Contributed Article/Courtesy Gila Valley Arts Council
SAFFORD – The Gila Valley Arts Council is proud to present Quartetto Gelato, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at the David M. Player Center for the Arts. This will be the third time that this energetic and entertaining ensemble has performed in the Gila Valley, but it’s been over 10 years, so we’re excited to have them back once again for your enjoyment. Virtuosic showpieces and romantic ballads, blazing gypsy tunes and forgotten chestnuts, all brought to life with multi-instrument mastery: this is Quartetto Gelato—a popular and highly unusual classical quartet.
With sold-out performances in New York, Washington, L.A., London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and elsewhere, this dazzling ensemble has enchanted audiences and critics worldwide with its exotic blend of musical virtuosity, artistic passion, and humor. With a performance repertoire that spans the globe and includes classical masterworks, engaging vocals, the sizzling energy of tangos, gypsy and klezmer songs, the group’s theatrical stage presence and relaxed humor establish an intimate rapport with audiences worldwide.
Quartetto Gelato’s international career was launched when they won the coveted 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 up by PBS throughout the U.S. in 2007 and is still broadcast regularly. The group is regularly heard on CBC, Classical 96.3 FM, NPR, PRI, and NUR networks, not to mention the soundtrack of the Hollywood film Only You, starring Robert Downey Jr and Marisa Tomei. At the 2010 INDIE Awards, Quartetto Gelato was honored as Best Classical Ensemble. It achieved a unique global reach when Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk chose their first two CDs to take aboard during his NASA flight aboard the space shuttle Columbia so that they could be literally heard around the world!
Quartetto Gelato released a highly successful first CD in 1994. Subsequent recordings such as Neapolitan Café (2001) and Musica Latina (2009) showcase the ensemble’s flair for imaginative international themes – Travels the Orient Express (2004) features music associated with stops along the route of the famous train. The quartet recorded a Christmas CD in 2010 and their 9th disc, “All Original – 100% Canadian”, featuring works written for the group by Canadian composers that highlight their signature style. QG released their 10th album in 2021, “Tasty Tunes,” which features a blend of fun, eclecticism, international flavors, multi-instrumentation, vocals, and superb musicianship.
Quartetto Gelato would like to acknowledge the generous support of FACTOR and the Canada Council for the Arts
The Nov. 19 concert includes these pieces:
Romamolda Hora – Traditional (arr. De Sotto/Sevastian)
Under Paris Skies – Gannon/Giraud (arr. Bill Bridges)
La Vie en Rose – Édith Piaf (arr. Quartetto Gelato)
Song For the Mira – Allister MacGillivray (arr. Quartetto Gelato)
Rodeo and Juliette Suite (3 movements) – Various (arr. Charles Cozens)
Spaghetti Roads – J. Denver & E. Morricone (arr. C. Cozens)
Intermission
Pipes Traditional – (arr. Maier/Camilleri)
Mesecina – G. Bregovic (arr. Konstantin Popovic)
Summer, from the Four Seasons – A. Vivaldi (arr. Matti Pulkki)
Gypsy Rhapsody – V. Gridin (arr. D. Varelas)
Tanti Anni Prima – Astor Piazzolla (arr. Charles Cozens)
Minnie the Moocher – Cab Calloway (arr. Charles Cozens)
Klezmer Explosion – Traditional (arr. Charles Cozens)
“Light programming, like comedy, is serious business. Quartetto Gelato has the stuff. Dry humor and occasional clowning are part of the quartet’s arsenal, yet first, it meets the requisite virtues of skilled music-making. Its pleasure-giving is consistent.”
– Los Angeles Times
Gila Valley Arts Council is very excited that our Wednesday morning school show offered to all public, private, charter, and homeschool children is sold out. However, you and your families can still get tickets to the grand finale evening show, where children can get in for only $5, including Premier Seating. Tickets are currently on sale at Richards Music (928-428-2442), online at www.gvac.org, or at the door. Adult ticket prices are only $15 or $20; all tickets are reserved seating.
We graciously thank our GVAC Members who join as Supporting Members each year. This school residency and public performance project was made possible by funding received from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Creative West, and the National Endowment for the Arts. GVAC is also grateful for the support received from United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, Freeport-McMoRan Corporation, and the Arizona Community Foundation of the Gila Valley.
