Pianists Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann have performed so long together that communication between the two is like second nature.
When the duo performs on separate pianos onstage Elizabeth can read Marcel’s cues.
“Sometimes his eyes speak a thousand works,” she said.
Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann met while studying with Arie Vardi at the Hochshule für Musik und Theater in Hanover, Germany.
Since that time, the duo has received numerous awards such as first prize at the International Chamber Music Competition in Caltanissetta, Italy.
The pianists are now hosting the Port Theatre’s Classical Coffee Concert Series. For the past five years it has been hosted by Sarah Hagen, but she stepped away from the position when she moved away from the community.
“We are following in her footsteps,” said Elizabeth.
The concerts are held in the Port Theatre’s lobby.
“It allows both the musicians and audience to get … up close and personal,” she said. “We like to see people’s facial expressions and how they respond to the music.”
Elizabeth started playing piano when she was about six.
“I was very intrigued by the black and white keys,” she said. “I instantly loved it. I loved the sound.”
The range of classical music appeals to the pianist.
“In classical music you have the whole gambit and array of emotions and human experience,” said Elizabeth.
Classical music has harmonies and structures that keep people’s attention over a long period of time, she said.
It is a type of universal language that speaks to people whether they live in Canada or China, she explained.
“As human beings it is something we can all identify with,” said Elizabeth.
The Bergmann Duo performs during the first Classical Coffee Concert Series of the season on Tuesday (Oct. 18) at 10:30 a.m. with a concert called Legends and Tales with music from Bohemia, Russia and more.
The duo will perform pieces by Dvorak and Rachmaninoff.
Tickets are $27.50 for adults, $24.50 for members, $15 for students and $5 for eyeGo and are available in advance by calling 250-754-8550 or www.porttheatre.com.
The next concert is Nov. 15 with special guest cellist Beth Root Sandvoss, who won the 2004 and 2006 Western Canadian Music Award’s Outstanding Classical Recording.
For more information about the Bergmann Duo please go to http://bergmannduo.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
