Season

Artist: Simon Farintosh, guitar

An award-winning guitarist, composer, and educator, Simon Farintosh brings us a program of original music by Castelnuovo-Tedesco and Yoshimatsu, arrangements of pieces by Debussy and Albéniz, and a set of original Farintosh compositions. Named one of CBC’s “30 Under 30 Classical Musicians” in 2023, Simon regularly receives top honours in national and international competitions as performer and composer, and is currently completing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Toronto.
 
 

Artists: Bruce Vogt, piano

“Now, as we find ourselves in a time of confusion, chaos and bitter enmity throughout the world, it seems all the more important to listen to music together.” ~ Bruce Vogt. The music for this program, by Debussy, Chopin, Schubert, and others, was written in past ages of great turmoil – civil war, revolution, political oppression – and reminds us of our civilizations’ many great cultural achievements in music and all the arts.
 

Artists: Kai Gleusteen, violin;
Catherine Ordronneau, piano

In art, chiaroscuro (“light-dark”) refers to the use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of depth and drama in a composition.Highly acclaimed artists Catherine and Kai return with music by Eugène Ysaÿe, Claude Debussy and Edward Elgar – their selections explore the character of love, and employ this same technique of contrasting light and dark tones to create a heightened emotional impact. 

Artist: Matthew Blackburn, piano

Born in Campbell River, now based in Paris, France, Matthew Blackburn’s performances have been described as breathtaking, uplifting, and glorious. In this recital, he illuminates the captivating dialogue across generations of composers such as J.S. Bach and his son C.P.E. Bach, as well as Franz Liszt and his student Juliusz Zarebski. Other works by Beethoven and Canadian composer John Burge round out a program that celebrates reflection and renewal.
 

Artist: Itamar Erez, guitar, piano

Blend Middle Eastern music, jazz, and flamenco, and you find the unique sound of Itamar Erez, world-renowned guitarist, pianist, and composer. His music is praised for its depth and sensitivity, and has been heard at prestigious venues around the world. In a program especially created for our series, Itamar will perform music by J.S. Bach, Brazilian composers such as Pixinguinha and Garoto, and also his own compositions for guitar and piano.
 

Artists: Catherine Ordronneau, piano;
Kai Gleusteen, violin

First working together in 1999, Kai and Catherine have established themselves as one of the most important duos in the interpretation of sonatas for violin and piano. Having performed more than 100 recitals in Europe, Canada and USA, they are praised for their unique partnership and the emotional power of their interpretations, and are described as playing as if under the control of a single intelligence. Their program will include the Sonata for Violin and Piano by César Franck.

Artists: Arthur Arnold, cello;
Moira Hopfe-Ostensen, piano

Culturally rich Powell River is home to Arthur Arnold and Moira Hopfe-Ostensen. Arthur directs the PRISMA Festival and Academy, Moira is Artist-in-Residence at the Powell River Academy of Music, and together they have a huge impact on the musical community. Both known as dynamic and sensitive musicians, they bring a beautifully balanced program of works by R. Strauss, Vaughan-Williams, Romberg and Shostakovich.

Artist: Kevin Ayesh, piano

Not many pianists can say that they’ve performed in all 50 states of the USA, playing as many as 50 recitals per season! Dr. Kevin Ayesh maintains a busy schedule as performer, clinician, and adjudicator, and is the recipient of a long list of prizes and awards. He is well-known for presenting lecture-recitals on the music of American composer Robert Starer. His program will include a sonata by Starer, in addition to Beethoven and Chopin sonatas.

Artists: Domagoj Ivanović, violin; and Noel McRobbie, piano

Our season opens with two superb soloists who form a formidable duo and are known for their bold programming. After their breathtaking debut in our 2021-2022 season, Croatian-born violinist Domagoj Ivanovic and Canadian pianist Noel McRobbie return with virtuosic works by Polish composers Szymanowski and Wieniawski, as well as sonatas by Schumann and Grieg. Prepare to be captivated again by these two outstanding artists!

Artist: Elias-Axel Pettersson, piano

In celebration of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 150th birthday, returning pianist Elias-Axel Pettersson honours the composer in a program culminating in the three Etude-tableaux, op. 39. Elias-Axel has a reputation as a formidable soloist, chamber musician and pedagogue, and has garnered prizes on national and international level. Critics praise his breathtaking virtuosity, singing tone quality and refinement, and we are delighted to welcome him back to our stage.

Artist: Angélica López-Arzate

A graduate of the National University of Mexico, Angélica now makes the Cowichan Valley her home. She naturally demonstrates a deep understanding of Latin-American rhythm, colour, texture, and interpretation, and has performed as soloist in Mexico, Bolivia, Cuba, USA and Canada. Angélica warmly invites her audience to explore international horizons with her through the music of Liszt, Chopin, Albeniz and Piazzolla, amongst others.

Artists: Duo Concertante
Nancy Dahn, violin; and Timothy Steeves, piano

“Majesty, passion and excitement…… Inspiring!” —Wiener Zeitung (Vienna). Canada’s preeminent chamber music duo, Duo Concertante, explores the eternal theme of awakening to spring through music and love, with a program that includes cherished classics by Beethoven and Brahms, and beautiful new works by star composers Kelly-Marie Murphy and Dawn Avery.

Artists: Walter Martella, accordion, piano; and Karina Inkster, accordion, piano

With their fresh and unique approach to accordion music, Walter (instrumentalist, conductor, and music director of the Powell River Academy of Music) and Karina (musician, writer, and nutrition and fitness coach) will charm you with a program of multi-genre music including works from movie scores, pieces by Piazzolla, and even Chopin and Bach arranged for their instruments!