Eclectic Concert will Surprise and Delight You

Quartetto Gelato will Perform Tango, Gypsy, Folk, Classical, and More on January 14

Virtuosic classical showpieces, romantic tenor arias, blazing gypsy tunes, sizzling tangos, and favourite folk melodies - just some of the music you’ll enjoy at a Quartetto Gelato concert. For 25 years, this dazzling ensemble has enchanted audiences and critics worldwide with their exotic blend of musical talent, artistic passion, and humor. Classical in training – eclectic by design – Quartetto Gelato not only thrills its audiences with its skill on multiple instruments, but also offers the bonus of a brilliant operatic tenor. With a performance repertoire that spans the globe including classical masterworks, operatic arias, the sizzling energy of tangos, gypsy and folk songs, the group’s theatrical stage presence and relaxed humor establishes an intimate rapport with audiences worldwide. Experience Quartetto Gelato Up Close and Personal at Horizon Stage on Sunday, January 14, 2018.

Quartetto Gelato’s international career was launched when they won the coveted title of NPR Performance Today’s “Debut Artist of the Year.” Their first DVD, Quartetto Gelato: A Concert in Wine Country, was picked up by PBS throughout the U.S. in 2007 and is still broadcast regularly. The quartet can be heard on the soundtrack of the Hollywood film Only You, as well as on Ashley MacIsaac’s hit CD Hi How are You Today?. In 2010 Quartetto Gelato were honoured as Best Classical Ensemble at Canada’s INDIE awards and they achieved unique global reach when Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk chose their first two CDs to take on his NASA flight on the space shuttle Columbia where they were (literally) heard around the world.

Peter DeSotto’s (tenor, violin, mandolin) chameleon-like abilities allow him to perform not only as a seasoned classical violinist but also as a dazzling gypsy virtuoso. His fabulous tenor voice ranges from South America, to authentic Irish folk, to great romantic Italian songs and arias. Referred to as “a credible Pavarotti stand-in”, he has appeared in leading roles in numerous opera and theatre productions. Peter was a member of The Toronto Symphony Orchestra for 11 years.

Alexander Sevastian (accordion, piano, bandoneon) joined Quartetto Gelato in 2002. Born in Minsk, Belarus, Alex began his studies on the accordion at the age of seven. He has a Masters in Performance degree from the Gnessin Academy of Music in Moscow and has won four International Accordion Competitions.

Colin Maier (oboe) has a Bachelor’s degree in oboe performance from the University of Calgary. He joined Quartetto Gelato in 2009. In addition to being a musician, Colin has also worked as a dancer, actor, stuntman, singer, choreographer, acrobat and martial-artist. In addition to oboe, he also plays clarinet, English horn, bassoon, violin, 5-string banjo, acoustic/electric bass, piano, saxophone, flute, guitar, mandolin and musical saw.

Liza McLellan (cello) works with numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout Ontario, has performed as a soloist and chamber musician across North America, and has toured to China and Korea. Liza has been recorded both by CBC radio and T.V. and has performed live for the television show Canada A.M. and 96.3 FM radio.

Spend an exciting and musically diverse evening with Quartetto Gelato at Horizon Stage on Sunday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 for Adults and $30 for Students and Seniors and may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online through Tickepro.ca.

“Equal parts of musicianship, showmanship and what might be called “laughmanship” marked the lively quartet’s witty, wide-ranging program.”

Des Moines Register

“Quartetto Gelato does it again, proving that they are indeed the “Cirque du Soleil” of classical music – always fresh, full of surprises, constantly re-inventing.”

Michael Lyons, Classical 96.3FM

“Quartetto Gelato’s performances have a warm, endearing vitality….”

The New York Times

Holiday Ticket Sale

The staff at Horizon Stage have decided to jump start the holiday revelry, we're holding a Holiday Ticket Sale. We’ve always said that tickets make great gifts or stocking stuffers, so we’re looking to help you by offering some great discounts on select shows in the new year.

The first sale item is the performance of James Gordon and Sons, Friday, February 2. This one is an extra-special 2 for 1 price. James and his sons have been making Canadian folk music together for years, and I know there are some folkies in our audience – so here’s your chance to bring a friend and reminisce. Bring on the fringed leather vests and long hair, you are welcome here, my friends!

