ClearLightSound

Lubomyr Melnyk's piano concert at First Presbyterian Church was a revelation. To say Maestro Melnyk's music is powerful, is to understate the dynamic breadth and otherworldly dimensions that he brings to the instrument. His description of his music not only included the contributions of the pianist and the piano, but also the tuner of the instrument. In fact, he gave a great deal of credit to master tuner, Jay Taylor, for the superlative job he did on the beautiful Baldwin grand, and said that throughout his worldwide concerts, Jay's tuning was the best he'd ever heard. High praise indeed.

There is not a pianist like Lubomyr. His world record speeds of notes, his delicate subtlety and roaring hurricane of sound, the unreal coaxing of hidden harmonics, overtones, undertones and impossible sounds coming out of keys, strings and soundboard, elevate the piano to a level never before achieved or heard. The entire cavernous space of the church was completely filled, and the audience encapsulated within that piano's soul, its sadness, its elation, its, ferocity, its purity and beauty, coming through the hands and touch of a genius.

Although Winnipeg has had famous musicians coming out of it, Lubomyr Melnyk, who grew up here and later moved to Europe, will come to be known as one of its greatest legends. His music will endure and be studied by future generations. As for those who heard this astounding performance, some cried, some prayed, some are still processing, but none who were there will forget the experience.