Quartetto Gelato

Quartetto Gelato - Live in Concert

Date: October 10, 2024
Location: Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre
Time: 7:30 PM

About Quartetto Gelato

Quartetto Gelato is an internationally acclaimed ensemble that blends classical, folk, tango, klezmer, jazz, and more, creating a unique and unforgettable musical experience. Known for their virtuosic musicianship and engaging performances, this group defies traditional concert expectations with a show that’s as fun as it is musically brilliant.

Since their formation in 1989 in Toronto, they’ve played on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including in Washington D.C., London, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and recently sold-out shows in Toronto, Guelph, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Why Buy Tickets?

1. Diverse Musical Experience: Quartetto Gelato blends a wide range of genres—classical, tango, klezmer, jazz, and folk—creating a rich, eclectic sound that appeals to all music lovers. It’s a concert where you’ll experience something new and exciting with every piece.
2. World-Class Musicianship: Each member of the group is a master of their instrument, combining technical brilliance with expressive playing. If you appreciate musical skill at its highest level, this performance will not disappoint.
3. Fun, Engaging Atmosphere: Far from a traditional classical concert, Quartetto Gelato’s performances are known for their lightheartedness and humor. Their passion for music is contagious, creating an experience that’s entertaining and joyful for all.
4. A Global Sensation: Quartetto Gelato has performed around the world, in venues like the Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Center, earning rave reviews wherever they go. Their recent shows in Toronto, Guelph, and Niagara-on-the-Lake have all been sell-outs, and we’re lucky to have them perform in Ancaster.
5. A Memorable Night Out: Whether you’re a classical music aficionado or simply looking for a unique and engaging performance, Quartetto Gelato promises a night filled with dazzling technical skill, irrepressible enthusiasm, and musical joy.

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Meet the Band:

Colin Maier graduated from the University of Calgary in 1997 with a degree in oboe performance studying with David Sussman. Since 2009, Colin has been the oboist for Quartetto Gelato. During that time he has been heard on national radio broadcasts, seen on the BRAVO network and received the 2010 INDIE award for best classical ensemble. He has also played with orchestras such as the Calgary Philharmonic and the National Ballet Orchestra. He has performed in orchestra pits for mega musicals across Canada. As well as being a guest lecturer/recitalist at universities across North America, Colin is currently the oboe professor at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario.

Kirk Starkey performs regularly throughout Canada and the United States as a member of award-winning crossover ensemble Quartetto Gelato. Kirk’s solo recordings Little Gidding (2011), Songs of Sudbury (2016) showcase his original style of integrating extended cello techniques and digital processing into a compelling and accessible medium. No stranger to collaborations outside of classical music, recent projects include session work for Bülow, Mickey Guyton, Great Lake Swimmers, Glorious Sons, Wild Rivers, Emma-Lee, and Lou Rhodes (Lamb). A featured solo performer/composer at the International Cello Festival of Canada (Winnipeg 2011), Kirk was featured in a live solo performance broadcast on CBC’s The Signal.

Konstantin Popović began his violin studies at age five in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, quickly earning recognition for his talent. Alongside his achievements in violin, he was also appointed as a vocal soloist in the renowned youth choir Drinka Pavlovic at age seven. He graduated from the prestigious MS Mokranjac music school in Belgrade, winning numerous awards in national violin competitions. After immigrating to Canada, Konstantin continued his studies at the University of Toronto under Leo Wigdorchik and later joined the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, performing across Canada, Europe, and Asia. In 2000, he became Assistant Concertmaster of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and joined Sinfonia Toronto. Konstantin has recorded extensively, collaborated with esteemed conductors, and co-founded Wellington Music.

Matti Pulkki got his first accordion and began his music studies at the age of six in the small town of Joutseno in eastern Finland. He grew up immersed in traditional Finnish music, old dance tunes, virtuosic show-pieces and classical music, performing and competing with the accordion from an early age on. Later Matti proceeded to study with esteemed Finnish accordionist Matti Rantanen. Over the years, he participated in numerous international masterclasses and seminars. The interest to meet musicians and teachers around the world also led Matti to Canada for the first time in 2014 to study for a year with Joseph Macerollo. After multiple shorter visits for shows and concerts, Matti returned to Canada in 2019. Holding Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in accordion performance from the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, Matti is currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of Toronto.

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 honoured as Best Classical Ensemble, and achieved unique global reach when Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk chose their first two CDs to take on board during his NASA flight on the space shuttle Columbia, to literally be heard around the world!