PREVIEW
Luchkow-Jarvis Duo
St. Albert Chamber Music Society
Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Red Willow Place
7 Tache St.
Tickets: $30 to $35. Call 780-460-4310 or 780-459-1528
When violinist Paul Luchkow and harpsichordist Michael Jarvis first jammed together 11 years ago, they quickly realized their partnership was more than a one-shot deal.
“We instantly felt the push and pull as collaborating partners, and now 10 yeas later, we continue happily working together,” said the St. Albert raised Luchkow.
The duo specializes in performing a wide range of classical chamber music from the 17th century to present day on modern and replica period instruments.
Currently based in Victoria, the two musicians have scaled great heights. As one of Canada’s finest harpsichordist/fortepianist’s, Jarvis plays with amazing dexterity and increasing precision while Luchkow delivers elegant phrasing and almost magical bow work.
Now on a tour of Alberta, the Luchkow-Jarvis Duo is the featured guest for St. Albert Chamber Music Society’s fourth instalment of the season. The performance takes place tonight at Red Willow Place.
Their program, which started as a celebration of Michael Corrette’s music, expanded to include a highly descriptive French and German repertoire ranging from Georg Telemann and Heinrich von Biber to Francois Couperin and Jean-Marie Leclair.
Not only is the repertoire noteworthy, but this is also the first time Luchkow has returned to play at his hometown since 1987 when he enrolled at the University of British Columbia to study the classical catalogue.
While studying different periods of music, the young violinist quickly realized Baroque music touched him most eloquently.
“There’s a great vibrancy, a great depth of emotion and description. It’s really cool, really beautiful, and when you play it on older instruments, it gives you a different view,” Luchkow said.
After graduation, the violinist and his wife (also a musician), spent two years in Amsterdam where he toured with various ensembles including Netherlands Radio Symphony Orchestra and Niewe Sinfonietta Amsterdam.
“As a musician I grew because it was possible to see how people make music in other countries and to see how accepted it is as part of the culture.”
Upon his return to Canada, Luchkow resettled quickly in Vancouver’s music scene working with the Pacific Baroque Orchestra, Vancouver’s Early Music scene, and lately with Victoria Baroque Players.
A chance introduction from British harpsichordist Colin Tilney connected Luchkow to Jarvis, and a formidable partnership quickly formed.
Using older or replica instruments, the two musicians are passionate about creating purity, balance and harmony in historically important musical works. But they are also open to new ideas of presentation and performance.
“The music is fantastic. We have a good time playing it and we would like you to share in it.”
Opening the evening recital is emerging harpsichordist Aidan Lai playing Giovanni Pescetti’s Sonata in C Major, 3rd movement. The young performer has played piano since age five and violin since age eight.
He has competed regularly at St. Albert Rotary Music Festival, the Contemporary Showcase and the Provincial Music Festival. His other musical pursuits included a stint with Sir George Simpson Concert Band.
