Orchestre classique de Montréal (OCM) presents

Echoes of the steppes

This concert will be dedicated to Ukraine. The steppes of Eastern Europe have historically given rise to some of the most emotionally rich works of classical music. The OCM is proud to present the world premiere of Ukrainian-Canadian composer Larysa Kuzmenko’s work for string orchestra, entitled Kurelek’s Gallery, which was inspired by the paintings by the eponymous Ukrainian-Canadian painter, William Kurelek. Czech composer Dvořák brings both joyful and wistful elements to his Serenade for Strings and celebrated Ukrainian composer, Myroslav Skoryk, who died in 2020, carried the tradition of emotional expression to contemporary times with the evocative Melodiya. Lastly, Canadian trumpeter Karen Donnelly and Ukrainian-Canadian pianist Serhiy Salov will command the stage in Shostakovich’s Concerto for Piano and Trumpet in C minor.

At the start of this concert, the OCM will pay tribute to the Honourable Marlene Jennings, the first Black woman from Quebec to be elected to the federal Parliament.

Soloists
Karen Donnelly, trumpet

Following three successful seasons (1996-1999) as Acting Principal Trumpet of the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Karen Donnelly was unanimously appointed Principal Trumpet in October 1999, and continues to enjoy each year with this wonderful ensemble.

A native of Regina, Saskatchewan, Karen picked up a trumpet for the first time in her elementary school band program and she was hooked. Her formal training includes a Bachelor of Arts in Music program at the University of Regina and later a Master’s of Music from McGill University.

Serhiy Salov, piano

Serhiy Salov is recognized as an outstanding pianist, whose playing is both energetic and imbued with sensitivity. He is known for his remarkable technique and exacting rigour and virtuosity, qualities that unwaveringly serve the poetry inherent in the music. Public enthusiasm and critical acclaim have amply confirmed his prominent status on the international music scene as a soloist and chamber musician. In addition, Serhiy Salov has achieved distinction for his piano transcriptions of symphonic works such as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, Debussy’s Nocturnes, Mussorgsky’s Night on a Bald Mountain, and many others.

After initially learning music in Ukraine, Salov pursued his studies in London, obtaining a Master’s degree from the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, followed by a Doctor of Music degree from the Université de Montréal. His gifts extend far beyond the mastery of piano technique: the disciplines of improvisation, musicology, and the study of languages complement his training and enable him to deploy a highly expressive individual approach.

A superlative concert performer, Serhiy Salov has collaborated with renowned conductors and numerous orchestras around the world. He is regularly featured at the foremost international music festivals, and has been awarded many prizes in competitions worldwide.

Repertoire
Melodiya, M. Skoryk
Kurelek’s Gallery, Larysa Kuzmenko (PREMIERE)

Larysa Kuzmenko is a Toronto-based composer, pianist and Juno nominee. Her music has been commissioned, performed, broadcast and recorded by many outstanding musicians all over the world. She has appeared as a pianist in several countries, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, St. Lawrence Centre, England, USA, Roy Thomson Hall, Massey Hall and several other Canadian venues. She is currently on staff at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, where she teaches piano, harmony, and composition.

Serenade for Strings, A. Dvořák
Concerto for Piano & Trumpet No. 1, Op. 35, D. Shostakovich

February 15, 2022 at 7:30pm
Pierre-Mercure Hall of the Pierre-Péladeau Center

To purchase your tickets visit: www.orchestre.ca