29th Season
Michael Pepa, Founding Artistic Director
Lynn Kuo, Chef de l'ensemble
I - Wednesday, November 2, 2011 - 7:30 p.m.
at Toronto Heliconian Club
35 Hazelton Avenue
Toronto, Ontario. M5R 2E3
(Admission: $25/$20 Sr. & St.)
Trio sTREgaTrio sTREga
http://www.stregamusic.com/
Ewa Sas, Violin
Katarzyna Marczak, Clarinet
Erika Crinó, Piano
Darius Milhaud: Suite for clarinet, violin and piano
Ouverture
Divertissement
Jeu
Introduction et Final
Johannes Brahms: Sonata n.1 for violin and piano in G major, Op.78
Vivace ma non troppo
Adagio
Allegro molto moderato
Witold Lutoslawski: Dance Preludes for clarinet and piano
Allegro molto
Andantino
Allegro giocoso
Andante
Allegro molto
Sergei Rachmaninov: Moment Musicaux in E minor for piano
Claude Debussy: Premiere Rhapsodie for clarinet and piano
Paul Schoenfield: Freylakh for clarinet, violin and piano
Trio sTREga is a chamber group co-founded by Polish clarinettist Katarzyna (Kasia) Marczak and Italian pianist Erika Crinó. Kasia and Erika met in Vancouver at the University of British Columbia while both completing their Doctorates in Performance. Their shared love for chamber music led them to form Trio sTREga, while still studying at the university. Originally composed of clarinet, cello and piano, after the recent move to Toronto, the trio changed its profile into a combination of clarinet, violin and piano, with the introduction of outstanding violinist Ewa Sas.
The trio has made its debut in 2006 in Vancouver and was immediately invited to perform at the "New Music Alberta" (Edmonton, Alberta) series during its 2006-2007 concert season. After a short Winter Residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts (Alberta), where Erika and Kasia collaborated with such artists as Berry Shiffman and Henk Guittart, they moved to Toronto. Trio sTREga quickly established itself as a young and approachable group, recognized for its friendly but professional readings of even the most complex scores. Trio sTREga is strongly dedicated to communication with its audience. Explanations and comments are always included in the performances, linking new works to the more classical ones, presenting background information and relating music to the different arts. The trio's commitment to a wider appreciation of music is also evident in the numerous outreach performances in conservatories, community halls, art and social events, as well as TV appearances.
Trio sTREga's interest in new music lead to the commission in 2010 of a new work inspired by Glenn Gould's radio trilogy, The Idea of North. The new trio, The North Imagined: a Tribute to Glenn Gould, by UofT Professor Norbert Palej was taken on tour by sTREga in October 2010, when it was presented extensively in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. In this occasion, Trio sTREga was heard both in academic settings, such as UBC, UVic, Vancouver Music Academy, as well as in outreach halls, such as in Regina, giving several recitals, masterclasses, and lectures. In February 2011, Trio sTREga was invited to participate in the renown New Music Festival at the University of Toronto. For this event, sTREga commissioned and premiered a new trio by composer Kevin Lau. OMNI TV also offered a special broadcast dedicated to the group, with excerpts from the concert as well as individual interviews. On this occasion, Trio sTREga also proudly collaborated with cellist David Hetherington and received many enthusiastic comments from composers Chen Yi and Chan Ka Nin, whose music they performed.
In Toronto, sTREga regularly appears at the Koffler Centre for the Arts and at Heliconian Hall, where it has just completed a series dedicated to the four seasons, with a mixture of solos, duos and trios. The trio is also committed to its participation in the life of its adopted city: sTREga performed for Dream Makers, a children's charity, and was invited several times by the Polish Consulate of Toronto to celebrate important events such as the visit of the Polish First Lady, the honouring of Tamara Jaworska's works and the opening of the exhibition commemorating Katyn's genocide at Metro Hall.
STREga has proudly collaborated with a variety of artists such as soprano Vania Chan, cellists David Hetherington, Mateusz Swoboda and Luke Pomorski, pianist Brett Kingsbury, photographer Tanya Workman, painter Tamara Harut and composers Dr. Norbert Palej, Dr. Jocelyn Morlock and Dr. Piotr Grella-Moejko among others.
