KORI BARKLEY
Staff Writer
Described on their website as “supremely talented, deliciously smart, endlessly creative, refreshingly funny and totally surprising,” Quartetto Gelato, a virtuosic, classically trained, multi-genre group from Toronto, will bring its theatrical style and a taste of acrobatics to the Fredonia campus this week.
Formed nearly 20 years ago, Quartetto Gelato has “carved out their niche” as a non-traditional ensemble featuring arrangements of tenor voice, accordion, violin, cello, bass, oboe, English horn, clarinet, guitar and mandolin.
The ensemble captivates audiences worldwide with its striking combination of musical virtuosity, artistic passion and humor.
As explained on Quartetto Gelato’s brochure, “With a performance repertoire that spans the globe including classical masterworks, operatic arias, the sizzling energy of tangos, gypsy and folk songs, the group’s theatrical stage presence establishes an intimate rapport with audiences worldwide.”
Because of its multi-instrumental mastery and theatrical energy, Quartetto Gelato has won many awards and recognition over the years. In 1996, the quartet won the title of NPR Performance Today’s Debut Artist of the Year. The group’s first DVD, “Quartetto Gelato: A Concert in Wine Country!” was picked by PBS for broadcast in 2007. More recently, Quartetto Gelato won the honor of Best Classical Ensemble at Canada’s 2010 INDIE Awards.
Over the years, Quartetto Gelato has shifted personnel. Today, Peter De Sotto, tenor and violinist, is the only original member. Joining him are Alex Sevastian, four-time world champion accordion player; Liza McLellan, creative cellist; and Colin Maier, who plays oboe, English horn, clarinet, guitar and mandolin.
When hearing the word “gelato,” most probably think of the frozen Italian treat we love rather than music. So, what is the idea behind the name?
“There was an Italian influence in the group originally, as two of the members were of Italian heritage,” Maier explained. “And the idea of combining good, rich food with music was appealing! But mostly it’s just a fun and silly name.”
Quartetto Gelato’s fun, quirky style has evolved over time as they’ve recognized that a connection with the audience is what is most important.
“We find the best way [to connect with the audience] is to take the music seriously, but not ourselves,” Maier said.
Their style has always been eclectic, but the performance aspect continues to grow. The quartet memorizes music in order to allow for amusing interaction with each other on stage, as well as with the audience.
“Quartetto Gelato is going where few classical musicians go, not only with the exciting theatrical nature of their performances that engage all types of music lovers, but with the relaxed humorous relationship they make with the audience,” said Sarah Hamilton, oboe professor and residency coordinator for Quartetto Gelato’s visit.
“While at Fredonia, they will be working with student musicians exploring the art of performance and will give a talk on how artists can make a living, especially while creating their own niche,” Hamilton said.
Quartetto Gelato’s talk will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 2:30 p.m. and will be free and open to the public. Later that evening, at 7:30 p.m., master classes to the voice area and chamber groups of woodwinds and strings will be held in Rosch Recital Hall, room 1080 and Diers Recital Hall respectively.
Quartetto Gelato will perform an entertaining and engaging program the following evening, on Friday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. in Rosch Recital Hall.
Tickets for Friday’s performance are available at the ticket office in the Williams Center by calling (716) 673-3501 or online at fredonia.edu/tickets. Reserved seating tickets cost $20 or $8 for students with ID.
The Fredonia School of Music, College of Visual and Performing Arts, American String Teacher’s Association, Fredonia Woodwind Association, Student Opera Theatre Association, International Education Center and the Music Industry Club support this event.