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
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