II - Tuesday, November 8, 2011- 8:00 p.m.
at Toronto Heliconian Club
35 Hazelton Avenue
Toronto, Ontario. M5R 2E3
(Admission: $20/$15/$10)
ENSEMBLE MADE IN CANADA
Ensemble made in CanadaElissa Lee, Violin
Sharon Wei, Viola
Rachel Mercer, Cello
Angela Park, Piano
Gustav Mahler: Piano Quartet in A minor (1876)
Abigail Richardson-Schulte: "Crossings" for cello and piano in four movements (2011)*
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Quartet No 1 in G minor K 478
Allegro
Andante
Rondo (Allegro)
Johannes Brahms: Piano Quartet No 1 in G minor Op 25
Allegro
Allegro ma non troppo
Andante con moto
Presto, Rondo alla Zingarese
* Canadian Premiere
Ensemble Made in Canada is rapidly gaining recognition as Canada's premier piano quartet. Awarded the 2006 CBC Galaxie Stars Award from the Banff Centre for the Arts, the quartet was also featured in 2008 Chatelaine Magazine's 80 women to watch as an ensemble that is leading the next generation of classical musicians. The members of the group, violinist Elissa Lee, violist Sharon Wei, cellist Rachel Mercer and pianist Angela Park, have been forging outstanding individual careers and bring together a shared love of chamber music and a wealth of experience having already appeared at prestigious festivals such as Marlboro, Ravinia, Orford, Verbier, Prussia Cove, Pablo Casals and Evian. Ensemble Made in Canada has performed for such series as Winnipeg's Virtuosi series, Jeffery Chamber Music Series, Lindsay Concert Productions, and Almonte in Concert in Ontario. They have been re-invited to perform at the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival and the Stratford Music Festival. Other recent performances include Montreal Pro Musica series, Sherbrooke Bishop's University Series, SUNY New Paltz, U.S.A., and Toronto's Syrinx Series. Ensemble Made in Canada has provided master classes, chamber music coachings, and talks at universities across Canada and have also participated in outreach programs for public schools in Ontario. Ensemble Made in Canada was a recent recipient of the Music Touring Grant, generously awarded by the Canada Council for the Arts.
Winner of the 23rd Eckhardt-Gramatté Strings Competition, violinist Elissa Lee has performed in cities throughout Canada and can be heard frequently on CBC Radio. She has appeared as a soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, l'Orchestre Symphonique de Québec, the Boris Brott Festival Orchestra, the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra, l'Orchestre de Chambre de Montréal and the Royal Conservatory of Music Orchestra. Since moving to Europe, Elissa Lee has played recitals in Berlin, Munich and Freiburg and has collaborated with members of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra as well as with pianist Pascal Devoyon. Currently concertmaster of the WDR Rundfunkorchester in Cologne Germany, Elissa Lee is now enjoying a busy freelance career, and performs chamber music concerts and recitals throughout Europe and Canada. Frequently on tour as Concertmaster of the KlangVerwaltung Orchestra in Munich and as frequent guest of world renowned Chamber of Orchestra of Europe, she has performed in the greatest concert halls and festivals in the world.
Violist Sharon Wei was a National and a Canadian Merit Scholar at the University of Western Ontario. She completed her studies at the Curtis Institute and at Yale, graduating with the Viola Prize. Other honours include top prizes at the London Music Competition, and the Washington International Competition. Sharon has appeared as soloist with orchestra throughout North America. She has performed with the Stratford Civic Orchestra, New Haven Chamber Orchestra, Kitchener Waterloo Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchestra of Southern Utah. Past highlights include concerts at the International Viola congress, Ravinia, Norfolk, Verbier, Scotiafest and Musique de Chambre a Normandie. Recent concerts include concertos with the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra and a Debut Atlantic Recital tour of the Maritime provinces in Canada. She has pursued her studies on grants from the Canada Council and Chalmers Foundation. Sharon has taught in Yale University's undergraduate department, given masterclasses throughout Canada and is currently on faculty at Stanford University. Sharon plays on a viola kindly on loan to her from the Banff Centre for the Arts.
Described as a "pure chamber musician" (Globe and Mail) creating "moments of pure magic" (Toronto Star), Canadian cellist Rachel Mercer http://www.rachelmercercellist.com has demonstrated her love for sharing music through performance since she was three years old. Winner of the 2009 Canada Council Musical Instrument Bank Competition, Rachel was awarded the use of the 1696 Bonjour Stradivarius cello, until August 2012. As the grand prize winner of the 2001 Vriendenkrans Competition in Amsterdam, Rachel made her European debut in the Concertgebouw and has appeared as a soloist across Canada, in Europe, the United States, Balkans and Israel. A member of the award-winning Aviv String Quartet from 2002-2010, Rachel toured regularly on five continents. Currently based in Toronto, Rachel is cellist of Ensemble Made In Canada, Via Salzburg, the Mercer-Park Duo, and is Artistic Director of the "5 at the First" chamber series in Hamilton. Rachel has released discs on Naxos, Dalia Classics and EnT-T.
