WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
Looking at the Stars is a Registered Federal Charity (Charitable Registration No. 77958 5298 RR0001), authorized to issue tax receipts for charitable donations.
The Vision
Our main purpose is to restore dignity and create hope in the hearts and minds of the imprisoned by means of gifting them interactive classical music performances presented by world class musicians — bridging the disconnection between society and the incarcerated.
The Audience
We provide our classical music gifts to prisoners serving long-term sentences in federal correctional facilities — maximum, medium and minimum security prisons and Regional Treatment Centers.
The Music
We do not entertain. Rather, we create a unique environment of respect and reflection. We invite world-class musicians to present a repertoire of classical and contemporary compositions. The prison concerts we produce promote intimate interaction between performers and prisoners, elevating passive consumption to interactive engagement.
Dmitri Kanovich
Founder & CEO
Arriving in Canada from Lithuania as a refugee in 1983, Dmitri Kanovich had grown up in a cultured household full of love and art. Upon arrival with his Masters Degree Diploma in his suitcase, Dmitri found himself working as a pizza delivery man for some time before being offered a position as a junior programmer by a compassionate IT business owner. Dmitri has been involved in Information Technology ever since. He received his Canadian citizenship in 1986.
In 1997, Dmitri left Canada to travel the world, working in the U.S.A., South Africa and Russia. His fortunes have been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, but always the values of his childhood remained with him. Always, there was music; whether that was Cliff Richard, Bob Dylan or Sergei Rachmaninoff.
Dmitri returned to Canada in 2014; a country he identifies as “the best country in the world.” He cites Canada’s giving nature and the wealth of opportunity it provides to all. Looking at the Stars is one way of giving back to the country that has been so kind to him and his family.
“I Look at the Stars” is the name of the first book written by my father, back in 1959. It is the story of an orphan in a little village whose only fortune is the sky full of stars. In the story the boy looked at them every night. They were his inspiration. They helped him feel good about the world and every human being, because the stars had the magic power of inspiration through distraction. They were a diversion into an imaginary world of justice, peace and brotherhood; the world and the stars converged into a single universe of love and hope. This project was inspired by this story and my family.”
Lukas Geniušas
Founding Musician
Russian-Lithuanian pianist Lukas Geniušas has firmly established himself as one of the most exciting and distinctive artists of his generation.
Praised for his “brilliance and maturity” (The Guardian) he is invited to give recitals in the most prestigious venues all over the world such as Wigmore Hall, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Salle Gaveau, Auditorium du Louvre, Frick Collection New York, Phillips Collection, Gilmore Keyboard Festival, Teatro Carlo Felice, Sala Verdi in Milan and the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. He is also regularly invited to festivals including La Roque d’Anthéron, Piano aux Jacobins, Rheingau, the Ruhr Piano Festival, Schloss-Elmau and the Lockenhaus Music Festivals.
S. Gordon Harwood
Artist in Residence
Gordon supports Looking at the Stars as Artist in Residence, creating abstract works of art during the musical performances with the musicians in the correctional institutions in Ontario and Quebec. In describing his abstract work, “I consider myself a colourist; possessing a growing appreciation for the relationship between colour, brush stroke, and the emotive energy that can engage the viewer. He enjoys the collaborative effort of working alongside the musical performers associated with Looking at the Stars.
His work can be found at www.GalleryPapillon.net.
Mychol Scully
Technical Director
Mychol Scully supports Looking at the Stars as Technical Director, managing the Foundation’s website, and consults on marketing and social media initiatives. His past experience as Systems Analyst, Project Manager, Facility Designer, and owner of CORE Design Services provides a diverse skill set that enhances the work of the Foundation.
