By Jared Gottselig

North Battleford musician to play Carnegie Hall

May 13, 2017 | 12:41 PM

Originally from North Battleford, Cole Knutson is a third-year student at the University of Manitoba studying for his Bachelor’s degree in Saxophone Performance. However, at only 20-years-old, Knutson has already achieved several accolades that most musicians only dream of throughout their career.

Knutson started playing music when he was 12 and has loved what he does ever since. Currently, he plays saxophone, piano and the harpsichord, which gives him versatility in performing a variety of music from classical to German art songs.

“There’s this freeing aspect to [playing music] that when things are overwhelming in life, you can sit down and play a little bit, and it helps remove yourself from all of that for a short amount of time,” Knutson said. “It’s almost like medicine.”

Knutson’s proficiency in all three instruments has given him opportunities to perform across Canada and North America. These opportunities included serving as a principal saxophonist in the Saskatoon Youth Wind Orchestra, the Saskatchewan Provincial Honour Band, the National Youth Band of Canada, the Denis Wick Canadian Wind Orchestra, and the World Youth Wind Orchestra; the last of which is hailed as one of the most prestigious wind orchestras in the world for musicians between 18 and 27-years-old. 

He also conducts a twenty piece baroque chamber orchestra and is on call as a pianist for university recitals on an annual basis.

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According to Knutson, providing inspiration for current and future generations of musicians is one way he feels his performances give back to the community. 

“[Performing] inspires a lot of younger kids, especially with the fact that there are a lot of things that I can do…on the saxophone that most people don’t even know is possible on the instrument,” he said. “It’s really nice to bring back all of the skills and knowledge that I’ve learned over the years…where hopefully some students can absorb it, feel inspired, and then I can pass on the torch.”

Thanks to his prior experiences, Knutson was able to build several relationships with up-and-comers such as himself, which have garnered even more opportunities for him such as performing in Europe. He also credits the support from North Battleford’s thriving arts and culture scene for driving his passion for music.

“One fantastic example of North Battleford’s [arts and culture scene] is our local Kiwanis music festival,” he explains. ”You see artwork around all of the [music] halls that students are playing at, and there’s this wonderful sense of comradery that you see among students and teachers…it’s a really joyous time of year.”

In December 2016, Knutson won first prize in the American Protégé International Woodwinds and Brass Competition in the College and Professionals category, earning himself an opportunity represent his country by performing at Carnegie Hall on June 10 as the only registered Canadian musician.

“It’s a very high honour for me to have the opportunity to represent our country at something so important,” Knutson remarked. “I want to represent [Canada] as best I can because the arts and culture scene here in Canada is actually quite remarkable.”

On December 13 of last year, Knutson received an email from the American Protégé International Competition and describes the heart-pounding moment he discovered he would be performing at the venue.

“You see [the email] is from them, but you don’t know whether you got in or not…and within [reading] the first couple sentences, it said I was selected as a first prize winner,” he recalled. “I told my mom, and at first she didn’t believe me, then I told her to read the email and she started crying.”

“Having the opportunity to play at such a prestigious venue is kind of overwhelming,” he added.

Afterwards, Knutson shared the news with his father, and then called all of his teachers, knowing the win would mean a lot to them as well.

“Without my teachers, and without the support of our community…I wouldn’t have made it to [the University of] Manitoba, and I certainly wouldn’t be playing at the level I am now,” he said.

Knutson’s once in a lifetime opportunities won’t stop at Carnegie Hall, however. In April, he was also accepted to participate as a pianist at the Franz Schubert Institute in Baden bei Wein, Austria, from June 30 until August 8. He is one of only roughly 13 pianists who was selected from around the world to work with some of the most highly respected Lieder (art song) artists globally.

His acceptance into the Institute is an especially remarkable feat, as most applicants usually have completed a Master’s degrees, or have acquired an even higher education. Knutson, on the other hand, is still working on his Bachelor’s.

Although Knutson’s accomplishments are nothing short of impressive, he has remained grounded throughout his career and stressed his appreciation for all of the support he’s received along the way. 

“If I had to say one word, I would say [I’m] grateful,” he said. “I’m really grateful [for] all of the help I’ve had over the years.”

After his time at the Franz Schubert Institute, Knutson plans on completing his degree at the University of Manitoba, then moving on to either London, England or Germany to pursue even higher education. Long term, he hopes to frequently travel in Europe to perform.

jared.gottselig@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW