On Saturday, June 23, at 4pm in the CMCs Murray Adaskin Salon, the Canadian Music Centre will host a book launch for cellist Ian Hampton’s new musical memoir Jan in 35 Pieces, published by The Porcupine’s Quill. After an introduction by the CMC’s BC Director Sean Bickerton, Ian Hampton will read from his new book and sign copies, which will be available for sale in the lobby. If you are unable to attend the CMC’s launch, Langley Community Music School will host a launch Friday, June 22.
Early on in this absolutely charming narrative, Ian observes that it is “a long and perilous adventure on which a cello student embarks from that very first bowed open string all the way to performing Dvorak’s Cello Concerto.”
That has certainly been true in Ian’s case, born as he was almost in the cello case of his father, Colin Hampton — cellist of the outstanding Griller Quartet — and having studied with such legends of the instrument as the renowned Paul Tortelier.
From that early musical start in London, he went on to be a Founding member of Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, the Purcell String Quartet, Vancouver’s Cello Club & Courtenay Youth Music Camp. He was a longstanding member of the London Symphony Orchestra and Edinburgh String Quartet; as well as Principal Cellist of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the CBC Chamber Orchestra, and Vancouver Opera Orchestra; has conducted the Nanaimo Symphony & Surrey Youth Orchestra; and was one of the most loved Principals ever of the Langley Community Music School.
He received a BC Arts Council Award in 1999 for his extraordinary contribution as a performer, teacher, and administrator; was named an Ambassador of the Canadian Music Centre in 2009, and awarded an honourary doctorate by Simon Fraser University in 2011.
Jan in 35 pieces is a delightful, light-hearted and fond romp through a life that transcends continents, war, hardship, fun, friendship, love, and above all, music. In a delightful foreword, Bramwell Tovey writes of Ian Hampton that “his long and extremely successful career as a cellist, chamber musician, and teacher has seen him make legions of friends and acquaintances around the world. To that roll call of remarkable accomplishment must be added ‘writer,’ as Ian has conceived a brilliant way in which to share his favourite musical works alongside hundreds of anecdotes and period snapshots that bring his musical journey to life.”
Available for sale online at The Porcupine’s Quill:
