Four sights and sounds (pt.2)
Quartetto Gelato
Chase Purdy
Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: Arts
Four musicians on seven instruments, including an accordion and mandolin, will perform several unique versions of classical music this Friday, Sept. 7 in Markel Auditorium.
The Canadian group Quartetto Gelato, which includes world champion accordion player Alexander Sevastian, are scheduled to launch this year's fine arts performances.
"This is a group I've known about for over 10 years," Holleman said. "One day I just thought, 'you know, these guys are great,' so I went online and started making contacts."
According to their Web site the group performed over 175 concerts in their '05-06 and '06-07 seasons, and traveled throughout Europe as well as Canada and the United States.
"It started in a local bed and breakfast restaurant," Sevastian said. "At that time everyone had their second jobs, but everyone also played two to three different instruments."
The members' versatility led to a diverse repertoire and success in many markets, Sevastian said.
In 2001 Sevastian won the title of world champion accordion player in the Anthony Galla-Rini Accordion Competition, in which he performed for more than an hour and 10 minutes. "It takes an enormous amount of time and practice," he said. "You have to concentrate the most, and of course, it takes some luck."
Holleman said he was originally impressed with the versatility of the group.
"They can arrange a lot of well known classical music with an odd mix of instruments," he said. "I think it's going to be a great way to start the year."
The group performs eight solos and a few symphony programs, but they will be performing the best pieces from every program for their Hillsdale audience, Sevastian said.
Quartetto Gelato plans to hold a 3 p.m. master workshop for students and an 8 p.m. performance.
Admission to both events is free.
The Canadian group Quartetto Gelato, which includes world champion accordion player Alexander Sevastian, are scheduled to launch this year's fine arts performances.
"This is a group I've known about for over 10 years," Holleman said. "One day I just thought, 'you know, these guys are great,' so I went online and started making contacts."
According to their Web site the group performed over 175 concerts in their '05-06 and '06-07 seasons, and traveled throughout Europe as well as Canada and the United States.
"It started in a local bed and breakfast restaurant," Sevastian said. "At that time everyone had their second jobs, but everyone also played two to three different instruments."
The members' versatility led to a diverse repertoire and success in many markets, Sevastian said.
In 2001 Sevastian won the title of world champion accordion player in the Anthony Galla-Rini Accordion Competition, in which he performed for more than an hour and 10 minutes. "It takes an enormous amount of time and practice," he said. "You have to concentrate the most, and of course, it takes some luck."
Holleman said he was originally impressed with the versatility of the group.
"They can arrange a lot of well known classical music with an odd mix of instruments," he said. "I think it's going to be a great way to start the year."
The group performs eight solos and a few symphony programs, but they will be performing the best pieces from every program for their Hillsdale audience, Sevastian said.
Quartetto Gelato plans to hold a 3 p.m. master workshop for students and an 8 p.m. performance.
Admission to both events is free.
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