Mikylo Odut is used to performing music as part of a large ensemble. Now he is stepping more in to the spotlight.
The teenage flutist is holding a series of performances at his family’s home on Princess Boulevard.
“I’ve heard some people that are surprised that I’m doing it, because I’m still in high school,” said Odut, a Hapnot Collegiate student. “You hear about lots of adult musicians mostly performing at Johnny’s [Social Club] or Ham Sandwich productions, all these things that are just run by adults. I’m only 16, and I’m trying to put on this whole thing.”
Odut’s performances will emphasize seasonal favourites, as well as other, more contemporary tunes and standards.
“Obviously it is that time of year and people tend to want to hear Christmas music in December generally, but I didn’t want to make it just Christmas music,” he said.
Odut plans not only to play music for his audience, but also to explain the history of the pieces he performs and provide information about each one.
“Lots of people know about Georg Friedrich Handel. He’s a famous baroque composer,” said Odut. “Not everybody really knows that he wrote ‘Joy to the World,’ one of the most famous Christmas carols. It’s things like that people don’t know.”
Odut will perform in his living room, decked out with Christmas decorations and bright, yellow walls. The place feels cozy when you walk in. Only 25 tickets will be sold for each show.
The teen feels that he could have held his performances at another venue, but adds that the unconventional location will give the shows a more intimate feel.
“I feel like if I asked around, then I could do it at Johnny’s Social Club or I could do it at a church and I feel like that would be fine,” said Odut. “But I feel like it is just an easier thing to do to just start it in my home. Especially just as a start. It is a nice, cozy space, too. People like Christmas and cozy.”
Anna Harrison, junior high band director for the Flin Flon School Division and Odut’s former teacher, will accompany him on piano.
Odut is planning more performances in the future, both as part of bands and individually. He’s part of the school band at Hapnot Collegiate and takes online lessons from a Winnipeg-based flutist.
“I do like to play music, but I don’t always get the opportunity to play for other people,” said Odut. “If I do, it’s usually in a band setting so it’s not just myself. Not that it always has to be the spotlight on me, but it’s nice to just play by myself for people.”
Odut will perform Wednesday and Friday night at his home. He also performed Monday night. As of press time, only one ticket, for Friday’s performance, remained. Anyone interested can call 204-687-6868.
