Pianists bring the joys of spring to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre

The Bergmann Duo present morning concert Songs of the Earth featuring classical music

Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann draw on spring for this programme dedicated to nature and the awakening of it. (Submitted)

Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann draw on spring for this programme dedicated to nature and the awakening of it. (Submitted)

Melt away the chill of the season with the warmth of a spectacular morning concert showcasing the Bergmann Duo in Songs of the Earth on Feb. 22 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.

Featuring Beethoven’s evocative 6th Symphony, Debussy’s romantic symphony and the jazz influenced La Creation du Monde by Milhaud, Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann have created a programme dedicated to nature and the awakening of it.

“Communicating with an audience and bringing joy, excitement and inspiration through music, I love the uniqueness of each concert experience – you never know what will happen exactly,” says Elizabeth.

The two have performed their piano concerts internationally throughout North America and Europe, have made several recordings for CBC Radio and are the founding members of the International Piano Quartet. The married couple met at Hochschule für Musik und Theater, a music university in Hanover, Germany. They studied separately but grew into partners, establishing a new program of study for duo piano at their school. Elizabeth and Marcel have an extraordinary list of triumphs, including first prize at the International Music Competition in Caltanissetta, Italy and were honoured at The 4th Murray Dranoff International Two Piano Competition.

The morning concerts offer a very close and personal experience, with complimentary coffee, tea, and refreshments.

“It is great that the series is established and we can get to know people in each of the communities,” Elizabeth says. “A lot of people have heard us with the Vancouver Chamber Choir or the Vancouver Bach Choir or at the Orpheum, but not everyone can travel. It is wonderful to have opportunities like this and perform.”

“This format is becoming more and more popular as many people don’t like to drive at night, and they love the fact that they can find classical music in their own community,” says Marcel. “In addition, they enjoy the ‘up close and personal’ aspect of the concert.”

Songs of the Earth with the Bergmann Duo is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $27, and can be purchased at the Centre Box Office, online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca, or by calling 604-391-SHOW(7469).

Chilliwack Progress