Canadian Guitar Quartet in Concert

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 6, 2017

World-acclaimed Canadian Guitar Quartet dazzles audiences from New York to Langley

The Canadian Guitar Quartet puts a new spin on the classical four-string quartet at an upcoming Rose Gellert Concert at Langley Community Music School (LCMS) at 7:30 pm on Saturday evening, January 21, 2017.

Heralded as “stunning!” by the New York Classical Guitar Society, “the Canadian Guitar Quartet made one of the greatest New York City debuts of any artistic ensemble in decades.” The New York column of the Classical Guitar magazine, England, calls their playing “…fantastic, spirited playing and sheer inventiveness.”

Embarking on an unprecedented Western Canada tour January-February 2017, the Canadian Guitar Quartet will be performing an innovative mix of the classical masters, including Beethoven, Vivaldi, Saint-Säens, and Rossini, as well as new Canadian compositions created specifically for this four-guitar ensemble by guitarists Renaud Côté-Giguère and Patrick Roux, touted as “engaging and entertaining” by the Toronto Star.

While the masters like “Beethoven didn’t write for guitar,” says the Canadian Guitar Quartet “it comes naturally to guitarists to make transcriptions.” The four guitarists juggle the distinct roles of Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass. “The four-guitar ensemble works quite well to accommodate the various sounds and textures of orchestral music.” The result is an inventive, delightful and entertaining approach to classical guitar that the Georgia Strait calls “instantly memorable music.”

As evidence to the appeal of this distinct style, the Canadian Guitar Quartet has enjoyed one standing ovation to the next — establishing a reputation as one of the finest guitar ensembles in the world. Since its debut in 1999, the Canadian Guitar Quartet has toured extensively throughout North and South America, appearing with orchestras across Canada and recording three critically acclaimed CDs. The award-winning quartet has been broadcast on both CBC and Radio-Canada, with a special performance featured on Bravo! Television. Their performances have been broadcast in the United States, on CBC’s overseas networks, and featured in various international magazines. As the Ottawa Citizen acclaims, the Canadian Guitar Quartet is “top-notch.” Visit www.canadianguitarquartet.com and www.youtube.com/cgqguitar.

“This concert is destined to be an unforgettable experience,” says LCMS artistic director Elizabeth Bergmann. “The reinvention of great classical masterpieces in a four-guitar ensemble is enough to cement critical acclaim. But their original guitar music — with works ranging from an exploration of conflicting inner emotions to a wild taxi ride through the streets of Buenos Aires — are compelling enough to engage a very wide audience. It will surely be a stunning performance.”

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, $16 for students, and $10 for LCMS students. The Rose Gellert Concert Series is sponsored by Hub Insurance and HSBC. 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, a Saturday evening concert featuring renowned Canadian and international musicians, as well as the Concerts Café Classico Series, a Sunday afternoon concert series featuring stellar local and touring musicians playing classical, jazz or contemporary works.

Visit langleymusic.com or call 604-534-2848.

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