Photo above by Bob Blitzan
THE BIG FIVE-O!
Impromptu Classical Concerts celebrates
Golden Anniversary performance season
Like a fine wine the Impromptu Classical Concert series has only improved with age.
This year marks the Golden 50th Anniversary of the organization, which was founded in a Key West living room in 1972. To celebrate, Impromptu is offering a full season of top-flight artists from all over the world.
The season gets underway with an appearance on Jan. 9 by Canada's Junction Trio.
Three renowned and visionary young artists have combined their talents to create this eclectic and exciting new piano trio. Violinist Stefan Jackiw, pianist Conrad Tao and cellist Jay Campbell will be making their first appearance together in Key West, but Tao, who has appeared worldwide as a pianist and composer, will perform here for the second time.
Junction has performed well-received concerts at the Washington Performing Arts, Portland Ovations, and the Royal Conservatory in Toronto.
Then, on Jan. 23, Impromptu presents powerhouse pianist Yekwon Sunwoo.
Sunwoo was a gold medalist at the 15th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and has been hailed for his “unfailingly consistent excellence,” by International Piano magazine, and celebrated as “a pianist who commands a comprehensive technical arsenal that allows him to thunder without breaking a sweat,” by the Chicago Tribune.
A powerful and virtuosic performer, he also, in his own words, “strives to reach for the truth and pure beauty in music.
Feb. 13 will find gifted violinists Timothy Chooi and his brother Nikki back in Key West for a repeat Impromptu Classical Concert.
Both violinists are united by a profound understanding and genuine passion for the violin, which renders their musical union extraordinarily rich. Together the Chooi Brothers have an intrinsic musical partnership that makes their duo artistry unique and interesting. The Edmonton Journal describes their performance as a “beauty of color and tone.”
The Soul of the Americas will be the featured performers on Feb. 27.
Curated by Michael Brown and Nicholas Canellakis, with collaborators Orion Weiss and Ian David Rosenbaum, this unique program celebrates the rich tapestry of musical influences across North and South America. The Soul of the Americas features unique combinations of piano, cello and percussion, and will take the listener on a sizzling journey through both hemispheres.
The first American in four decades, and youngest musician ever, to win First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition Cello Division, Zlatomir Fung, will take to the Key West stage on March 13.
Fung is poised to become one of the preeminent cellists of his time, astounding audiences with his boundless virtuosity and exquisite sensitivity. This 21-year-old has already proven himself to be a star among the next generation of world-class musicians. Fung’s impeccable technique demonstrates a mastery of the canon and exceptional insight into the depths of contemporary repertoire.
Finally, perennial Impromptu favorites the legendary Canadian Brass will top the bill on March 27.
With an international reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, the Canadian Brass has truly earned the distinction of ''the world's most famous brass group." Canadian Brass has recorded more than 130 CDs and DVDs, and have commissioned, performed and recorded hundreds of transcriptions and original works for brass quintet. Canadian Brass has a library of more than 600 compositions and arrangements specially and uniquely fashioned for them.
All concerts will take place at 4 p.m., at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 401 Duval St.
Admission is $20 at the door. All students will be admitted free! Due to the ongoing pandemic, facial masks are required and special anniversary face masks will be provided free.
All planning to attend are requested to be Covid vaccinated and symptom free.