Pianist Angela Park has received numerous awards and prizes from the International Grace Welsh Prize for Piano (Chicago), the AMSA World Piano Competition (Cincinnati), Honens International Piano Competition (Calgary), Maria Canals International Competition (Barcelona), Canadian National Music Festival, and Ontario Arts Council's Chalmers Professional Development Grant. As a soloist Angela has recently performed with Sinfonia Toronto, Orchestra London Canada, Canadian Sinfonietta and the Northern Lights Music Festival Orchestra in Mexico. She has appeared as soloist and chamber musician for series such as CBC Radio OnStage, Debut Atlantic, Montreal Debut, University of Illinois, Steinway Society of Chicago, the Mostly Mozart Festival in Maine and Festival de Mexico in Mexico City. Upcoming seasons include concert tours across Canada, as well as performances in the USA, Japan, Italy and Mexico. Angela is a founding member of Ensemble Made in Canada. She holds a master's degree from the University of Toronto and recently received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Université de Montréal.
Members of Les AMIS Ensemble on TOUR
Monday, December 5, 2011 - 7:00 p.m.
Aula Palatului Cantacuzino
7th MERIDIAN, ISCM - ROMANIAN SECTION
International Festival, Bucharest, DECEMBER 5-10, 2011
http://www.cimec.ro/Muzica/SNR/default.htm
Festivalul International "MERIDIAN, Zilele SNR-SIMC"
Editaia a 7-a, 5-10 decembrie 2011
LUNI, 5 DECEMBRIE
Aula Palatului Cantacuzino
Ora 19
Concerto à due: devotioModerna (Romania) &
Les Amis Piano Duo (Canada)
a) Les AMIS Piano Duo
Marianna Humetska
Erika Crinó
Chan Ka Nin (Canada) - Majestic Flair (1987) pentru pian solo (p.a.r.)
Vast
Phantasmagoria
Laura Manolache (Romania) - Irizari (Irisations) pentru pian la patru maini
Ivana Stefanovic (Serbia) - For Left Hand Only (1998) - Clocks, Time (2003) pentru pian solo (p.a.r.)
Carmen Maria Cârneci (Romania) - "Lichtung2" (2011) pentru doua piane (p.a.a.)
Volodymyr Runchak (Ukraine) - Homo Ludens pentru pian solo (p.a.r.)
Michael Pepa (Canada) - duello per venti dita (2010) pentru doua piane (p.a.r.)
arioso-cantabile
duello-variacione
tan-go
b) devotioModerna
Ana Chifu, flaut
Valentin Ghita, oboi
Constantin Urziceanu, clarinet
Maria Chifu, fagot
Andrei Câmpean, horn
conducerea muzical: Carmen Cârneci
Paolo Rotili (Italia) - ...e nel tempo si disperde pentru flaut solo
Roman Vlad - Proverbe II pentru clarinet solo
Livia Teodorescu-Ciocnea - In alter modus pentru flaut, oboi, fagot
Doina Rotaru - Mithya I pentru flaut solo
Ivo Nilson (Suedia) - Apnea pentru cvintet de sufl?tori
Nota:
prima auditie absoluta (p.a.a.)
prime auditie romaneasca (p.a.r.)
Pianist Marianna Humetska www.myspace.com/mariannahumetska is a winner of numerous prizes and diplomas in international competitions, among which include the Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians and Diaghilev Competition in Moscow, "Virtuosos of the Year 2000" Competition in St. Petersburg, Dvarionas Competition in Vilnius, and the Honens Competition in Calgary. Ms. Humetska is also a winner of the "Galaxie" Rising Stars Award of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the "Debut" Young Artists Auditions, and the Marusia Yaworska Award from the University of Ottawa.
Born in Lviv, Ukraine, Ms. Humetska holds a Diploma with Honours from the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, an Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School of Music in Toronto, and a Masters Degree from the Lviv Music Academy.
Marianna Humetska regularly concertizes in some of the world's prestigious music festivals, which have included the Kuhmo Festival (Finland), Rheingau Festival (Germany), Tibor Varga Festival (Switzerland), Music at the Institute in New York (USA), Music Biennale Zagreb (Croatia), Niagara International Music Festival (Canada), Szymanowski Quartet and Friends, Kyiv Music Fest, Festival of Contemporary Music "Contrasts", "Virtuosos", Chamber Music Sessions, and Bach-Fest (Ukraine).
