SARATOVSKY BROTHERS
by Marion Boyd
The South Okanagan Concert Society is very excited to announce that internationally acclaimed pianist, Nikolai Saratovsky, has flown in from Moscow to join his older brother, pianist Dr. Sergei Saratovsky, in concert Friday, December 2nd at 7:30 pm in Venables Theatre, Oliver. The accomplished brothers could fill a book with all the music awards bestowed on them. A dynamic four-hand duo, they delight audiences around the world with their virtuosity and musical interpretations.
Born into a family of musicians in Karelia, Russia, the brothers have chosen to perform popular and accessible classical music from the one piano four hand repertoire. Mozart, Tchaikovsky (Nutcracker Suite), Schubert, and Mendelssohn are on the programme as well as an arrangement of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” adapted to four hands.
Single entrance tickets for $22.50 are available on line at www.venablestheatre.ca with guaranteed seat assignments. They can also be obtained at the theatre box office on Mondays from 11 to 3 pm* or you can take your chances and try for seats at the door. Students under 17 are free. Aspiring small town kids deserve to hear the very best! Older folk in need of a bus ride from Osoyoos can arrange it by calling Maureen at 495 7978. They deserve to access fine music too.
As an extra benefit to the community, the brothers are providing a 2 hour Master Class for local musicians before Nikolai flies back to Russia. Nikolai, who has performed since age 6, has won the Russian President’s award in recognition of his musical accomplishments and his talent for educating a growing generation of young musicians in Russia, Japan and the USA. Brother, Sergei, in addition to his performing career, enjoys giving master classes and is in demand as a guest clinician and jury member of international and national competitions and festivals.
Sergei became a resident of Canada in 2002 and was granted his doctorate from the University of B.C. He too has received a reward from Russian President, Vladimir Putin, recognizing his achievements in music. He also performed for Governor General of Canada Michaelle Jean. His international awards are too numerous to detail and include an award for Best Canadian Artist from the Montreal International Musical Competition.
Sergei’s concert engagements span the world. He has performed for audiences in Russia, Portugal, Italy, France, Canada, the USA and Australia. His fascination with chamber music has recently led him to establish the four-hand duo with brother Nikolai.
These gifted siblings have already swept the Russian public off its feet. Come to Oliver on Friday, December 2nd, and discover what all the fuss is about!
Prepare to be dazzled as our lovely grand piano responds to four enormously talented hands!
“Joy to the World” is the exultant first line of the old Advent carol. There’s a lot of joy and high spirits among the Oliver Handbell Ringers as they rehearse an exciting mixture of carols and songs for the coming Christmas events. Appropriately called “Bells Ringing, Angels Singing”, this year’s programme offers a time of candles and audience participation, music and fun with bells and singers, for all the family.
The Oliver Sagebrushers join Rustico Farm & Cellars Winery In presenting their Annual Cowboy Christmas.
Ringing in the festive season are local dancers, carollers, bell ringers and entertainers at the Community Christmas Concert on Sunday November 27 at 2:30 p.m. at the Frank Venables Theatre. The annual musical revue is a family–friendly event with quizzes and prizes to be won throughout the show and goody bags for children at the end of the concert. Last year, the concert was packed to the rafters with a few latecomers turned away, so organizers are hoping for another enthusiastic throng this year. Admission is by cash donation, and goods for the Oliver Food Bank are also welcome. The concert is a co-presentation between the Oliver Community Arts Council and the Oliver Community Theatre Society.
Choristers will sing familiar carols and new favourites. The Sage Valley Voices set the mood in traditional Victorian costumes (left, file photo). The Oliver Elementary School Chorus will be sure to light up the audience with smiles. Chiming in the season will be the Oliver Elementary Handbells Team. Spirit-of-Oliver winner Lori Martine conducts all three, demonstrating she has Christmas “spirit” as well.
Solo entertainers will showcase a multitude of talents. Mat Duffus mixes songs, jokes, and a few surprises that will delight the kids. Storyteller JoAnn Turner performs both a seasonal poem and one with a humorous twist. Chase Alaric (pictured), teen phenom who performed recently with Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne, tickles the ivories. The audience will be sure to toe-tap their way home after the sprightly final dance number.
Winter In Wine Country Festival will be running from November 25th to December 4th this year. We would love to have several vendors that are interested in having a space at the winery to exhibit their crafts.
