MINDEMOYA—Mason Annimikwan may be just completing his final year of high school at Manitoulin Secondary School this spring, but he is already causing people to sit up and take notice. The young Indigenous man from Wiikwemkoong is something of a classical piano prodigy—although that term might downplay the incredible focus, hard work and determination he has applied to his studies of classical music—talent may be one thing, but it is the sweat equity that makes a performance truly shine.
Although he has performed in public on a number of occasions, Mason held his first solo recital at the home of Holly and Dale Scott of Mindemoya on the weekend.
“It was an enjoyable afternoon, an intimate and refreshing way to experience the music of the classical masters performed by this very gifted young man from Wiikwemkoong,” said Ms. Zylstra Scott. “The audience gathered not only to hear beautiful music, but also to encourage and support Mason in his goals and dreams. It was an honour to be present for his first public concert.”
There were around 30 people in the audience while Mason tinkled the ivories, performing Beethoven, Bach, Strauss and some of his own compositions.
Not only is Mason a classically trained pianist, he is also trying his hand at creating new works in the classical genre.
The concert also worked as a fundraiser, admission being through a free-will offering either before or after the performance, as Mason will need a professional piano in order to further his studies effectively, and those don’t come cheap. Although the Annimikwans are not at all impoverished, the roughly $15,000 for a Yamaha N1X can put a hole in just about any family’s finances and Mason feels he should be pulling his weight in that department. What better way than to apply his talents.
Mason has been studying classical piano for about five years and it is clear to anyone who has taken in one of his public performances that he has not wasted a minute of that time.
It has been a difficult time for the budding young musician as his teacher, mentor and inspiration Robert Horwath, passed away. An award-winning classical, jazz and tango pianist, Robert Horvath passed due to cancer at the young age of 52. The versatile pianist was known in both the classical and jazz worlds, and most recently, as a member of the award-winning Payadora Tango Ensemble, which blended elements of Western classical music and jazz with Argentine and Uruguayan traditional music as well as original songs. That group is currently on a tour to support their award-winning album Silent Tears: The Last Yiddish Tango (2023), which climbed #1 on the World Music Charts in Europe.
“He was a world class pianist,” said Mason. “The best of the best.”
It was Mr. Horwath who told Mason he needed a “proper piano” if he is to progress the way he should. While a Grand Piano is the instrument of choice, it is somewhat impractical for a young student living in residence—so it’s second choice time, hence the digital Yamaha. That piano is the number one choice for professionals as its modeling of the sound of the Grand is outstanding and its weighted keys most closely mimic those of the seminal concert piano.
“He told me all the people that play at his level play that instrument,” said Mason.
Mason has his sights set on one day attending the Franz Liszt Academy of Music where his mentor won a prestigious award as well as his masters degree. In the short term, it’s University of Toronto in his sights, although he has applied to a number of colleges as well.
“I will have to do an audition to get in,” said Mason, who admitted to being a little more concerned than he normally would be, as the college programs are more aimed at jazz. But given the grounding of classical training, he probably shouldn’t worry too much.
When it comes to his amazing talent, one does not have to take The Expositor’s word for it (although, of course, you should) Mason will be holding more concert recitals over the coming months so you can attend and listen for yourself.
Don’t be thinking Mason is a one-trick pianist though, besides playing classical music and composing some of his own in that style, Mason also enjoys playing pop. His tastes there tend to 70s, 80s and 90s versions. “There is some of the new stuff I like too,” he admits.
