STEP

Press Release March 13, 2007 For immediate release:

St. John's, NL - Successful Alumnus Gives Back to St. John's String Program: Raphael Hoekman of visiting Tokai String Quartet to Give Master Class to Alma Mater

Raphael Hoekman, cellist of the Toronto-based Tokai String Quartet, will perform with the Tokai Quartet at the D. F. Cook Recital Hall, St. John's, March 17th, 2007. The same day, Hoekman, a native of St. John's and alumnus of the STEP String Program, will give a Master Class on cello and chamber music to some current STEP students. For Hoekman, this is an exciting opportunity to give back to the program that formed his musical foundation. Hoekman first experienced Chamber Music at a STEP Summer Camp and studied with STEP teacher Christina Smith until the age of 16.

"I use my Suzuki training every day!.. growing up in a geographically isolated place like St. John's is never easy if you want to learn a special skill, so the existence of a specialized grass roots type of organization like STEP is imperative for a community to be able to give a young person the chance to become a professional musician. ... it certainly is long overdue to pay tribute to that organization where I got my very first musical training." - Rafael Hoekman

Raphael Hoekman

A string student since the age of 3, Hoekman, praised by the Toronto Star for his "spirited and fiery performance," is a founding member of the up and coming Tokai String Quartet. As a soloist Hoekman first distinguished himself by winning first place in the 1988 Orford International Competition. He has appeared as feature soloist with various orchestras, including the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. Hoekman is also the principal cellist of the Toronto Sinfonia and in demand as a Teacher.

Tokai String Quartet ( http://www.tokaiquartet.com )

Formed in August 2002, the Tokai Quartet is quickly becoming one of Canada's most promising chamber groups. They are touring the Atlantic provinces this spring with the Debut Atlantic Recital Series.

STEP String Program (http://www.nfld.com/~step)

The Suzuki Talent Education Program (STEP) is a non-profit Music Education and Performing Arts Organization based on the teachings of Dr. Shin'ichi Suzuki. It provides music education in the area of string playing and orchestra and ensemble playing as well as teacher training and the delivery of the Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute Camp each spring. Run by volunteers with the help of paid professional music educators, the STEP Program was founded in St. John's in 1982 and is a registered charity. STEP will celebrate its 25th anniversary during the 2007/2008 year.

Master Class Venue:

St. David's Presbyterian Church, Elizabeth Ave., 12 to 2pm, March 17, 2007. The Class provides an excellent opportunity for media to observe a Professional Cellist taking time to share his knowledge with young players from his local Alma Mater.

Contact Information:

Rafael Hoekman: Raphael is on tour at the moment but can be reached through the Tokai Quartet violist's (Yosef Tamir-Smirnoff's) cell: (416) 875-9225 hoekman@hotmail.com

Evelyn Osborne (STEP Artistic Director) evelyn_osborne@yahoo.com

Tzu-Hao Hsu (STEP Program Administrator) (709) 691-2545 suzukinl@gmail.com

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