The popularly dubbed “classical” music is not the only type that fits into a chamber series. In fact, Latin music with its sassy sensuality is every bit as amorous as music composed during the Romantic period.
The St. Albert Chamber Music Series takes the Latin quarter to new heights as the Vaughn String Quartet, partnering with classical accordionist Antonio Peruch present a world-class performance at Don’s Piano Showroom this coming Saturday, March 7.
The featured Latin composers are six works from the iconic Astor Piazzolla’s repertoire and two from Daniel Binelli.
As per tradition, the featured emerging artists are a sister-brother duo, Jennifer (pianist) and Benjamin Nguyen (violinist), two young advocates of classical training.
Barely two years in the making, the Vaughn String Quartet’s rocketing success lies in the foursome’s emotional sensitivity and a backbone forged on the “classical” technique.
In the string quartet’s short lifetime – Vladimir Ruffino (violin) and Fabiola Amorin (viola) along with Mattia Berrini (violin) and Silvia Buttiglione (cello) – have performed numerous high profile gigs.
At the 2013 Western Canada Music Awards Classical Showcase, they met Antonio Peruch.
Peruch’s three-track album Logos Futura was nominated for Classical Recording of the Year. One of the cuts, Malcolm Forsyth’s Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra, was also nominated.
“There was so much synergy when they played. They created an understanding, a special feeling of Latin music,” said Peruch.
Born in Treviso, Italy, a city close to Venice, Peruch immigrated to Canada with his family in the ’60s to find better economic opportunities.
“This country really accepted me and gave me wonderful opportunities in music,” Peruch said, a soft layer of emotion clouding his voice.
Raised in a family with a musician grandfather and an opera singer aunt, Peruch picked up the accordion at the age of five. Later in Canada he studied with the late Violet Archer and Malcolm Forsyth.
Today Peruch is on a mission to elevate the stature of the accordion as an orchestral instrument. Traditionally an accordion is thought of as a folk or Gypsy instrument.
But in his CD, Peruch performs with Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and as a result the three-track continues to receive worldwide recognition.
The upcoming Latin concert is one that gets Peruch’s blood pumping.
“Piazzolla is mesmerizing. In the musical architecture, you can feel the heartbeat of the tango underneath and on top there is the emotional intent. I grew up listening to Argentinean music. It’s in my DNA. I feel this music was written for me.”
Binelli, also an Argentinean composer, differs from Piazzolla. He adds folk elements and African rhythms to his music.
“At this concert, you will hear music not heard before and it will elevate your mood. It will make you feel good and move you.”
