This double-double hot, sweet & smooth

Double Double DUO is a ‘double threat’ when classically trained international soloists, Dr. Kornel Wolak (clarinet/piano) and Michael Bridge (accordions/piano) join forces on the Venables Theatre stage Friday, November 16th. They succeed in giving classical music a modern voice through dynamic performances and eclectic instrumentation. Comedy, vituosity and musical sensitivity are used to bring their broad repertoire to life.

Collaborating since 2011, the pair have been actively touring in Poland, France and Ecuador and perform across Canada for arts organizations as diverse as the music they play – from the Ontario Philharmonic to the Calgary Stampede. Expect all-original arrangements of classical showpieces, sensitive jazz ballads and fiery folk music from around the world.

The South Okanagan Concert Society urges you to get your tickets and bring a friend. Our first concert of the season, the Marc Atkinson Trio, had the audience on their feet hammering hands together and calling for more. So often, locals hear about the fantastic concert they missed and since each group only performs here once, a miss is a miss. Don’t let that happen to you. Encourage some friends who perhaps have not been introduced to the high quality SOCS performances and get your reserved seats now!

Tickets are on sale at www.venablestheatre.ca or at the theatre box office Tuesdays to Thursdays from 10 to 3 pm. Thanks to our generous sponsors, tickets are affordable.

Two or more tickets in advance are $21 each. A single ticket in advanced is $23. Single tickets at the door are $25. Children and youth are only $2.50. All concerts in the series start at 7:30 pm.

So who are these ‘double threat’ musicians? Of Polish origin, Dr. Kornel Wolak performs on clarinet and piano. “Control and a smooth expressivity are what make Wolak shine” (Toronto Star). He is currently pioneering collaborative research in oral articulators with the Department of Speech Language Pathology at the University of Toronto. He is an internationally renowned soloist, teacher and touring chamber musician.

Originally from Alberta, Michael Bridge (accordions and piano) was named one of CBC’s

“30 Hot Classical Musicians under 30” in 2016. He is a winner of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Emerging Artist Medal and the Canadian Digital Accordion Championships. Active in new music, he has over 30 world premieres to his credit. He is a graduate student in accordion performance at the University of Toronto studying with Joseph Macerollo.

Arrive early at Venables Theatre for the extra treat of hearing Helen Wolfe and her handbell choir perform pre-concert in the foyer.