The South Okanagan Concert Society has some downright “yummy” concerts set for their next season, for all you early birds waiting to snap up tickets at reduced prices. From now until April 30, flex passes are on sale at 15% off the regular pass price, and are 25% of the regular single ticket price.
So, what’s up?
On Monday, October 20, 2014, Quartetto Gelato promises sweet refreshment. Described as “supremely talented, deliciously smart, endlessly creative, refreshingly funny, and totally surprising” this quartet combines violin, cello, accordion, and oboe. 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 has established an intimate rapport with audiences worldwide.
Gelato’s individual credits are as astounding as their reputation as a quartet. As just one example, locals will remember gasping at world champion accordionist Alexander Sevastian in his solo concert a couple of years ago. He represents just on quarter of this magical foursome. Quartetto Gelato toured Oliver a number of years ago, to great reviews. Since then, their popularity has sky-rocketed and they are hard to book. Aren’t we lucky to have them? Get a small taste of this deliciously cool treat of a quartet here: www. quartettogelato.ca
We may be starting the season off with dessert, but for something hot and satisfying, you will certainly “dig” into the Off Ramp Jazz Sextet on Friday, January 23, 2015 This Penticton based group features Aidan Mayes on vocals. If anyone caught the recent Soundstage production of Les Miserables, you will know Mayes stunned the audience with her powerhouse vocals as the tragic heroine Fantine. OffRamp Jazz brings the best of the swing era and everything in between, that will leave you dancing and singing! Their sets have immense variety: Duke Ellington and Count Basie, tasty Latin grooves, a bit of boogie, beautiful ballads, and few small surprises along the way. Aidan Mayes (vocals), Justin Glibbery (piano), Stefan Bienz (bass), Mike Treadway (drums), Larry Crawford and Stan Sabourin (saxes). Visit www.facebook.com/OfframpJazzSextet
As you raise and tinkle your glasses for a toast to this feast of music, perhaps you would like to hear the tinkling of a piano? The grand Steinway piano at Venables Theatre, no less? On Friday, February 20, 2015, pianist Sara Davis Beuchner performs. Although “tinkling” is a huge understatement of Beuchner’s supreme mastery of this instrument. She has graced the stages at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the White House, Here is just a sampling of her international reviews:
“What stands out is not only technique, but intelligence… When it comes to clarity, flawless tempo selection, phrasing and precise control of timbre, Buechner has no superior” (In Tune Magazine, Japan). “Buechner’s performance… with its soft contours and liquid, legato phrasing… had a beauty that might have taken even Mozart’s breath away” (The Washington Post). “Buechner has it all… intelligence, integrity and all-encompassing technical prowess” (The New York Times)
“A pianist of exceptional merit, a musician of evident integrity, with an all-encompassing technique and natural sense of the composer’s propulsive style….the pianisim never less than 100% committed and breathtaking” (Pianoforte Magazine, England).
Need more convincing? Check out www.saradavisbeuchner.com to be simply astounded. She will give our piano a real workout!
Or how about a buffet? Nibble on a colourful array of musical styles on Friday, March 27, 2015 when QuintEssence performs. If you loved musica intima last season, you will love these folks. Featuring four internationally renowned vocalists and a sensational pianist, QuintEssence offers a fresh, innovative concert experience for lovers of classical music of any style. Their concerts showcase cherished opera repertoire of phenomenal quality and exotic musical gems by celebrated songwriters spanning Schubert to Britten and Gershwin to Weill. They will dazzle you with vocal pyrotechnics, melt your heart with beautifully sung poetry, and stretch your musical frontier to the limit with adored music from off the beaten track. QuintEssence concerts even encourage audience participation with their “a la carte” programmes; the listener gets to choose what they wish to hear! Yummy! Sample more at www.quintessencemusic.ca
All performances will be at the Frank Venables Theatre at 7:30 pm. Four admission Flex Pass cost $60 at early bird prices if ticket bought before April 30th. Thereafter they will be $70. Single entrance is $20 and students 17 & under are free. For music’s sake, bring the kids and grandkids!!! Where else can youngsters see this calibre of musical performance for FREE! Exposing children to great performance is a surefire way to inspire their own creativity. Tickets are available at Beyond Bliss Esthetics in Oliver, and Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos.
PS The SOCS Annual General Meeting is on Tuesday, April 29th, 7 pm at the SOSS library. Everyone is welcome. After a year when some volunteers had to step away because of ill health, SOCS needs some new volunteers. The group is very efficient and easy to work with. It’s a great way to be part of the music — without having to be musical!
