"While thousands of tiny lights transformed the entrance of the Sugden Theatre into something quite magical, four oh-so-special musicians transformed and transfixed the audience inside for 2 hours...The four musicians who charmed and enchanted the crowd call themselves Quartetto Gelato...The popular foursome filled the intimate theater to the rafters with their distinctive blend of instruments - and one voice. The young, Canadian-based foursome is about as multi-talented as they come. And their instruments: Where else would you hear a Belarus-born, world-class accordion player combine with a Irish jig-performing, glorious tenor-voiced violinist; an oboist who is a quick wit and and has mastered the deceptive art of playing without appearing to breathe; and the cellist playing a saw?..The audience, otherwise sedate and well-mannered, rewarded them with cheers, whistles and a much deserved standing ovation." - Peg Goldberg Longstreth, Dec. 15, 2005 "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 "Charm, musical beauty, subtlety, wit and sophistication combine to make this classical cabaret CD a winner." - Stereo Review "If there were ever a group of musicians that could make anyone feel at home with classical music, Quartetto Gelato is it." - Newsday (NY) "Quartetto Gelato's performances have a warm, endearing vitality...." - The New York Times

QUARTETTO GELATO

Shalom Bard
clarinet

Peter De Sotto
tenor, violin, mandolin

Alexander Sevastian
accordion, piano

Elinor Frey
cello

For nearly a decade, Quartetto Gelato has enchanted audiences worldwide with their unique blend of sparkling technique, musical finesse and engaging humor. In recital and with orchestra, Quartetto Gelato has become an international favorite with sold-out, repeat performances in cities such as New York, Washington, Chicago, Houston,San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, Milan, Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong.

Classical in intent, eclectic by design, Quartetto Gelato's programs are filled with an exciting mix of traditional masterworks, operatic arias, tangos, gypsy fiddling and folk songs from around the world. Their relaxed stage presence establishes an immediate rapport with traditional and nontraditional audiences alike. Unique in the classical world, they perform without scores, giving their performances a sense of spontaneity and exuberance.

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Ann Summers International
43 Bright St.
Toronto M5A 3H5
tel: (416) 362-1422
fax: (416) 359-0043
e-mail: sumintl@sympatico.ca