Ms. Humetska has also performed in some of the world's most celebrated concert halls: the Great Hall and Rachmaninov Hall of Moscow Conservatory, Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow, Steinway Hall and St. Martin-in-the-Field Church in London, Kasinosaal in Wiesbaden, George Enescu Hall in Bucharest, Kolarac Hall in Belgrade, Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, Chapelle Historique in Montreal, Ukrainian Institute in New York and Chicago.
Her performances with orchestras have included concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, London Soloists, Russian National Orchestra, Festival Orchestra of the Banff Art Center, Orchestra of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto (Canada), Banatul Filarmonica Timisoara (Romania), Geminiani Orchestra (Italy), Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Lugansk Philharmonic Orchestra (Ukraine).
In addition to her solo and orchestra performances, Ms. Humetska is also very much in demand as a chamber musician and collaborative artist. Marianna Humetska has collaborated with artists such as Victoria Loukianetz, Jovan Kolundjia, Jeffrey Solow, Thomas Sanderling, Gary Kulesha, Volodymyr Sirenko, Simon Streatfield, Shauna Rolston, Lynn Kuo, Rachel Mercer, Lori Freedman, Martin Owen, Joseph Macerollo, Miriam Konzen, Joaquin Valdepenas, Mark Skazinetsky, Aviv String Quartet, Tokai String Quartet, and Penderecki Quartet, among others.
"The real, expressive interpreter": "Intense expressiveness is characteristic of the artist's masterly performance."
- Lauterbacher Anzeiger, Germany
"Her playing is distinguished by perfect technique, sound colors, vivacity and generosity in conveyance of feelings. Marianna Humetska startled everyone by her virtuosity, depth and temper of the performance. The viewers got a powerful charge of active energy from her art."
- Panorama, Ukraine.
"…startled by not only confident pianism, which excluded any randomness, but also by the deepness of philosophical comprehension of music, harmony of the performer's concept and preciseness of its implementation. She did not have a single sound, which was not filled with an idea, warmed by a feeling.".
- On performance of Beethoven Piano Concerto #3, Music Life Magazine, Russia
Italian pianist Erika Crinó http://www.stregamusic.com/ is very active both as a chamber musician and a soloist. Several of her performances have been featured on CBC Radio both as a soloist, as winner of the Debut Series, and in chamber music settings, collaborating with percussionist Salvador Ferreras, clarinetist Francois Houle, pianist Brett Kingsbury, and, more recently, in a performance of Jocelyn Morlock's "Involuntary Love Songs", with soprano Vania Chan, winner of the special prize at the Eckhard-Gramatté Competition.
Since her move to Toronto, Erika has been regularly heard in several important venues, among which, the Glenn Gould Studio, where she performed and recorded Bach's Triple Concerto with pianists Robert Silverman and Brett Kingsbury, and the Koffler Chamber Orchestra directed by Jacques Israelievitch, the historical Massey Hall directed by William Shookoff, Heliconian Hall, Gallery 345, and the University of Toronto. In 2006 she co-founded Trio sTREga, a Trio dedicated to contemporary music with whom she toured western Canada and made several concerts in Italy. Erika is currently faculty at the Kingsway Conservatory and at the Koffler Centre for the Arts where she is also music coordinator.
After obtaining the Diploma in Piano at the conservatory of her own town, Trieste, and the Diploma in Chamber Music with the Trio di Trieste, Erika studied with M. Bruno Canino in Milan. Shortly after, she moved to Canada where she completed her Doctorate in Piano Performance with Dr. Robert Silverman at the University of British Columbia.
III - Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - 8:00 p.m.
at GALLERY 345
345 Sorauren Avenue, Toronto Canada M6R 2G5
[South of Dundas West, Between Lansdowne & Roncesvalles]
http://www.gallery345.com/performances.php
(Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $10)
Meet the artists at the reception after the concert.
