Celebrated Concert Series Begin 15th Season

BRANDON, MB – To mark the beginning of its 15^th season, the Brandon University School of Music’s pro series welcomes the Fine Arts Quartet on October 6, in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall. Based at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and lauded in the Washington Post as “one of the gold-plated names in chamber music”, this group has evolved and changed personnel over its six decades of existence, all the while entertaining audiences around the globe.

The four current, award-winning members are violinists Ralph Evans and Efim Boico — colleagues for almost 30 years – as well as violist Juan-Miguel Hernandez, and ‘cellist Robert Cohen. For this occasion, the string quartet will be joined on stage by pianist and the Dean of Music at Brandon University, Dr. Michael Kim to interpret Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op. 44.

“It is as much my pleasure to present these world-class musicians to Brandon audience members as it is to perform with them,” said Dr. Kim, who is also the artistic director of the pro series. “We had previously talked of collaborating while I was based in Wisconsin, and I am delighted that we have been able to bring them to Manitoba for these concerts in collaboration with Virtuosi Concerts in Winnipeg.  As one of the world’s longest standing and leading string quartets, this will be a rare treat for Brandon audiences to experience.”

Busy educators, the musicians of the Fine Arts Quartet have contributed to the ensemble’s recordings of more than 200 works, which include traditional and contemporary repertoire. Most recently, the quartet has released recordings of Saint-Saëns’ and Schumann’s quartets and quintets with piano, has presented the world-premiere recording of Russian-born American composer Efrem Zimbalist’s Quartet, along with the first digital recording of Ysaÿe’s Harmonies du Soir, an obscure, but brilliant work for quartet and string orchestra. Their studio work has been celebrated in the industry with awards and nominations.

The concert featuring the Fine Arts Quartet, with guest artist Michael Kim, will take place Sunday, October 6, at 8 p.m., in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall, in the Queen Elizabeth II Music Building on the Brandon University campus. Tickets can be purchased in advance in the School of Music main office as well as at the door.

Single tickets for pro series concerts are $15 for adults, $10 for students, seniors and alumni, and $8 for Conservatory students. Subscriptions are also available for the pro series: $70 for adults, $35 for students, seniors and alumni, and $25 for Conservatory students.

The next concert in the 2013-2014 pro series, on Wednesday, October 16, will feature the highly acclaimed Anagnoson and Kinton piano duo. That programme will include Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

The pro series and the School of Music gratefully acknowledge the generous support of The Canada Council for the Arts, the Manitoba Arts Council and of the Province of Manitoba, through a Consolidated Arts Programming Grant from Culture, Heritage and Tourism.

Further information about the School of Music, the pro series, and student performances, please visit http://www2.brandonu.ca/events/allevents.asp?source=music

Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, creation and scholarship; educating students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.

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For more information, please contact:
William Gordon Acting Dean, School of Music 204-727-9633 gordonw@brandonu.ca	Glen Kirby Communications Officer 204-727-9762 kirbyg@brandonu.ca

 

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