The Regina Symphony Orchestra will serenade Eduard Minevich into the proverbial sunset. The violinist has been the concert master for more than a decade.
"I want to try something else because you have one life," says Minevich, "And if you haven't tried something else you might regret it."
The concert master for the RSO for the last 12 years, Russian-born Minevich is no stranger to the demands of the role. He's been filling the first chair in Canada for forty years.
His leadership will be missed dearly by RSO conductor Victor Sawa. "You don't fill a chair like this. The fact that Ed is retiring is a devastating blow to me and the symphony and to music in general."
But Minevich is hardly about to walk away from music. The violinist has found a new outlet on the Piapot First Nation. Minevich, along with another local artist Ramseys Calderoun, spear-headed a music program at the Piapot School, with the community's support. They have raised funds to purchase new violins.
"They are so talented and they see me as a grandpa, they see someone who loves them too. I can't wait every time when I go there and I see those wonderful eyes full of curiosity, they are wonderful," says Minevich.
Minevich plans on bringing his Regina orchestra out to the school to have a year-end concert with the young children. Perhaps the next concertmaster is in the midst of the kids at the Piapot School.
