ItB次元官网网址檚 keys have been played by such celebrities as Sarah McLachlan, but on Thursday, BelmontB次元官网网址檚 Chan Namgoong will command the attention of the room with the Steinway baby grand.

A pianist for only five years, Namgoong, 17, says heB次元官网网址檚 excited to perform a solo of George GershwinB次元官网网址檚 Rhapsody in Blue on the baby grand piano, donated by Tom Lee Music.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 excited to be playing a solo, but IB次元官网网址檓 sad itB次元官网网址檚 our last big concert,B次元官网网址� Namgoong says.

A beloved annual tradition, BelmontB次元官网网址檚 year end concert features 120 young musicians and singers in seven performance ensembles and two student-led combos.

This year students have written original music for the two combos, the first time in the concertB次元官网网址檚 long history.

The original first score is a jazz combo with a Latin flavour, written by Trevor Hoy. The second is a up-tempo rock ballad written by Josh Van Meurs.

B次元官网网址淯sually the combos are a popular song the students arrange,B次元官网网址� says Belmont music teacher Mandart Chan. B次元官网网址淔or the first time weB次元官网网址檝e got two students composing original work.B次元官网网址�

The students, many who play multiple instruments through the evening in multiple ensembles, say the year end concert shows the level of depth and talent honed by BelmontB次元官网网址檚 music department.

At the same time, many of the students say the concert marks the end of a era B次元官网网址� after two or more years of being a tight-knit group, for most of the Grade 12 itB次元官网网址檚 the final time playing together.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 always emotional at the end,B次元官网网址� says Hannah Kaenh, 17, who sings and plays bass clarinet and trombone. B次元官网网址淭his is our very last concert and then we go our separate ways.B次元官网网址�

Vocal jazz singer Rhiannon McLaren is looking forward to choir concert repertoire, but also to delve into a traditional South African Zulu song, as well as a few golden oldies.

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檒l be doing pieces by the Beatles,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚t will be a lot of fun.B次元官网网址�

Belmont secondaryB次元官网网址檚 year end concert is Thursday, June 2, doors open at 6:30 p.m., 3067 Jacklin Rd. Admission is by donation.

The music portion of the evening is expected to run about one hour, 45 minutes, followed by award presentations.