CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — For the past two years, Luis Anselmi has been making a name for himself on Prince Edward Island.
As a student in the music program at Holland College School of Performing Arts (SoPA) he’s been a bright light, whether he’s playing the piano or the cuatro during spring showcases and SOPHA Saturday nights.
On P.E.I., Anselmi also performed with jazz with The 50 Dollar Trio, Latin music with Ceviche Party 27 and Celtic with Celtic Storm. A SoPA graduate, the Venezuelan musician is playing in Ebb & Flow: Tides of Settlement on P.E.I. at Beaconsfield Carriage House on Saturday nights.
Now, as he prepares for his farewell P.E.I. concert, he’s feeling strong emotions.
“Prince Edward Island has been so wonderful to me. I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” says Anselmi.
On Tuesday, Sept. 3, he’s moving to Toronto to continue his studies at Humber College in the bachelor of music program.
“It’s a farewell to my community. My first concert on P.E.I. was at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall, so I want to do a full circle kind of thing. Just having people that I know, my friends at the concert, is enough for me.”
Luis Anselmi
“I’ll be learning piano, jazz and, at the same time, I’ll be showcasing my instrument from Venezuela, the cuatro, in Toronto. I’ll keep doing what I like to do – performing Latin music from Venezula.”
As he prepares to leave, he’s looking to the community for help. A fundraising concert in support of his studies at Humber College, is Sunday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m., at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall.
“Any kind of contribution will help, even contacts in Toronto who can help show me around because I’ve never been there before,” says Ansi, whose tuition is $20,000.
To his advantage, he has received two scholarships – one from Humber College and the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation.
“So, after the scholarships I need $5,000 to cover textbooks and tuition.”
As he prepares for Sunday’s concert, he’s nostalgic.
“It’s a farewell to my community. My first concert on P.E.I. was at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall, so I want to do a full circle kind of thing. Just having people that I know, my friends at the concert, is enough for me.”
