Rose Gellert Series opens with Borealis String Quartet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Fiery World Renowned Borealis String Quartet Open Rose Gellert Hall Concert Series

The internationally lauded Borealis String Quartet will perform an exciting and energetic programme, “Bohemian Sounds,” at the Langley Community Music School (LCMS) Rose Gellert Concert Series season opener at 7:30 pm on Saturday evening, October 14, 2017.

The programme will include Imant Raminsh’s lyrical and harmonious String Quartet No. 3, Antonin
Dvorak’s romantic and spirited Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 81, with pianist Marcel Bergmann, and Bergmann’s own fiery version of Astor Piazzolla’s tangos, Milonga del Angel and Libertango, for piano duet and string quartet with the Bergmann Duo.

“Raminsh’s String Quartet No. 3 was written especially for the Borealis Quartet,” says the Quartet’s violinist, Yuel Yawney. “It is inspiring to have the opportunity to discover the voice of the composer. We love the process of exploring the music together and experimenting in search of new sonorities and colours.”

Pianist and composer Marcel Bergmann adds, “Dvorak’s Piano Quintet op.81 is one of the great masterpieces of the romantic chamber literature and has been among my favourite personal musical discoveries.” Piazzolla’s tangos are also an “unusual combination of string quartet and two pianos,” continues Marcel. “The beautiful, melancholic atmosphere of the Milonga del Angel is a contrast to the lively and driving ostinato-rhythms of the famous Libertango.”

The Borealis String Quartet, founded in Vancouver in 2000, is one of the most dynamic and exciting ensembles in the world. Sold-out concerts around the world have included New York, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Rome, Mainz, Shanghai, Taipei, Beijing, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver. With an extremely prestigious reputation, the quartet has performed for the likes of the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Chief Justice of Canada Beverley McLachlin and Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, as well as showcased at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. While they continue to tour North America, Europe and Asia extensively, the group is also frequently seen on television and heard on CBC Radio and other stations across North America and Asia. Highly sought-after, they have also been invited to be the Quartet in Residence at numerous festivals and universities across North America, Mexico, Europe and Asia, as well as serve as jury members in national music competitions. The Borealis continues to receive awards and rave accolades from presenters, renowned musicians and critics alike for their artistry.

International critical acclaim has included phrases like “fiery,” “animated,” “breathtaking,” “superb,” “impressive,” “dynamic, passionate, refined,” “intense and energetic,” “amazing,” “delectable,” and “pure magic.” According to the Globe and Mail, “the Borealis String Quartet were not going to let anyone cling to their sober stereotypes of classical music and chamber quartets. These four musicians practically flew out of their chairs, so vigorous and physical was their playing.”

The Borealis String Quartet includes violinists Patricia Shih, Yuel Yawney, and Nikita Pogrebnoy, as well as cellist, Sungyong Lim. Learn more at borealisstringquartet.com.

Joining the Borealis String Quartet for part of the programme are pianists Marcel and Elizabeth Bergmann of the Bergmann Duo. The Bergmann Duo has been described as artists who present “razzle dazzle” and “electrifyingly rendered” recitals, according to The Vancouver Sun. The Bergmann Duo have touched and inspired audiences with their uniquely eclectic programs for more than two decades. As international prize-winners, including the Dranoff International Two Piano Competition and Provincia di Caltanisetta International Chamber Music Competition, they have performed in recital and with orchestras across North America and Europe, including recent appearances in Munich and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Marcel and Elizabeth Bergmann are Directors at the Langley Community Music School. Learn more at bergmannduo.com.

“We are excited to welcome this internationally acclaimed ensemble to Rose Gellert Hall,” says LCMS artistic director Elizabeth Bergmann. “They have tremendous energy as performers, and my husband Marcel and I are looking forward to joining them on stage. ”

LCMS is grateful for this year’s series sponsors, HSBC and Hub Insurance, as it is through their support that the Langley Community Music School is able to invite such highly acclaimed performers to the Rose Gellert Concert Series. LCMS also wishes to express appreciation for the support of the BC Arts Council and the Province of BC.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, $16 for students, and $10 for LCMS students. Save 15% with Rose Gellert Hall Season Ticket holder prices at $85 for adults, $75 for seniors, and $58 for 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, 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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