Jasper and Hinton should celebrate and preserve its classical music programs, according to an Edmonton pianist.

Janna Olson, a product of a rural music program herself near Drumheller, is bringing that message as well as a few of her Edmonton Symphony Orchestra friends to perform on Jan. 16 as part of the Bonnie Doon Quartet.

Olson has been playing since she was three-years-old and said the opportunity has shaped her life.

“I had good piano lessons growing up and I’m lucky to have had access to them” Olson said. “Jasper and Hinton have good music programs as well.”

The town will be full of music lovers this weekend as well, as the Canadian piano teachers association will be holding a meeting in town. Olson hopes many will come to enjoy the show.

The Bonnie Doon Quartet will bring a sampling of classical music to the Jasper United Church.

This will be the first appearance of the Bonnie Doon quartet to Jasper, however they have come to town in the past as a trio. Aaron Au will be adding his viola to the group, who originally formed after playing together at University. Olson said the viola ties things together, even if it isn’t always noticeable.

“We had similar coaching, and two of the members are siblings, so there’s an instinctive connection,” Olson said.

From there, the band was formed and has toured extensively across Alberta, playing festivals and trying to bring classical music to rural Alberta.

Olson’s piano and Au’s viola will be joined by Alycia Au on violin and Julie Amundsen on cello. The quartet will showcase a broad range of accessible pieces, including Mozart’s piano quartet in G minor.

She said it’s important audiences are able to connect with the work, which may not appear to be immediately accessible.

“You get bit by the bug. Some of the pieces are so bountiful. People are intrigued by the diversity,” Olson said.

They also plan to perform a few romantic composers, a little Dvorak and even venture into fiddle territory.

“We program accessible music that’s not super long. We have a lot of fun with the pieces,” Olson said.