Les AMIS Piano Duo & Guest
Left to right: Marianna Humetska, Piano - Erika Crinó, Piano - Kaili Maimets, Flute
Chan Ka Nin (Canada) - Majestic Flair (1987) for piano solo
Vast
Phantasmagoria
Paolo Rotili (Italia) - ...e nel tempo si disperde for flute solo*
Laura Manolache (Romania) - Irizari (Irisations) for piano four hands*
Ivana Stefanovic (Serbia) - For Left Hand Only (1998) - Clocks, Time (2003) for piano solo*
Doina Rotaru (Romania) - Mithya I for flute solo*
Carmen Maria Cârneci (Romania) - «Lichtung2» (2011) for two pianos*
Riho Esko Maimets (Canada) - lumena for flute and piano
Volodymyr Runchak (Ukraine) - Homo Ludens for piano solo*
Michael Pepa (Canada) - duello per venti dita (2010) for two pianos
arioso-cantabile
duello-variacione
tan-go
* Canadian Premiere
Flutist Kaili Maimets www.kailimaimets.com has been described as “a consummate professional and an inspiring musician” by Canadian conductor Alain Trudel. Kaili’s performances have taken her across Canada from Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, to Banff, Alberta. She performed with Youth Orchestra of the Americas in the summer of 2010, which toured South America, performing in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil, as well as a separate tour to the Dominican Republic in October 2010. She has also performed with orchestras such as National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Scotia Festival Orchestra, and Banff Festival Orchestra. Many of her orchestral performances have been recorded and broadcast on CBC Radio, including the Scotia Festival of Music’s 30th Anniversary Gala Concert in June 2009.
Kaili completed her Masters of Music in Orchestral Performance from McGill University in December 2009, under the mentorship of the Associate Principal Flute of Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Denis Bluteau. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Toronto in June 2008, where she studied with Nora Shulman, Principal Flutist of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. She also received her A.R.C.T. from the Royal Conservatory of Music of Canada earning the top honour, the Gold Medal for Woodwinds in November 2007.
Kaili has participated in many summer music festivals and masterclass programs across Canada and Britain. She has studied with flutists William Bennett, Jeanne Baxtresser, Peter Lloyd, Paul Edmund-Davies, Robert Langevin, Emmanuel Pahud, Mathieu Dufour, Tara Helen O’connor, and Carol Wincenc.
Kaili performs regularly in Toronto with various ensembles and orchestras, at Roy Thompson Hall, Gallery 345, Heliconian Club, Christ Church Deer Park, and University of Toronto’s Walter Hall. She has also performed in Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, and Montreal’s Place des Arts.
Kaili is dedicated to performing new music. She has premiered and recorded works of Toronto composers. Two of her own compositions, Wind, and Silence of the Birds, have been performed in Toronto’s St. Lawrence Centre and Glenn Gould Studio respectively. Wind was broadcast on CBC Radio, performed by the prestigious chamber ensemble, the Gryphon Trio.
Teaching flute is an important part in Kaili’s life. She is currently teaching at the Bishop Strachan School for Girls, Toronto French School, and has previously coached the flute choir at University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. She also has a private studio.
Les AMIS Outreach Concerts
Duo Les AMIS
Lynn Kuo, Violin Marianna Humetska, Piano
Selections from LOVE: Innocence, Passion, Obsession
César Franck: Sonata in A major:
Allegretto Ben Moderato
Allegro
Recitativo Fantasia
Allegretto Poco Mosso
Nino Rota: Improvviso in re minore 4'30
Astor Piazzolla: Milonga en re
Igor Frolov: Concert Fantasy on themes from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess
Michael Pepa: Fantaisie bohémienne
For the residents of:
Lakeshore Lodge
3197 Lakeshore Boulevard, Etobicoke
February 22, 2011 - 2:00 p.m.
Castlewview Wychwood Towers
351 Christie Street, Toronto
February 23, 2011 - 2:00 p.m.
Kipling Acres
2233 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke
February 29, 2011 - 2:00 p.m.
IV - Saturday, February 25, 2012 - 8:00 p.m.
at La Chapelle historique du Bon-Pateur
maison de la musique
100, rue Sherbrooke E Montréal, QC H2X 1C3
(514) 872-5338
présente
en collaboration avec
l'Ambassade de la République de Croatie a Ottawa
AMCA Québec et Les AMIS concerts
Zagreb piano trio
Martin Draušnik, Violin
Pavle Zajcev, Cello
Danijel Detoni, Piano
Michael Pepa: Falstaff Variations
Maurice Ravel: Trio in A minor
Modéré
Pantoum. Assez vite
Passacaille. Très large
Final. Animé
Berislav Šipuš: Gonars trio
Dmitri Shostakovich: Trio Nr, 2 in E minor Op. 67
Andante - Moderato
Allegro con brio
Largo
Allegretto
VI - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - 8:00 p.m.
at GALLERY 345
345 Sorauren Avenue, Toronto Canada M6R 2G5
[South of Dundas West, Between Lansdowne & Roncesvalles]
http://www.gallery345.com/performances.php
(Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $10)
Meet the artists at the reception after the concert.
