions.
Jillian thoroughly enjoys performing and seeks every opportunity to do so. In April 2017, she was announced as the winner of Guelph Symphony Orchestra’s Under-23 Concerto Competition. She was also a semi-finalist in the Ken Murray Concerto Competition in 2015 and 2016, and a finalist in the Laurier Concerto Competition in 2017. Jillian also advanced to Kiwanis Provincials in 2014, where she received Honourable Mention.
In July 2016, Jillian attended Orford Music Academy for two weeks in Quebec, where she studied with Denis Bluteau. She also went to Wildacres Flute Retreat in North Carolina in 2013, with her previous flute teacher Donna Sykes. Jillian travelled to Washington, DC in 2015, and Chicago in 2014 to attend the National Flute Conventions, where she attended lectures, masterclasses, and competitions. In 2015, she attended the second annual Canadian Flute Convention in Toronto, Ontario.
This past year, Jillian was a member of the Chamber Music class at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she was a member of a woodwind quintet. Being a part of such an enthusiastic, dedicated group of musicians fostered an interest in chamber music within her. She also cultivated a deep love of musical theatre through her experience playing in a pit band for her high school’s production of Seussical. Jillian looks forward to eagerly pursuing every opportunity she is faced with, and plans to continue to work towards a career in flute performance.
