Quartetto Gelato

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Quartetto Gelato
Image:QuartettoGelato.jpg
Country Canada
Years active 1994–present
Genres New Classical
Labels Linus Universal
Members Cynthia Steljes
Peter DeSotto
Alexander Sevastian
Elinor Frey

Quartetto Gelato is a Canadian new classical group currently composed of Cynthia Steljes, Peter DeSotto, Alexander Sevastian, and Elinor Frey based in Toronto, Ontario. Debuting in 1994 with founding members Cynthia Steljes, Peter DeSotto, George Meanwell, and Claudio Vena, Quartetto Gelato quickly established themselves on the emerging “new classical” scene early in their career by winning the title of NPR Performance Today's Debut Artist of the Year in 1996.

Known for their musical versatility, the groups’ instrumental expertise consists of eight different musical instruments including an operatic tenor in Peter DeSotto. Their musical repertoire consists of a mix of classical masterworks and operatic arias with tangos, gypsy and folk songs from around the world. Unique in their field is their penchant for performing without musical scores and their often dry sense of humor.

The quartet's CDs have literally been heard around the world - Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk took their first two CDs with him during his NASA flight on board the space shuttle Columbia. Despite having changed members frequently throughout the years, the Juno and Gemini nominated Quartetto Gelato persists with repeat sold-out performances throughout the globe.

Contents

[edit] Discography

[edit] Albums

  • Quartetto Gelato (1993)
  • Rustic Chivalry - (1996)
  • Aria Fresca - (1998)
  • Neapolitan Café - (2001)
  • Quartetto Gelato Travels the Orient Express - (2004)

[edit] Compilations

  • Favourite Flavours (2005)

[edit] Guest Appearances

  • Only You: Music From The Motion Picture - (1994)
  • Ashley MacIsaac - Hi, How Are You Today? - (1995)

[edit] Videography

  • Quartetto Gelato - La Danza (Music Video) - (1998)
  • CBC's Canada Day 2004: Merci Montreal! - (2004)
  • Quartetto Gelato Explores Music and Wine DVD - (2006)

[edit] Awards and nominations

1995

  • Quartetto Gelato - Nomination: Best Classical Album - Solo or Chamber Ensemble Juno Award.
  • Quartetto Gelato - Nomination: Instrumental Aritst(s) of the Year Juno Award.

1996

1999

  • La Danza - Quartetto Gelato - Nomination: Best Photography - Comedy, Variety, Performing Arts Program or Series Gemini Award.
  • La Danza - Quartetto Gelato - Nomination: Best Editing - Comedy, Variety, Performing Arts Program or Series Gemini Award.

2005

  • Canada Day 2004: Merci Montréal - Nomination: Best Performance or Host in a Variety Program or Series Gemini Award.

[edit] Current Members

  • Peter DeSotto - tenor, violin, mandolin
  • Alexander Sevastian - accordion, piano
  • Elinor Frey - cello
  • Shalom Bard - Clarinet

[edit] Past Members

  • Kristina Reiko Cooper - cello
  • Joseph Macerollo - accordion
  • George Meanwell - guitar, cello, mandolin
  • Claudio Vena - accordion, viola
  • Cynthia Steljes - oboe, English horn

[edit] External links