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Celebrating Sergei
Elias-Axel Pettersson, piano
Sunday, December 3 at 2pm
In celebration of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 150th birthday, returning pianist Elias-Axel Pettersson honours the composer in a program culminating in the three Etude-tableaux, op. 39. Elias-Axel has a reputation as a formidable soloist, chamber musician and pedagogue, and has garnered prizes on national and international level. Critics praise his breathtaking virtuosity, singing tone quality and refinement, and we are delighted to welcome him back to our stage.
Programme
Piano Sonata No. 14 in A Minor, Op. 143 (D. 784) – Franz Peter Schubert
1. Allegro giusto
2. Andante
3. Allegro vivace
Impromptu No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 90/D. 899 – Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828)
Sonata No. 10 in A Minor, Op. 38, No. 1 “Reminiscenza” (From Forgotten Melodies, Cycle I) – Nikolai Karlovich Medtner
Allegretto tranquillo
Svegliando
Tempo I
Poco maestoso
Etude-Tableau in C Major/Minor, Op. 33, No. 3 – Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff
Etude-Tableau in Eb Major/Minor, Op. 39, No. 5 – Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff
Etude-Tableau in C Minor, Op. 39, No. 1 – Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff
Biography
Hailed for his “breathtaking virtuosity” (Albuquerque Journal) and his “rhythmic integrity, singing tone quality, and refinement” (Clavier), Swedish-American pianist Elias-Axel Pettersson is a Mason & Hamlin Concert Artist and has established himself as a formidable soloist, chamber musician, and pedagogue. He has garnered prizes on the national and international level. He has collaborated with numerous musicians, including violinists Krzysztof Zimowski, David Felberg, and Guillaume Tardif, violist Henk Guittart, Cantor Josh Perlman, and tenor Michiel Schrey. In 2008, Pettersson formed Duo Giocoso with French violinist Roland Arnassalon; in 2017, he formed Æterna Sirius with pianist Jessica Yam. Pettersson champions contemporary composers, premiering many works, including Michael Mauldin’s Petroglyph for Piano (2011), and recording Gabriel Madden’s La Herse (2009), featuring a rare Sauter 1/16-microtonal piano. Pettersson released three albums on Axel Records, featuring works ranging from Bach and Beethoven to Janáček and Vine. He has cultivated a loyal online following via YouTube and his websites and co-hosts the podcast And If Love Remains.
Pettersson is a frequent performer, lecturer, and masterclass teacher throughout the USA, Canada, and Sweden. Known as a conscientious, patient, and motivational guide with a methodical, yet holistic and creative approach, he aims to coordinate mind, body, and spirit by combining an extensive music theory and history background with Alexander Technique training. His students have won numerous prizes and have been admitted to undergraduate and graduate programs throughout the USA and Canada. He has also been a jury member for national and regional competitions. In 2015, Pettersson founded Southwest Piano Festival, a summer performance series dedicated to promoting the art of piano in New Mexico and local talent. He is also Competition Director of Arizona Piano Institute, a Phoenix-based nonprofit organization that gives preparatory and collegiate piano students a chance to study with internationally renowned artists and faculty. In 2019, Pettersson joined the faculties of Adamant Music School in Vermont and Arizona School for the Arts. He is also department co-chair at Rosie’s House, whose EDI mission supports students from all walks of musical life and socioeconomic backgrounds. Pettersson studied with Paul Stewart, Sergei Babayan, Larissa Dedova, Douglas Humpherys, and the late Maribeth Gunning; he also played for André Watts, Jean-Bernard Pommier, Arnaldo Cohen, Pavel Nersessian, Dina Joffe, and the Guarneri String Quartet. Pettersson holds a doctorate from l’Université de Montréal, where he taught for 8 years.
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Strings Squared
We were thrilled that so many people attended our concert at Duncan United on November 5th – we truly value your support! Our favourite part of the concert was the Adagio of Beethoven’s Quartet in F, op. 59 no. 1.
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Strings Squared
DieMahler quartet: Pablo Diemecke, violin; Hollas Longton, violin; Ernest Kassian, viola; Lawrence Skaggs, cello
Sunday, November 5 at 2pm – DUNCAN UNITED CHURCH
Pablo Diemecke, one of our favourite musicians, brings his outstanding DieMahler string quartet, to perform works by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. With long, illustrious careers as soloists and ensemble players, they will delight our audience with their exquisite playing and warm stage personalities.
