One of the top Canadian chamber music groups is hosting a special performance in Langley.
From classical and latin to jazz and other popular styles, Ensemble Vivant has been a pioneering force in the chamber music world for more than 25 years.
Performing at Langley Community Music School’s (LCMS) Rose Gellert Hall on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. Ensemble Vivant will treat audiences to their performance of From Bach To Piazzolla.
The concert’s theme is contrapuntal musical form known as fugue, featuring music by the baroque German composer Johann Sebastian Bach, whose numerous fugues remain a model to this day, and works by other composers from all over the world.
The concert will include music by Venezuela’s Aldemaro Romero, Brazil’s Heitor Villa-Lobos, Canada’s Michael Coghlan and Argentina’s Astor Piazzolla with two of his fugues: Milonga For Three and Oblivion.
Ensemble Vivant will also perform two pieces by the French composer Charles-Marie Widor from his critically acclaimed recording Fêtes française.
Other highlights include M.C. Guarnieri’s Dansa Negra and a medley of music by film icon Charles Chaplin, which was arranged exclusively for Ensemble Vivant by Rick Wilkins.
The grand finale will feature Wilkins’ original composition Ragtime from Divertissement, which he was inspired to write for Ensemble Vivant.
“With a long tradition of performing diverse musical genres, the group has attracted the interest of some of the finest classical and jazz artists in the world,” said Catherine Wilson, Ensemble Vivant’s artistic director and pianist.
“The diverse range of repertoire, high caliber of artistry, and the group’s warm and engaging manner appeals to audiences of all ages.”
Wilson performs with Corey Gemmell on violin, Norman Hathaway on the viola, Sybil Shanahan on cello and Jim Vivian on double bass.
Learn more about Ensemble Vivant at www.ensemblevivant.com and their not-for-profit charitable youth musical organization, EUTERPE, at www.euterpemusicarts.com.
“Ensemble Vivant is renowned for their passionate ... interpretations and engaging performances,” said Elizabeth Bergmann, LCMS artistic director.
“The concert will be a definite crowd pleaser.”
Tickets for the April concert are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, $16 for students and $10 for LCMS students.
Call the box office at 604-534-2848.
The Rose Gellert Hall is located at 4899 207 St.