Martin Draušnik, Violin
Pavle Zajcev, Cello
Danijel Detoni, Piano
Michael Pepa: Falstaff Variations
Maurice Ravel: Trio in A minor
Modéré
Pantoum. Assez vite
Passacaille. Très large
Final. Animé
Berislav Šipuš: Gonars trio
Dmitri Shostakovich: Trio Nr, 2 in E minor Op. 67
Andante - Moderato
Allegro con brio
Largo
Allegretto
Zagreb Piano Trio was founded in 1997. In 1998, the Trio won the Darko Lukic Competition in Zagreb, Croatia and was awarded second prize at the Charles Hennen Competition in Holland. In 2000, the Zagreb Piano Trio won the 1st Trondheim Competition in Norway. ZPT worked with the Borodin Quartet, Sándor Devich, Milan Škampa and participated in the Jerusalem Chamber Music Encounters (2000), where they worked with Isaac Stern, Leon Fleischer, Joel Krosnick, Samuel Rhodes, Philip Setzer, David Finckel and Wu Han. The trio performed at festivals in Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Israel, Serbia, Norway, Holland and Croatia.
Violinist Martin Draušnik was born in Zagreb, Croatia (1981). He commenced his studies at the Music Academy in Zagreb with Maja Dešpalj-Begovic (Degree in 2002). He continues his studies in Germany. First with Latica Honda-Rosenberg at the Hochschule für Musik in Freiburg (Degree in 2004). Afterwards he pursued the "Solistenstudium" with Ingolf Turban at the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Stuttgart (Degree in 2007). In 2010 he finished his viola studies at the Music Academy in Zagreb with Aleksandar Milošev. He attended Masterclasses with Maja Dešpalj-Begovic, Latica Honda-Rosenberg, Klaus Maetzel, Gorjan Košuta and Zakhar Bron.
During his studies in Germany he had several annual contracts with the SWR Symphony Orchestra Baden-Baden and Freiburg. As member of the Orchestra he played one of 6 Solo Violins in Messiaen's Chronocromie at the concert in the Hall of the Berlin Philharmonic.
He won the 1st prize at the Croatian Violin Competition twice, as pupil (1998) and student (2002). In 2000 he won the 3rd und Special prize at the International Competition Alfredo Marcosig in Gorizia (Italy). At the International Violin Competition Vaclav Huml 2009 in Zagreb he won a diploma.
In May 2010 he won both the Darko Lukic Prize and Prize of the Concert Hall Vatroslav Lisinski in Zagreb for the recital played at the Darko Lukic Young Artists Competition in Zagreb. In January 2011 he was awarded with the Stjepan Šulek prize for the best violin performance in the years 2009 and 2010.
Draušnik is founder of the Porin Quartet. The Quartet won many prizes in Croatia (Radio Podium 2000., Darko Lukic 2002., Ivo Vuljevic 2002.). He was member of the Quartet from 1998 until 2002. From 2002. he is member of the Zagreb piano trio.
He played recitals in Croatia, Austria, Germany and Italy. He has appeared as soloist with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and Cantus Ensemble. In January 2011. Draušnik performed the Croatian Premiere of the Violin Concerto by Ligeti in Zagreb (Lisinski Hall).
From 2006. he is Concertmaster of the Ensemble I Virtuosi di Paganini led by Ingolf Turban. As a member of the Ensemble he took part at the first recording of the octet Exil of Eugene Ysaÿe published on the CD Hommage a Eugene Ysaÿe by Ingolf Turban in 2008.
From 2007-2011 he played as Deputy Concertmaster of the Zagreb Philharmonic. In October 2011 he becomes Concertmaster of the Zagreb Philharmonic. ( www.zgf.hr )
He teaches at the Music Academy in Zagreb.
Cellist Pavle Zajcev was born in Zagreb (1976) and commenced his studies in the class of Valter Dešpalj at the Music Academy in Zagreb and continued studying for a year as a student of Ivan Monighetti at the Music Academy in Basel. He attended masterclasses and lessons given by M. Flaksman, S. Soundeckione, D. Grigorian, V. Messermann, J. Chuchro, E. Schoenfeld, A. Meneses and P. Muller.
He won the Prize of the Zagreb Philharmonic as the best young musician in season 1995/96. Zajcev was finalist of the 2nd International Cello Competition Antonio Janigro 2000 in Zagreb, Croatia. In 2001 he premiered and recorded Pavle Dešpalj's Cello Concerto for which he received the Porin discographic award for the best performance.
