DATE: June 2, 2000
WHO: The Banff Centre for the Arts, Music & Sound
WHAT: The Banff Arts Festival – Art of the Ensemble, Opening Concert
WHEN: Friday, June 16, 2000
WHERE: Rolston Recital Hall in the Music & Sound building at The Banff Centre

Chamber music begins once again at The Banff Centre on Friday, June 16 with the opening concert for the Art of the Ensemble Series (8 PM in Rolston Recital Hall). This summer concert series highlights musicians from the Banff Centre’s Music & Sound chamber music residency program who will enchant audiences with a variety of works written for small ensembles.

Performances on Friday’s concert include Brahms’ F Major Cello Sonata, performed by cellist Ru Pei Yeh and pianist Hsin Bei Lee from Boston’s New England Conservatory, as well as Ravel’s La Valse and Chiel Meijering’s Gedoogzone for two pianos, performed by the two-piano team of Nathalie Fortin and Anne-Lise Longuemare from the University of Southern California. A set of English songs will be performed by Egre National Competition winner Vilma Vitols, mezzo-soprano, and Greg Oh, piano.

Over 40 musicians are attending the chamber music program this year, and come from all over the world including Australia, Italy, Korea, Israel, Scotland, France, the US and Canada. Chamber music is an exquisite experience for both musicians and audience. For the musician, it offers an opportunity to learn important skills they will need for success in their careers – balance, listening and collegial collaboration. For the audience, it is a chance to watch and listen to fine musicians in an intimate setting as they perform some of the most glorious music ever written.

The Art of the Ensemble Concert Series will continue at the Banff Centre until June 30. For tickets or your copy of Music & Sound’s summer concert guide, call the Banff Centre Box Office at 762-6301.

On Wednesday, June 21 join us in celebrating the longest day of the year with wonderful chamber music! The Summer Solstice Concert takes place in The Banff Centre Dining Room overlooking the beautiful Bow Valley. Desserts and coffee will be served as the music plays until the sun sets. The music begins at 9 PM, and tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. Call The Box Office to reserve your ticket to this popular event!

Photos for Art of the Ensemble are available on FTP site: ftp://ftp.banffcentre.ab.ca/pub/incoming/music/

For more information, please contact:
Enza Apa, Marketing Coordinator
Music & Sound, The Banff Centre for the Arts
Phone: (403) 762-6237 Fax: (403) 762-6338
Enza_Apa@banffcentre.ab.ca