The Quadra Cultural Committee is proud to present Quartetto Gelato, a group of four Canadian musicians who play what is referred to as a combination of classical masterworks, tangos and gypsy music, and they are set to play the Quadra Community Centre on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
The quartet features Peter DeSoto, a tenor who plays the violin and was a member of the Toronto Symphony for 11 years. He also excels at the mandolin.
“It hardly seems fair that he (DeSoto) is also a violin wiz who tossed off a gypsy number at dizzying speed,” accruing to the National Post.
Also on stage will be Alex Sevastian, who began his professional career in Moscow in 1996, performing with the Russian Radio Orchestra, with whom he toured as a soloist throughout Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Italy, and Japan. Sevastian plays accordion, piano, bandoneon and has won four international awards for his accordion playing.
Colin Maier achieved a lifelong dream by joining Quartetto Gelato in 2009. In 2002, he was a featured Jazz oboist at the International Double Reed Festival where he performed and conducted a jazz master class with legendary jazz bassoonist Michael Rabinowitz. In addition to oboe, Maier also plays clarinet, English horn, violin, five-string banjo, acoustic/electric bass, piano, saxophone, flute, guitar, mandolin and musical saw, and says he has yet to master the kitchen sink.
Cellist Greg Gallagher will make up the fourth member of the quartet, replacing Liza McLellan on this tour. Gallagher made his professional debut as a soloist with the New Brunswick Symphony in 2005. Gallagher has his bachelor of music degree from the University of Western Ontario and is currently working as a teacher for the Sistema Toronto music program as well as freelancing as a professional cellist in Toronto.
Quartetto Gelato’s performances are said to have a warm and endearing vitality. Don’t miss what is bound to be an excellent evening of musical entertainment!
Tickets can be purchased on Quadra Island at Works of H’Art in Heriot Bay, Inspirations in Quathiaski Cove and in Campbell River at the Music Plant. Advance tickets are $17 in advance or $20 at the door.