Programme
String Quartet No. 14 in G major K. 387 “Spring” – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
1. Allegro vivace assai
2. Menuetto
3. Andante cantabile
4. Molto allegroString Quartet in B-flat Major Op. 50, No. 1 (Hob III:44) – Franz Joseph Haydn
1. Allegro
2. Adagio non lento
3. Menuetto: Poco allegretto
4. Finale: VivaceString Quartet No. 7 in F Major Op. 59, No. 1 – Ludwig van Beethoven
1. Allegro
2. Allegretto vivace e sempre scherzando
3. Adagio molto e mesto
4. Thema Russe: AllegroBiographies
Pablo Diemecke, Violin 1
Pablo Diemecke has enjoyed a lengthy international career as a concertmaster, soloist, and chamber musician. His discography includes concertos by Mozart, Prokofief, and Dvorak. His recording of the Chavez concerto was nominated for a Latin Grammy. He is currently concertmaster of the Palm Court Orchestra and the Flint Symphony, in Flint Michigan, where he recently performed the Goldmark concerto.
Hollas Longton, Violin 2
Hollas Longton, a native of Victoria, earned his doctorate from the University of Ireland. Active as a performer, composer, and teacher, he is currently concertmaster of the Sooke Philharmonic and leader of Raven Baroque.
Ernest Kassian, Viola
Ernest Kassian holds an M.Mus in viola performance (University of Edmonton) and has held the position of principal viola of the NYO, Regina and Saskatoon Symphonies plus the Victoria Chamber Orchestra. Presently retired (Associate Professor, University of Regina), Kassian remains active as orchestral and chamber player in Victoria. Kassian’s students play in most Canadian orchestras and hold major teaching positions in Canada and abroad and he is the recipient of the Canadian Viola Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lawrence Skaggs, Cello
Lawrence Skaggs played principal cello for the Victoria Symphony for 35 years, plays with the McPherson Trio, the DieMahler Ensemble, Raven Baroque and the Palm Court Orchestra. He is also organist and choir director at the Saanich Peninsula Prebyterian Church. He holds Masters degrees from San Francisco State University and Bard College.
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Goths and Vikings
We know that not everyone could be at our October concert, and we regret that you missed this outstanding performance by Domagoj Ivanovic and Noel McRobbie!
A standing ovation right after the first piece, followed by several more during the program – we were enthralled, and felt so privileged that these masterful musicians graced our stage today.
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Goths and Vikings
Domagoj Ivanović, violin and Noel McRobbie, piano
Sunday, October 1 at 2pm
Our season opens with two superb soloists who form a formidable duo and are known for their bold programming. After their breathtaking debut in our 2021-2022 season, Croatian-born violinist Domagoj Ivanović and Canadian pianist Noel McRobbie return with virtuosic works by Polish composers Szymanowski and Wieniawski, as well as sonatas by Schumann and Grieg. Prepare to be captivated again by these two outstanding artists!
Programme
Nocturne and Tarantella, Op. 28 – Karol Szymanowski (1882 – 1937)
1. Nocturne
2. TarantellaSonata no. 1 in a minor for violín and piano – Robert Schumann (1810 – 1856)
1. Mit leidenschaftlichem Ausdruck
2. Allegretto
3. LebhaftVariations on an original theme, Op. 15 – Henryk Wieniawski (1835—1880)
Joy (2009) – Kevin Lau (1982 – )
Sonata No. 3 in c minor for violin and piano, Op. 45 – Edvard Hagerup Grieg (1843—1907)
1. Allegro molto ed appassionato
2. Allegretto espressivo alla Romanza
3. Allegro animatoBiography
Domagoj Ivanović moved to Canada in 2007, after graduating with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Violin Performance at the University of Miami, where he held the post of a Teaching Assistant, as well as served as an Assistant Concertmaster for the Miami Symphony Orchestra.
Since then, he has quickly established himself as a violinist and an educator in the greater Vancouver area. Aside from being the Co-Head of Violin Department at the Vancouver Academy of Music he is also the Director of Comox Youth Music Centre’s (CYMC) Classical program. As a performer he has shared the stage with some of the top ensembles in Vancouver, such as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Opera Orchestra, and Turning Point Ensemble. He also adjudicated a number of festivals and competitions, such as the North Shore Music Festival, Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, Surrey Youth Symphony Concerto Competition, and University of British Columbia Concerto Competition, to name a few.