As chamber musician he played in many ensembles. He is a founding member of the Zagreb Piano Trio which won many prizes and critical acclaims. As soloist he performed with the Zagreb Philharmonic, Zagreb Soloists, Croatian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Croatian Chamber Orchestra and Varaždin Chamber Orchestra.
In 1995/96, as a member of the World Youth Orchestra, he toured the Philipines, Malaysia, Korea, Germany and Denmark.
In 2002 he has become the Principal cellist of the Croatian Radio Symphony Orchestra. He regularly makes recordings for Croatian radio.
Since 2005 he teaches Chamber Music at the Music Academy in Zagreb.
Pianist Danijel Detoni was born in Zagreb in 1983 won his BA and MA degrees in the class of Lászlo Baranyay and Balázs Kecskés at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest and for a year as a student of Itamar Golan at the Paris Conservatory. He attended masterclasses and lessons given by artists as Pnina Salzman, Hamsa al-Wadi, Emanuel Krasovsky, Felix Gottlieb, Pál Éder and Dénes Várjon.
Being a dedicated chamber musician since his early age he won the first prize in duo with Márta Deák at the Leó Weiner State Competition for Chamber Music in Budapest in April 2003, and in August 2006 he received the Award of the Israeli Isman Foundation for his extraordinary interpretation of Ligeti's music.
He performed as soloist and chamber musician in various concert halls and at music festivals in Belgrade, Sarajevo, Budapest, Vienna, Paris, Rouen, Bruxelles, Warsaw, Beijing, Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem.
Danijel appeared as soloist with the Zagreb Philharmonic, the Croatian and Slovenian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Belgrade Philharmonic, the String Orchestra Dušan Skovran , the Budapest Strings, the Beijing Symphony Orchestra. He played under the baton of Oliver von Dohnányi, Lior Shambadal, Tan Lihua, Patrick Fournillier, Zoltán Rácz, Pavle Dešpalj, Carlo Tenan and others.
He regularly makes recordings for Croatian radio. Danijel was awarded as the best young musician in 2008 by the Croatian Jeunesses Musicales.
Since 2009 he teaches at the Zagreb Music Academy.
Les AMIS Outreach Concert
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - 1:00 p.m.
FREE CONCERT SERIES
IN THE RICHARD BRADSHAW AMPHITHEATRE
The Four Seasons Centre
145 Queen St. W. Toronto
Zagreb Piano Trio
Martin Draušnik, Violin
Pavle Zajcev, Cello
Danijel Detoni, Piano
Berislav Šipuš: Gonars trio
Michael Pepa: Falstaff Variations
Maurice Ravel: Trio in A minor
Modéré
Pantoum. Assez vite
Passacaille. Très large
Final. Animé
VII - Tuesday, March 13, 2012 - 8:00 p.m.
at GALLERY 345
345 Sorauren Avenue, Toronto Canada M6R 2G5
[South of Dundas West, Between Lansdowne & Roncesvalles]
http://www.gallery345.com/performances.php
(Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $10)
Meet the artists at the reception after the concert.
Rivka Golani, Viola 
Stéphan Sylvestre, Piano
Max Bruch: Kol Nidre
(1838-1920)
Franz Schubert: Arpeggione
(1797-1828)
Ann Southam: "Re-Tuning" for viola and tape (1985)
(1937-2010)
Edvard Grieg: Sonata Op. 36 (Cello) in A minor for viola and piano
(1843-1907)
Allegro molto e marcato
Allegro agitato
Andante molto tranquillo
Rivka Golani is recognized as one of the great virtuoso violists of modern times. Her contributions to the advancement of viola technique have already given her a place in the history of the instrument and have been a source of inspiration not only to other players but also many composers who have been motivated by her mastery to write specially for the viola. More than 200 pieces have been written for her including over 60 concertos to date. Ms. Golani's awesome technique, riveting stage presence, and superbly sensitive musicianship have made her a favourite with music-lovers and critics alike.
Leading orchestras with which Rivka Golani has performed as soloist include the Boston Symphony, BBC Symphony, BBC Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw, Israel Philharmonic, Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra, Montreal Symphony, Toronto Symphony and many others. Her on-stage charisma unfailingly adds excitement to her appearances, and her reputation as a teacher draws students from all over the world to her master classes.
What do the critics think of Rivka Golani? James North of Fanfare Magazine best summarized her stature in the music world in suggesting she is " . . . carving out a place of her own that no other performer on the instrument can reach." And here is what the Financial Times in Britain had to say recently after one of her performances: Rivka Golani is ". . . at the head of today's supreme viola virtuosi - white-hot in delivery, kaleidoscopic in tone colours, electrifying in rhythmic attack." The Boston Herald is if anything more effusive: ". . . riveting, intensely physical stage presence . . . hurtling momentum, constant risk-taking, complete technical assurance."
