Quartetto Gelato

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Quartetto Gelato
Origin Canada
Genre(s) New Classical
Years active 1994–present
Label(s) Linus Universal
Members
Peter DeSotto
Carina Reeves
Alexander Sevastian
Kornel Wolak

Quartetto Gelato is a Canadian new classical quartet currently composed of Peter DeSotto, Carina Reeves, Alexander Sevastian and Shalom Bard, and 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] Current members

  • Peter DeSotto — tenor, violin, mandolin
  • Alexander Sevastian — accordion, piano
  • Carina Reeves — cello
  • Shalom Bard — clarinet

[edit] Past members

  • Cynthia Steljes (deceased) — oboe, English horn
  • Kristina Reiko Cooper — cello
  • Elinor Frey — cello
  • Joseph Macerollo — accordion
  • George Meanwell — guitar, cello, mandolin
  • Claudio Vena — accordion, viola
  • Shalom Bard — clarinet

[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

[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

[edit] 1995

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

[edit] 1996

[edit] 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.

[edit] 2005

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

[edit] External links