Elena Ilina Blog

We are so lucky to be surrounded by nature and living in Sub Mediterranean climate. Spring 2019 is surprised by warm beginning.
Sunday in Butchard Garden is perfect way to celebrate spring with parade of flowers.

Every time when I in Mexico, I am happy to hear local Mexican musicians when I can.
Mexican and Spanish songs are melodious and unforgettable.
Special show for me was Mariachi band, those musicians are professionally trained in special Mariachi school.
Listening of them is very special.

This year Valentine Day is very white and snowy at Vancouver Island. We had few heavy snow days at the point when Spring seems to be nearby.
This days are good for practice beautiful romantic songs. We with Reflection studio recorded Music of the Nights, Can you feel the love tonight and Beauty and the Beast. All that songs are in I Violin Studio channel Romantic Violin
Yours, with Love!

Highlight of January is visiting flower show Spring Prelude in Butchart Gardens. In the middle of Winter it is magic and wanted!
We with Reflection Studio recorded video with exhibition of Spring Prelude photos. It is Romantic Violin - set of popular classic pieces with coming Valentines Day in mind.
Please visit my You Tube channel for listening Romantic Violin

First day of 2019 I celebrated with Blue Danube waltz, it is traditional waltz that played at New Year concert in Vienna.New Year 2019 performance

Busy December was full of music events and Christmas preparations and trips as well.
With my students we played at Dovehill senior house and it is memorable for all of us.
Christmas carols, holiday music is special and uplifting.
I enjoyed lights of Victoria and Butchard Gardens. In trip to Mexico listening of Mariachi band was highlight.
I an enjoying folk music and when I can. Listening Mexican songs and dances is spectacular!

As winter approaching we getting short days and long nights. In my music making I choose lightening pieces from classic and sparkling jazz composition to fill up this season with lightweight music.

In October I was working on programs -Music of the Night which included Musicales and Movie songs.
People memories attached to music. Sometimes when I started playing iconic songs, memory travels in time and associations bringing some pictures from past. I thing it is therapeutic effect works like you see photos from many years ago or old friend.

It was pleasure to participate in local festival in open air stage. My choice of music was retro songs including La Vie Rose and Wonderful World. I found connection with public and it was rewording for me.

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Elena's YouTube channel

It was small chapel wedding and I was starting my Prelude, guests came for ceremony and soon old small church was full of people. Groom and Best Man were waiting for Bride coming with excitement and my songs created atmosphere of something important happening.

It was rainy day and I hoping for the clear evening. Magically sky cleared up and wind calmed down.
Wonderful set up on Ladysmith Marina public dock gave me inspiration and I started playing Offenbach Barcarolle
imaging that water fairy and light bugs are out and splashing of waves and lights mirroring with sounds of that piece,
inviting my guests for a ride in gondola.
I took my audience for a trip to Italy, playing Italian songs and To Spain with Spanish songs.
We returned to Canada with My Way and My Hart Will Go On.
It was memorable evening for my guests and I hope to be back next Summer

Walking on Ladysmith Marina I got inspiration to arrange small open air concert La Mer (By Sea).
This idea came from working on French song of 60 x La Mer. In the same theme came idea to record CD with Music by the Sea.
Looking forward to play my favourite songs on August 11 at 7 pm on Community Dock Ladysmith Marina.
it will be by donation event. Please make your calendar, dear friends and fans! CD will be available at the concert.

We are lucky to be so close to ocean. In some days so nice to walk or suntan or just to play songs for video taping.
New Summer program is in Sea theme, wonderful French song La Mer inspired me to create this set of songs.
My YouTube channel is www.youtube.com/channel/UCelZQfuwIcjr4lKJwiCx7Gw?view_as=subscriber
It will appear soon!

Playing in open air is most tricky for musician..
Sun and wind or even rain may occur even in end of June Summer weather. I am playing my white violin for such occasions with amplifier for stronger coverage .
We were blessed that day when after rainy morning clouds were cleared up and sun came out at time of ceremony.
Bridal processional was song by Ed Sheeran Perfect in orchestral version. Ceremony was in beautiful settings of coming tide and neutral colours of water and sky. I had a great feeling of creating special music atmosphere for such a beautiful event.