The rest of the offers are 20% off tickets:

Silver Screen Scoundrels, Thursday, February 8 at 2 p.m. I specifically mention the time because it is a Thursday afternoon and it’s important to know that before you buy the tickets. It’s the fourth year we’ve presented a show in this time slot, and it has proven to be very popular with our older audiences. Seniors’ groups, tours from Westlock, and lots of retired patrons love to come in the afternoon, when they have access to specialized transit or other options. This year, the Silver Screen Scoundrels are going to entertain you with wonderful silent films to go along with their live music. I first saw this act a couple of years ago, and I thought it was brilliant. Here you have two incredibly talented musicians, playing their instruments as a soundtrack to silent films they have written, starred in, and are showing behind them. It’s really a unique experience – blending visual with what we hear, and doing it all with a sense of humour.

Proteus Saxophone Quartet, Saturday, February 17. I’ll admit, a saxophone quartet is a pretty specific genre, and it’s going to have a specific audience. We encourage anyone who is studying an instrument to consider this show – especially those in a junior high or high school band. It’s important for them to hear music presented in a new way, to expand their own knowledge, and to experience professional musicians in their own community. Student or not, the quartet will have you marveling at the diversity of music the saxophones can produce.

Lion Bear Fox, Saturday, March 3. I know, I’m not really supposed to “pick favourites” in the season. But if I’m being really honest with you, this trio is among my top picks this year. I saw them in Vancouver at a conference, in a theatre even cozier than ours. From the minute they picked up their instruments I knew there was something special going on. These three men, all with solo careers of their own, decided to join forces and create music together. Because of their own individual strengths, the trio has a powerful dynamic and stage presence. The stories they tell through music are strong and easy to connect with, and they range from fun and lighthearted (“Freedom” is actually about a lady down the street who gave them popsicles in the summer as kids) to the stunning (the acoustic version of “Home” they did gives me goosebumps every time I think about it). The band is named for each member’s “spirit animal”. You have to see them to understand it. Who is the Bear? Who is the Fox? And the remaining one must be the Lion. This show is my birthday present to me. I hope you’ll come share it with me.

DuffleBag Theatre: Robin Hood, Sunday, March 4 at 2 p.m. The final Family Matinee in this season, DuffleBag is an audience favourite. Simple concepts, some creative costumes and props, and a genuine love of sharing theatre with children – that’s their slam-dunk recipe. No flashy special effects, no big soundtrack, just storytelling at its most… creative. Each of the fairy tales they perform are well known to their audiences, but with DuffleBag that’s just the beginning. Audience participation is key to the show, because at some point the show needs a hero, a villain, and a lot of supporting characters. Last time they were here one lucky young lady got to be Snow White – the lead role, plucked right out of the seats! I love watching the kids at DuffleBag shows, but just as often I’m watching the parents. Pure delight and enjoyment. What more can I say?

Brickhouse, Friday, April 27. This will be the final show in our 35^th year. What a great way to end the season – funk and R&B music that will make you happy to be alive. I will share something about me – I simply have a really hard time sitting still when there’s good music playing, and every time I listen to Brickhouse I find myself dancing in my chair. If these guys were a local Edmonton band, I would go out dancing a whole lot more, believe me! They’re a tight band, full of energy and enthusiasm, and I dare say it’s going to close the season with a bang. Take a chance – you’re unlikely to regret it.

So, because this is a Holiday Ticket Sale, these deals are available for a limited time only. Between now and December 31, to be precise. It’s easy to get in on the special prices: phone us at the City Hall Ticket Centre Monday – Friday 9-4:30 at 780-962-8995 or come see us in person. After hours, or while our office is closed over the holidays (December 22 at noon through January 1 inclusive) you can call Ticketpro at 1-888-655-9090. Or, if your fingers are itching to make the transaction themselves, online purchases are available all day and night, in your jammies while sipping a lovely beverage. All the ticket links are at horizonstage.com. One last thing – you will need a Promo code to get your amazing prices. Either online, or talking to a person, you’ll have to know this super-secret password. Ready? The password is: GIFT. 

We hope this helps you not only with your last-minute shopping, but also your planning into the spring. We’re incredibly blessed to be hosting our 35^th season at Horizon Stage and we wish you and your family a wonderful, healthy, happy year ahead. See you soon. 

- Brandi Wurtz (Theatre Manager)