In addition to being named an ambassador of Canadian music by the Canadian Music Centre for commissioning and performing works by Canadian composers, Ms Golani was recently awarded the Medal Pro Artibus by the board of Artisjus in Budapest for her representation of works by Hungarian composers worldwide, and is a member of the Club of Budapest.
Several of Golani’s many CD recordings have achieved landmark status, among them the Elgar Concerto with the Royal Philharmonic, the Bartok Concerto with the Budapest Symphony, Martinu’s Rhapsody Concerto with the Bern Symphony, Chaconne by U.S. Pulitzer prize-winner Michael Colgrass with the Toronto Symphony, and a 3-CD set of solo works by Johann Sebastian Bach. A CD entitled “Dancing in the Light”, featuring Rivka Golani performing a new work written for her and percussionist Beverley Johnston for viola, percussion and orchestra, “Pyricchean Dances”, on CBC Records. Recent releases include a CD of virtuoso encores, “Viola Encores” (HCD 32645) in 2009 by Hungaroton with American pianist Michele Levin.
Rivka Golani is also a painter of distinction, and has worked closely with composers as a visual artist in presenting multi-media performances of works for viola and orchestra. Exhibitions of her paintings have been held in Britain, Germany, Austria, Israel and North America. Ms Golani is a citizen of Israel, Canada and Britain, where she currently resides.
Stéphan Sylvestre ranks among the most sought-after and brilliant Canadian pianists of the new generation and enjoys an active performing career as a recitalist, orchestra soloist, chamber musician and recording artist. Critics on both sides of the Atlantic have bestowed lavish praise on his performances: “…his natural talent reminds one of the great Artur Rubinstein…” (La Presse, Montreal), “…somewhat reminiscent of the young Kempff” (La Scena Musicale, Canada), “…masterly brilliant virtuosity and monumentality,” (Flovo Cultury,Czech Republic). His numerous concert tours and performances have taken place in major concert halls, universities and concert organizations throughout Canada, United States, Brazil, the Middle East, France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, Czech Republic, Russia and the Netherlands. Notable venues include the Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), St. Martin-in-the-Fields (London), the St-Petersburg Conservatory (Russia), Place des Arts (Montreal), the National Arts Centre (Ottawa), the Four Seasons Centre (Toronto) and Massey Hall (Toronto). He has appeared with several Canadian orchestras and he has performed in the major international festivals in Canada, including Ottawa, Parry Sound, Lanaudière, Domaine Forget and Orford. Mr. Sylvestre is heard regularly on both networks of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Suisse Romande and the BBC in the United Kingdom.
He has collaborated with internationally renowned artists such as James Campbell, James Sommerville, Ransom Wilson, Martin Beaver, Rivka Golani, Susan Hoeppner, the Penderecki String Quartet, the New Zealand Quartet, Quartuor Arthur-Leblanc, Quatuor Alcan and members of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra among many others and was a member of Trio Contrastes until 2002. His numerous recordings on the ATMA, SRC, Marquis and Prod. XXI:21 labels where acclaimed by critics. Stéphan Sylvestre is invited regularly to give master classes and conferences abroad and he has been a member of several national and international juries, including the Canadian Music Competition, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Competition, the Glenn Gould School and the Montreal International Piano Competition. In addition to his active performing and recording schedule, Mr. Sylvestre is also Assistant Professor of Piano and head of keyboard studies at The University of Western Ontario. He is presently working on recording the works for violin and piano by Karol Szymanovski with violinist Jerzy Kaplanek, which has been supported by a residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts.
Ann Southam's "RE-TUNING" for solo viola and tape, was created in December 1985 especially for Rivka Golani. It arises from an earlier piece called "TUNING", also for solo viola and tape. The title "RE-TUNING" refers to the spinning out of tunes which are reminiscent of old Scottish and Irish fiddle tunes. The tape provides a tonal ground over which these tunes spin and to which they return from time to time in the form of a long keening melody.
Michael Pepa on TOUR
| April 22/12 Matsue, Japan | Yasutaka Hemmi, Violin/Viola Takayo Matsumura, Harp Koryu Hall, Matsue Shimin Katsudo Center |
| April 29/12 Tokyo, Japan |
Yasutaka Hemmi, Violin/Viola |
Click poster to enlarge
Produced with the support of the
City of Toronto
through the
TORONTO ARTS COUNCIL
