Rose Gellert Hall – Quartetto Gelato

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 13, 2015

Ignite your Senses with Music that is Out of This World — Literally

Who ever said there is no sound in space? Not Canadian Astronaut Robert Thrisk who chose Quartetto Gelato to enrich his outer-world star gazing experience. From the great expanse of outer space to performances around the world, Quartetto Gelato will grace the stage at Langley Community Music School’s Rose Gellert Concert Hall at 7:30 pm on Saturday evening, February 28, 2015.

Prepare for an eclectic performance that surpasses the typical instrumental quartet and transverses the breadth of musical genres. Quartetto Gelato combines the dazzling voice of operatic tenor with the sounds of violin, cello, oboe, and accordion — and a good measure of showmanship — to create a scintillating theatrical performance that captures the spirit … at any age.

With a repertoire that spans from classical masterworks and operatic arias to the sizzling energy of tangos, gypsy and folk songs, the group’s dramatic stage presence and relaxed humor engages audiences in a performance that transcends the musical experience.

Vionlinst and vocalist Peter De Sotto joins with world accordion champion Alexander Sevastian, oboist (and actor) Colin Maier, and cellist Lydia Munchinsky, to perform works ranging from Edith Piaf ‘s “La Vie En Rose” to traditional Romanian Caravan.

“Audiences of all ages and types pick up on our energy,” says the quartet. “Recently we played for a video-game launch — not our usual soft-seater theatre crowd, but a hall packed with “Generation Y” young men. They told us we were one of the best parts of the entire evening!” This enthusiasm is not unique.

The Washington Post says, “Larger audiences are inevitable not only because the quartet’s members are fine musicians but also because they have learned to mix entertainment and music.” Likewise, the Sioux City Journal says that watching Quartetto Gelato at the “Sioux City Symphony Orchestra Concert was a lot like watching a great old movie on late night television […and] the group provided plenty of surprises.” Attesting that the ensemble are entertainers in every sense of the word, the Des Moines Register adds, “Equal parts of musicianship, showmanship and what might be called “laughmanship” marked the lively quartet’s witty, wide-ranging program.”

For nearly two decades, this dazzling ensemble has enchanted audiences and critics worldwide with their exotic blend of musical virtuosity, artistic passion and humor. Recognized as “an amazing ensemble that achieves nearly the impossible … playing salon music with real style and classical music with real precision,” the group has won multiple international awards, including “Best Classical Ensemble” at Canada’s 2010 INDIE awards.

The group has produced eight CDs selling more than 150,000 copies and is regularly heard on CBC, Classical 96.3 FM, NPR, PRI, and NUR networks — including their featured Hollywood soundtrack “Only You.” The group is also regularly broadcast throughout the USA on PBS with their first DVD recording “Quartetto Gelato: A Concert in Wine Country!” Learn more about Quartetto Gelato at http://www.quartettogelato.ca.

This concert is sponsored in part by Hub Financial. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, $20 for students, and $15 for LCMS students. Call the box office at 604-534-2848 or visit langleymusic.com purchase tickets. The Rose Gellert Hall is located at 4899 207 Street, Langley, BC.

ABOUT LANGLEY COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL
Langley Community Music School (LCMS) is a non-profit organization and registered charity that is committed to providing the highest quality of musical education to students of all ages and levels, from early learning to pre-professional and adult programs. With the support of the community, LCMS has become one of the largest non-profit music schools in the province, earning both national and international acclaim for their comprehensive and innovative programs. Learn more about LCMS programs, scholarships and bursaries.

The Langley Community Music School hosts multiple musical concerts from October to May, including the Rose Gellert Hall Series, an evening concert series featuring renowned Canadian and international musicians, as well as the Concerts Café Classico Series, an afternoon concert series featuring stellar local and touring musicians playing classical, jazz or contemporary works.

-30-