As the Sarnia Concert Association continues to rebuild its audience following the pandemic, it welcomes back a fan-favourite ensemble known for blending classical mastery with high-energy performance and relaxed humour.
As the Sarnia Concert Association continues to rebuild its audience following the pandemic, it welcomes back a fan-favourite ensemble known for blending classical mastery with high-energy performance and relaxed humour. [Get Tickets Here]
The Sarnia Concert Association (SCA) marks a major milestone in its 90th season on Wednesday, April 8, with a performance by the world-class Canadian ensemble, Quartetto Gelato. The concert, titled "Tasty Tunes," begins at 7:30 p.m. and represents a significant step in the association's post-pandemic recovery.
"The Sarnia Concert Association has been a solid fixture in the Sarnia-Lambton cultural scene for 90 years," says David Nichols, chair of the SCA program committee. "We now continue to rebuild from the devastation of the COVID epidemic. Our numbers are once again growing, and this outstanding Canadian group will be another step in that continuing journey."
Quartetto Gelato has spent over 30 years enchanting global audiences with an exotic blend of musical virtuosity and artistic passion. The group gained international fame when Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk brought their recordings aboard the space shuttle Columbia, making their music literally heard around the world.
The ensemble’s multi-instrument mastery allows them to pivot seamlessly between classical masterworks by Mozart and Beethoven to up-beat jazz tunes and romantic ballads. Their Sarnia program includes diverse arrangements ranging from Vivaldi’s "Summer" and Edith Piaf’s "La Vie en Rose" to the jazz standards of Dave Brubeck and Cab Calloway.
The current quartet features a lineup of highly accomplished musicians with deep roots in the Canadian and international music scenes:
Colin Maier (Oboe, Saw, Vocals): A multi-instrumentalist who also plays clarinet, violin, and guitar, Maier has worked for two decades as a dancer, actor, and stuntman alongside his orchestral career.
Konstantin Popović (Violin, Vocals): A former Assistant Concertmaster of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Popović is highly regarded for his versatility and Bollywood-style violin playing.
Dr. Dobrochna Zubek (Cello): A soloist and educator who has performed across Europe, Asia, and North America, Zubek was previously the principal cellist of the Sudbury Symphony.
Matti Pulkki (Accordion): Originally from Finland and currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of Toronto, Pulkki has premiered new works at international festivals worldwide.
The upcoming performance serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of local, independent arts organizations. While the SCA has faced the challenges of a shifting cultural landscape, the return of popular acts like Quartetto Gelato highlights a commitment to bringing world-class artistry directly to the Sarnia-Lambton community.
