Here’s your classical Hot Ticket for the week of­­­­­­­­­­­­­ May 28, brought to you by CBC Radio 2’s In Concert.

Hot Ticket #1: Scotiafest sizzles

Who: Giora Schmidt, violin; Joshua Roman, cello; John Novacek, piano
What: Chamber music spanning three centuries
When: Monday, May 28 at 7 p.m.
Where: Sir James Dunn Theatre, Dalhousie Arts Centre, Halifax

Who will be there: Musical adventurers

Why you should go: This concert features three hot young performers: Giora Schmidt, an American violinist with brilliant technique and a gorgeous sound; the precocious cellist Joshua Roman, dubbed a “classical rock star” by the American press; and John Novacek, pianist, composer and one of the most imaginative players you’ll ever hear. On this concert these masterly musicians each take a solo turn, Schmidt with a Bach sonata, Roman with a work by the mystical George Crumb, and Novacek with a saucy Fandango by Antonio Soler. Sparks will no doubt fly when they join forces for the Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor by Shostakovich.

 

Hot Ticket #2: Bonus violas in Montreal

Who: Cecilia and Afiara String Quartets with violists Michael Tree and Barry Shiffman
What: All six Mozart String Quintets over two evenings
When: Tues., May 29 and Thurs., May 31 at 8 p.m.
Where: St. George's Church, Montreal

Who will be there: Mozart admirers who value thoroughness

Why you should go: For the sublime music and the promise of extraordinary performances. Mozart wrote six quintets for string quartet and viola. Although not often performed, they’re among his finest works of chamber music. The Montreal Chamber Music Festival has programmed all six over two nights, to be performed by two of the finest young quartets in the country: the award-winning Cecilia and Afiara Quartets, along with two viola veterans, Michael Tree, formerly of the Guarnieri String Quartet and Barry Shiffman of the St. Lawrence Quartet.

 

Hot Ticket #3: Jan Lisiecki, piano prodigy

Who: Jan Lisiecki and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra led by Bramwell Tovey
What: Lisiecki makes his Vancouver debut with the mighty Schumann Concerto
When: Sat., June 2 and Mon., June 4 at 8 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver

Who will be there: Anyone who wants to say “I heard him when….”

Why you should go: Because Jan Lisiecki, who just turned 17, is a truly gifted musician and often described as “the next Glenn Gould.” Already a seasoned pro, this Calgary-born phenom began playing prestigious international venues at the age of 13. He recently released his first CD, an all-Mozart disc, on the Deutsche Grammophon label, with which he has an exclusive recording contract. He’s got an action-packed summer ahead with solo engagements all over Europe and South America. Catch him while you can! He’ll perform the rapturous Piano Concerto in A minor by Robert Schumann. Stick around for the remainder of the program, which includes the mighty Ein Heldenleben, a massive tone poem by Richard Strauss.

Watch Jan Lisiecki play J.S. Bach in CBC studio 211 in Toronto:

 

Related:

Montreal International Musical Competition contest

Elora Festival Singers embrace Canadian music

St. Lawrence Choir celebrates 40 years with Mozart

Montreal International Musical Competition on CBC Music

 

posted by Denise Ball on May 25, 2012