Feb. 03, 2010 - Issue #746: Spine

The Classical Score

Dimitri Illarionov

Classical guitarist brings Russian and Bulgarian folk songs to Edmonton

The Russians are coming! Well, their folk music is coming.  

Dimitri Illarionov, the classical guitarist from Russia who will perform this Russian folk music, tells me about his upcoming concert, where he will be playing his “East Side Story” repertoire. More specifically, this part of the performance focuses on Russian and Bulgarian folk songs. 

“This music is not so commonly known in the West and in Western Europe,” Illarionov says of deciding to play songs from these two countries.

What’s unique about Bulgarian folk music, Illarionov continues, is the rhythm that it employs. While other music in the classical tradition takes a 2/4 or a 3/4 rhythm, Bulgarian folk music sees 9/8 or 7/8 times, making the music sound different, Illarionov explains.

Doing things differently is important to this guitarist. In fact, taking a new approach to classical music is an important step in relating this music to younger audiences, Illarionov explains.

Illarionov comments that while many young people are already interested in classical music, others might not know much about it and, as a result, they might approach it reluctantly, thinking it’s going to be boring. As well, other young people might not like it, assuming that it’s too traditional. 

Still, Illarionov has not seen younger audiences turning away from classical music. Just the opposite, in fact.

“Audiences are becoming younger now, so it’s a very good sign,” he observes. 

Illarionov notes that he does enjoy breaking tradition—for instance, he might play jazz or rock on his classical guitar.

“The main thing is how you show classical music,” he observes, adding that he likes showing his audience what the guitar is able to do.

“For me, the guitar is like a small orchestra. [I hope] the people coming to concerts will have more ideas about the instrument itself.” V
 

 
Fri, Feb 5 (8 pm)
Dimitri Illarionov
Muttart Hall, Alberta College, $20 – $25

OK, this week is very busy for concerts, so instead of having this next event in my listings, it’s going in its own separate little section. The rest of the listings will follow.


The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra will be having a wine-tasting fundraiser. I chatted with Teresa Ryan, events and volunteer co-ordinator for the ESO, about the event.

The event will feature over 70 Portuguese wines and ports from 20 wineries, Ryan explains. 

“Portuguese, they’ve got quite a reputation for wines, and of course, their ports,” Ryan says of the decision to have an all-Portuguese wine-tasting event. She also notes that it’s a region that might not always receive as much attention as it deserves, which is another reason for this choice. 

The event will also include an auction, with several music-related prizes on which people can bid. For instance, they can fight it out with other bidders for a chance to conduct the ESO for a song at the May 30 concert. And yes, in front of an actual audience. Others might bid for a chance to play the Steinway piano at a private concert for friends, or for an opportunity to play the Davis Concert Organ.

About 350 people attended last year’s inaugural wine-tasting fundraiser and auction.


Wed, Feb 10 (6:30 pm)
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
Flavours of Portugal
Winspear Centre, $125

If you have anything that you would like me to mention in the listings, please contact me at  HYPERLINK "mailto:classical@vueweekly.com" classical@vueweekly.com.


 

Listings:

Fri, Feb 5 (6 pm)
St. Albert Community Band
Knights of Columbus Dance

This jazz group will be playing at the dance. Oh, and for anyone who knows conducting, please note that the group is looking for a new conductor. The application deadline is Feb 28.


Sat, Feb 6 (8 pm)
QUASAR Sax Quartet
The King’s University College, $10 – $20

This Montréal-based sax quartet is now celebrating its 15th anniversary. This program will include new pieces written specifically for the Quartet. This group also plays many Canadian composers’ works. Awesome, eh?

Sun, Feb 7 (2 pm)
Concordia Symphony Orchestra
Robert Tegler Student Centre Concordia University College, $10 – $12

The program features works such as Felix Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, Sergei Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kijé Suite and Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra.


Wed, Feb 10 (12:10 pm)
Yoko Wong and Mikiko Kohjitani
Banquet Hall, McDougall United Church, free

Take in a violin / viola concert during your lunch break.
 

 

 

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