Vogler Quartet in Concert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 5, 2016

From East Berlin to Vancouver — Quintessential Quintet to Perform at Langley’s Rose Gellert Hall

Experience some of the greatest chamber music ever written when Germany’s world-renowned Vogler Quartet combines forces with legendary Vancouver-based pianist Ian Parker at Langley Community Music School’s (LCMS) Rose Gellert Hall this Saturday, February 20, 2016, at 7:30 pm.

The Vogler Quartet, whose members are Tim Vogler, violin, Frank Reinecke, violin, Stefan Fehlandt, viola, and Stephan Forck, violoncello, will perform Haydn’s String Quartet in C Major, Op 76, No 3 ‘The Emperor’ and Ravel’s String Quartet in F major. The quartet will be joined by pianist Ian Parker to perform Shostakovich’s masterful Piano Quintet.

“From one of ‘Papa’ Haydn’s string quartets to Ravel’s innovative and colourfully imaginative work, audiences will be treated to some of the greats of the string quartet literature,” says LCMS artistic director Elizabeth Bergmnn. “These works will provide an interesting emotional juxtaposition to the dark power of the Shostakovich Quintet.”

Of the Shostakovich piece, pianist Ian Parker says “audiences will be transported back in time to experience the epic emotional journey of war-torn Russia in the early 1940’s. This piece expresses deep sadness, devastation, and sarcasm through the use of intense sadness in the melodies and powerful rhythmic syncopation.”

“This instrumental grouping is as large as it gets,” adds Parker. “The full spectrum is there. Often the flagship of a composer’s chamber compositions,” the piano-string quintet is a “fascinating partnership” that conveys such personality and unique character.

The Washington Post says, “Every once in a while, a performance puts all others in perspective and reminds one that in great music, there is always more to be revealed … [the Vogler Quartet] offered such a performance.”

The Vogler Quartet was formed in East Berlin in 1985 and has the unique distinction of still being with its original members. Recognized as one of the finest quartets of its generation, the Vogler Quartet has performed in all the major venues of Europe, America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition to artistic direction for several musical festivals, they continue to publish multiple recordings world-wide. The group also provides special master classes and organizes special projects for children and youth, such as the award-winning The North Hesse Children’s Music Festival. Learn more at http://vogler-quartett.de/?lang=en

Award-winning pianist and recording artist, Ian Parker joins the Volger Quartet again for this special performance. One of Vancouver’s most dynamic pianists, Ian Parker, is “magnetic, easy-going and delightfully articulate.” Having performed across North America and Europe, as well as Israel and Hong Kong, Ian Parker is recognized internationally and can be heard regularly on CBC radio and other international radio stations. The New Orleans’ Times-Picayune calls his performance “show-stopping.” And the Edmonton Journal says Ian Parker’s performance “holds power.” His “playing was precise and passionate, each note crystalline and clear.” Learn more at http://www.ianparker.ca/

The Vogler Quartet and Ian Parker are represented by Schmidt Artists International, Inc.

The Volger quartet will also be giving a masterclass at the school on February 20 at 11:00 am, working with senior LCMS chamber groups. The public is welcome to attend, and admission to the masterclass is free. It will be a great opportunity to hear musical insights from these wonderful musicians.

The 2015/16 Rose Gellert Hall Concert Series is sponsored by Hub Insurance. Tickets for the February concert are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, $16 for students, and $10 for LCMS students. Call the box office at 604-534-2848. The Rose Gellert Hall is located at 4899 207 Street, Langley, BC.

ABOUT LANGLEY COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL (LCMS)
The Langley Community Music School (LCMS) is both a local cultural venue and a non-profit music school and registered charity. They host multiple musical concerts from October to May, including the Concerts Café Classico Series, an afternoon concert series featuring stellar local and touring musicians playing classical, jazz or contemporary works, as well as the Rose Gellert Hall Series, an evening concert series featuring renowned Canadian and international musicians.

As a school, LCMS 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. Visit langleymusic.com or call 604-534-2848.

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