Squamish-raised composer/pianist Jared Miller is back home for the summer from studying abroad, but he must already miss his new home in New York City.
The 22-year-old presents a New York-themed evening of music and more at Tom Lee Music Hall on Granville Street in Vancouver next Friday (June 3).
"It's called A New York Tasting Menu," Miller said. "I spent the past year studying composition at the Juilliard School in New York, and I thought I'd bring back a bit of New York City for this recital and reception."
Miller said along with several of his own original compositions, the musical selections will feature pieces by composers who were either from New York, were identified with New York or reminded him of New York.
"There will be short pieces from Gershwin, Schubert and Corigliano, among others," he said. "The night will also feature a video presentation of some of the collaborative work I've done with filmmakers and choreographers. Afterwards there will be a reception with New York-inspired food. So, it will be a both a musical and culinary delight."
Born in Los Angeles, Miller and his family moved to the West Coast of Canada when he was still very young.
By the age of seven, though, Miller was already playing and composing at the piano, and later he was admitted to the University of British Columbia (U小蓝视频) School of Music at the age of 17.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Music in May 2010, and is now pursuing his Masters of Music Degree at the Juilliard School under Samuel Adler.
"Juilliard is such an amazing school," he said. "It's such an amazing location, too, and I have a great private teacher. The school is great because as a composer, I am always looking for instrumentalists to work with, and the school offers lots of opportunities for collaborations with filmmakers and choreographers."
Miller's works have been performed by numerous artists and ensembles including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Symphony Orchestra, U小蓝视频 Symphony Orchestra, the U小蓝视频 Contemporary Players Ensemble, Members of the U小蓝视频 Choirs, Students of the Juilliard School and Scotia Festival Young Artist Program - just to name a few.
As a pianist, Miller actively performs as a chamber musician and recital soloist and has performed in New York, Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax, Victoria and Miami, in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center (New York), Steinway House (Miami) and the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (Vancouver.)
Despite his talent, training, education and experience, Miller admits to getting nervous from time to time when he performs in front of an audience.
"I always feel nervous," he said. "It keeps you on your toes, though. It gives you performance adrenaline, and without that your performance would fall flat."
Miller returns to Juilliard in September to finish his Masters, then he plans to continue his musical studies with a Doctorate in Music.
Catch Squamish's Jared Miller at the Tom Lee Music Hall on Granville Street in Vancouver on June 3 at 8 p.m. with a New York Tasting Menu recital and reception.
Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors - available at the door on the night of the show.
For more on Miller, go to jaredmillermusic.com.
