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New scholarship honours SFU music student
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April 5, 2002
A passion for writing and performing music, and working with children has led to Peter Abando becoming the first recipient of a newly created scholarship. Abando is a third year student in the Bachelor of Fine Arts music program at SFU’s school for the contemporary arts. The Theatrix Youththeatre Society recently awarded him a $500 Charlotte Lonneberg scholarship. The award recognizes his prolific contributions to original theatrical pieces conceived by children aged 5 to 19 at Theatrix.
Since 1999 Abando has collaborated with children on the creation of dozens of musical scores, lyrics and sound pieces for their plays. He is also frequently a musical (piano) accompanist on their productions. Until recently, much of Abando’s work has been on a volunteer basis. "We wanted to create a scholarship that recognizes Peter’s great volunteerism and that supports his post secondary education," says Deborah Solberg. She is the artistic director of Theatrix Youtheatre, a non-profit group devoted to fostering the creation of original theatre by children. "Peter is a brilliant musician, composer and lyricist," says Solberg. "The kids just love him."
Abando, a resident of Coquitlam and graduate of Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary in Port Coquitlam, says of his award, "It means an incredible amount to me, as the regular cast and crew at Theatrix are like a second family to me."
Abando’s scholarship was created in memory of the late Charlotte Lonneberg. The Coquitlam resident and watercolourist was a champion of the arts and culture in the Tri-Cities. She was the only honorary member on Theatrix’s board of directors. Lonneberg was also a former president of the Dogwood Pavilion Seniors Centre, which raised most of the money to create a scholarship in her name.
Abando plans to teach music in high school when he’s finished university. He will also continue performing and writing music. He composed the music for Once Upon a Fairy Tale a new Theatrix production running at Terry Fox Theatre in Port Coquiltam. Phone 604-939-6992 for more information. Abando is also the principal pianist in a 23 member orchestra that’ll be accompanying actors in Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The musical, which runs in mid-April, features students from Abando’s old high school. Phone 604-942-7465 for details.
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CONTACT
Peter Abando, paabando@sfu.ca
Gloria Casciano, 604.291.4672, casciano@sfu.ca
Carol Thorbes, Media & PR, 604.291.3035
Since 1999 Abando has collaborated with children on the creation of dozens of musical scores, lyrics and sound pieces for their plays. He is also frequently a musical (piano) accompanist on their productions. Until recently, much of Abando’s work has been on a volunteer basis. "We wanted to create a scholarship that recognizes Peter’s great volunteerism and that supports his post secondary education," says Deborah Solberg. She is the artistic director of Theatrix Youtheatre, a non-profit group devoted to fostering the creation of original theatre by children. "Peter is a brilliant musician, composer and lyricist," says Solberg. "The kids just love him."
Abando, a resident of Coquitlam and graduate of Archbishop Carney Regional Secondary in Port Coquitlam, says of his award, "It means an incredible amount to me, as the regular cast and crew at Theatrix are like a second family to me."
Abando’s scholarship was created in memory of the late Charlotte Lonneberg. The Coquitlam resident and watercolourist was a champion of the arts and culture in the Tri-Cities. She was the only honorary member on Theatrix’s board of directors. Lonneberg was also a former president of the Dogwood Pavilion Seniors Centre, which raised most of the money to create a scholarship in her name.
Abando plans to teach music in high school when he’s finished university. He will also continue performing and writing music. He composed the music for Once Upon a Fairy Tale a new Theatrix production running at Terry Fox Theatre in Port Coquiltam. Phone 604-939-6992 for more information. Abando is also the principal pianist in a 23 member orchestra that’ll be accompanying actors in Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The musical, which runs in mid-April, features students from Abando’s old high school. Phone 604-942-7465 for details.
—30—
CONTACT
Peter Abando, paabando@sfu.ca
Gloria Casciano, 604.291.4672, casciano@sfu.ca
Carol Thorbes, Media & PR, 604.291.3035