Originally from Zagreb, Croatia, he began studying violin at the age of seven. During his studies he was the recipient of numerous prizes and awards in violin competitions at the national and international level, the most important being First Prize in the National Violin competition and First Prize in the National Chamber Music competition.
As a soloist he appeared with several orchestras, most notably with the Zagreb Philharmonic orchestra, and the Miami Symphony orchestra. Described as a player with “clear technique and great sensitivity” he has performed all over Europe and North America, as well as China, Taiwan and Singapore.Born in Winnipeg, Canada, pianist Noel McRobbie first received national attention after receiving top prize at the Eckhardt-Grammatté Piano Competition. In addition, he has received prizes at the CBC Début Concert Artist Series, Grand Konzerteum International Piano Competition, Seiler International Piano Competition, and the University of Michigan Concerto Competition.
Noel’s solo performances include the Steinway Series at the University of South Florida, Vancouver Chopin Society, Eastport Arts Centre in Maine, Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, Seoul Arts Centre, and the Asian Composers League at Sejong Chamber Hall. As concerto soloist, he has performed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Bulgarian Chamber Orchestra, Jeonju Philharmonic Orchestra, Westcoast Symphony, University of Michigan Philharmonia, Dongduk Women’s University Symphony Orchestra and the New Westminster Symphony. Recent performances include the Victoria Conservatory of Music Summer Piano Academy, Turning Point Ensemble, and Canadian Music Centre Concert Unaccompanied Series. In addition, Noel is currently performing and recording works by Juno Award-winning composer Michael Conway Baker. His performances have been broadcast on CBC radio, and he was featured in International Piano magazine and KBS television’s Classic Odyssey.
For many years, Noel was a student of Lee Kum-Sing at the Vancouver Academy of Music and the University of British Columbia, where he received an Artist Diploma and Bachelor of Music respectively. Other teachers include Arthur Greene, Patricia Zander, and Svetozar Ivanov. He received a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory. Previously Noel was Assistant Professor of Piano at Dongduk Women’s University in Seoul, South Korea, and faculty member at the Summer Music Festival for the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest. Currently he teaches at the Vancouver Academy of Music, where he is on the college faculty, and Place des Arts. His students have furthered their piano studies at institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Mannheim University of Music (Germany), University of South Florida, and Roosevelt University.
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Ebony and Ivory
A delightful end to the season with Ebony & Ivory — piano music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Frédéric Chopin, expertly performed by pianist Luke Welch.
Luke did a wonderful job of introducing the audience to Coleridge-Taylor, a little-known composer who was the inspiration for his newly released CD.
Thanks to our appreciative audience, and to all our volunteers who made the 2022-2023 season possible!
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Ebony and Ivory
Luke Welch – Sunday, June 11th at 2pm
Toronto-based pianist Luke Welch returns to our concert series, presenting an exciting collection of works by Chopin and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Since his first public performance at age 7, Luke has performed extensively on the international stage, and in addition is highly sought after as both interdisciplinary collaborative pianist and pedagogue. We are pleased to welcome him back to our stage.
Programme
Scenes From An Imaginary Ballet, Op. 74 — Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875 — 1912)
1. Molto vivace
2. Tempo di Minuetto
3. Andantino
4. Andantino
5. Vivacissimo
Three Humoresques, Op. 31 — Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875 — 1912)
1. Presto
2. Molto vivace
3. Allegro assai
Three-Fours Valse Suite, Op. 71 — Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875 — 1912)
1. Allegro molto
2. Andante
6. Allegro assai
Mazurkas Op. 24 — Frédéric Chopin (1810—1849)
1. Lento
2. Allegro non troppo
3. Moderato, con anima
4. Moderato
Nocturnes, Op. 27 — Frédéric Chopin (1810—1849)
1. Larghetto
2. Lento sostenuto
Bolero, Op. 19 — Frédéric Chopin (1810—1849)
Biography
Award-winning Canadian pianist Luke Welch was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and grew up nearby in Mississauga. He played his first public performance at age seven, and his early private piano teachers include Kyzysztof Jedrysik, Catherine Kuzeljevich, and John-Paul Bracey. He later graduated from Western University in Canada with Bachelor and Master of Music degrees and completed additional graduate studies in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Welch has also participated in the classes of Jean-Bernard Pommier, Cecile Ousset, Dang Thai Son, Stephane Lemelin, André Laplante. He has performed extensively on the international stage including appearances in Canada, United States of America, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and New Zealand.
