The internationally acclaimed Ensemble Vivant will play at the Quadra Community Center on Friday, Feb. 6.
Presented by the Quadra Island Cultural Committee, Ensemble Vivant has been hailed as “Canada’s Chamber Music Treasure.”
Their recordings and concerts throughout North America and Europe are performances at the highest level of music-making.
Led by pianist Catherine Wilson, with Cory Gemmell, violin, Sybil Shanahan, cello, Norman Hathaway, viola and jazz great Don Thompson on vibes and piano, Ensemble Vivant has won international recognition for their passion, virtuosity and sublime musical sensitivity. Expect a genre-diverse concert, including arrangements written exclusively for the group by some of today’s greatest jazz composers.
Virtuoso pianist and recording artist Catherine Wilson is one of Canada’s most talented and innovative pianists. She has been repeatedly honoured for her exceptional artistry as well as her unique and imaginative programming.
Five seasons ago, jazz legend and west coast native Don Thompson, O.C., joined the group in concert and recording. Well known in the jazz world as a brilliant multi-instrumentalist, he has enriched the jazz repertoire of the group with arrangements and compositions of his own.
Inspired by his association with Catherine Wilson and Ensemble Vivant Don wrote: “I’ve been a professional musician for the past 50 years and during that time I’ve worked with some of the greatest musicians in the world, from Glenn Gould to Oscar Peterson. But the passion and beauty of Catherine Wilson’s piano playing is overwhelming. She is a beautifully gifted pianist and musician with a depth of feeling that separates her from the rest. I am honored to be part of her music and honored to join Canada’s world class Ensemble Vivant.”
With an exciting program drawn largely from two of their eleven recordings, “The Fugue Project” and “Latin Romance,” this concert should change any preconceptions of Chamber Music.
Doors open at 7 p.m., concert begins at 7:30 and will conclude by 10 p.m. allowing audience members to return to Campbell river on the last ferry. Advance tickets are $17 and are available at the usual outlets: the Music Plant in Campbell River, Inspirations in Quathiaski Cove and Works of H’Art in Heriot Bay. Tickets at the door will be $20.