St. Michael’s Presents A Wonderful Trip to the New World with the DieMahler String Quartet Sun., May 27.
In the intimate setting of 1891 heritage St. Michael’s Church, the DieMahler String Quartet will take the audience on a trip to the New World, featuring Dvorak’s “American” String Quartet (Op. 96), as well as works by George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, Samuel Barber and Leonard Bernstein, this Sunday at 2 p.m.
The DieMahler String Quartet is Pablo Diemecke, Lawrence Skaggs, Martine denBok and Elizabeth Massi.
Diemecke is a 2002 Grammy Award nominee and concert violinist, as well as music director of the Orchestra Des Concerts Diemeck and the Royal Oak String Ensemble.
His solo engagements have taken him throughout North America and Europe. His recordings include concertos by Prokofiev; Mozart Concertos No. 2, 3 and 4; Dvorak; Carlos Chavez; and his latest CD, Musica Latina, Selecta.
Skaggs, past principal cellist of the Victoria Symphony for 35 years, enjoys an active career in chamber, solo, orchestral and studio work.
He performed Victoria premieres of the Shostakovich Cello Concerto No. 1, Popper Hungarian Rhapsody, and Tan Dun “Crouching Dragon” Concerto, in addition to performances of many other standard concertos. He made his conducting debut with the Victoria Civic Orchestra this January.
denBok has recently completed her master’s degree in music performance at the University of Victoria.
She combines an active teaching schedule with performances with a number of Island musical organizations, including the DieMahler Quartet.
Massi is completing her bachelor’s degree in music performance at UVic. Her Renaissance-like interests include all genres of music from folk to classical to jazz.
She balances her eclectic musical life with veterinary work and motorcycling on the Saanich Peninsula.
Enjoy the masterful playing of these four very talented musicians, and stay after the performance for a Meet the Artists Reception.
Tickets for the concert are $15 in advance or $20 at the door and are available at Valley Vines to Wines in Mill Bay, Ten Old Books in Duncan, Ocean Soul Book Caffé in Crofton, Salamander Books in Ladysmith and the Chemainus Festival Inn or by calling 250-748-8383.
You can also buy tickets at Toad Hall Emporium in Chemainus at the advance price of $15 up until one hour before concert time.
— Submitted