Highlight performances include recitals at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, and Castletown House in Ireland. He has also appeared at Music Mondays in Toronto, Beethoven Haus in Bonn, Germany, St. Andrew’s-on-the-Terrace in Wellington (New Zealand), the American Cathedral in Paris, and Waalse Kerk in Breda (Netherlands).
Welch made his debut as soloist with Durham Chamber Orchestra in Toronto and has since collaborated with a number of orchestras including the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Mumbles Symphony Orchestra, Winchmore String Orchestra, Greenway Strings, York Chamber Ensemble, and Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra.
In addition to his performance commitments, he has also been highly sought after as an interdisciplinary collaborative pianist. He has worked closely with a number of renowned international academies and companies including Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, Dans Ateliers, Holland Dance Festival, Codarts Rotterdam Conservatory, Royal Conservatory of the Hague, Dutch National Ballet, and National Ballet of Canada.
Welch’s recordings have received critical acclaim, and his performances have been broadcast on WQXR-FM in New York, KING-FM in Seattle, CBC Radio in Montreal, and Radio Classique. In addition to his published writing in the Globe and Mail (including ‘Life as Black Classical Pianist’, and ‘Black sopranos Othalie Graham, Audrey Dubois Harris and Measha Brueggergosman on inclusion and Black Lives Matter‘), La Scena Musicale Magazine, and WholeNote Magazine, he was named the 2018 recipient of the Harry Jerome Arts Award – distinguished with national recognition by the Black Business and Professional Association.
Welch has taught in both Canada and Europe, and was appointed to the Faculty of Piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music Oscar Peterson Program in 2022.
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Brilliance of Beethoven
A beautiful afternoon of Beethoven piano sonatas played with clarity and vitality by pianist Grisha Krivchenia.
Thank you to our appreciative audience and wonderful artist!
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Brilliance of Beethoven
Grisha Krivchenia – Sunday, May 14th at 2pm
Lauded as “the coolest classical musician around” (Santa Fe Reporter) and “presiding over outstanding technique” (Bergisches Zeitung), Grisha Krivchenia is a versatile artist whose performances and original compositions enthrall audiences throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Grisha will offer an all-Beethoven program including three iconic piano sonatas.
Programme
Piano sonata no 18 in E-flat major, opus 31 no 3 – Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827)
1. Allegro
2. Scherzo. Allegretto vivace
3. Menuetto. Moderato e grazioso
4. Presto con fuoco
Piano sonata no 14 in C-sharp minor, opus 27 no 2 – Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827)
1. Adagio sostenuto
2. Allegretto
3. Presto agitato
Piano sonata no 14 in C minor, K 457 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 – 1791)
1. Molto allegro
Piano sonata no 31 in A-flat major, opus 110 – Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827)
1. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo
2. Allegro molto
3. Adagio ma non troppo – Allegro ma non troppoBiography
Grisha Krivchenia is a versatile artist whose performances and original compositions enthrall audiences throughout the Northern Hemisphere. He enjoys a busy touring schedule, and his compositions are realized by professional ensembles worldwide. Recent premieres have taken place in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Bucharest.
Grisha studied at Oberlin Conservatory and the University of Victoria School of Music. In 2007, Grisha founded the music program at Spring Street International School in Friday Harbor. His solo piano and chamber music is published by Abundant Silence Publishing and CCC Music Company.
Grisha takes a special interest in using art to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. He writes music in collaboration with hospice patients, veterans, and recovering addicts and recently completed a song cycle based on interviews with Syrian refugees living in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey. -
Baroque banquet
Our audience was uplifted, nourished and inspired after an outstanding performance on period instruments by three members of the Victoria Baroque.
It was lovely to also see the next generation represented in a young narrator!
Thank you to our appreciative audience and wonderful performers:
Soile Stratkauskas
Christina Hutten
Chemainus Classical Concerts 