The Capitol Theatre is set to come alive with passionate, virtuosic interpretations of beautiful music as Ensemble Vivant visits the Kootenays on Friday.
The quintet is led by recording artist Catherine Wilson, one of Canada’s most innovative pianists. According to her website, “she has been repeatedly honoured for her exceptional artistry and sensitive musicality as well as for her unique, imaginative programming.”
The group also includes BC native Don Thompson, who plays vibes and bass.
“I’ve been a professional musician for the past 50 years and during that time I’ve worked with some of the greatest musicians in the world, from Glenn Gould to Oscar Peterson. I’ve played with some of the greatest musicians that have ever lived,” he wrote on the group’s website.
“The passion and beauty of Catherine Wilson’s piano playing is overwhelming. She is a beautifully gifted pianist and musician with a depth of feeling that separates her from the rest and makes her a real standout in the Toronto music community.”
Ensemble Vivant will be playing from arrangements written exclusively for the group by some of the greatest contemporary jazz composers, including by Thompson, Rick Williams and Julien Labro.
They will also be showcasing classic work by J.S. Bach, Astor Piazzolla and Leroy Anderson, among other.
“This concert is a rare coup for Nelson and is not to be missed,” reads a press release from Nelson Overture Concerts Society.
“As part of our mandate to foster an appreciation of classical music, we encourage students from schools participating in the society’s school outreach program to attend the concerts at no cost.”
Schools included are: Blewett Elementary, Hume Elementary, L.V. Rogers, Self-Design High, South Nelson, St. Joseph’s School, Trafalgar and Waldorf School.
The show begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, January 30. Tickets are $24 for adults, $14 for students. For more information visit capitoltheatre.bc.ca or call 250-352-6363.
