Internationally renowned violinist Jacques Israelievitch launches York University’s 2009-2010 Faculty Concert Series on Sept 22. His concert in the Tribute Communities Recital Hall marks his debut performance on campus since joining the professoriate in York’s Department of Music last year.
Israelievitch will be partnered on stage by his department colleague, eminent pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico. The program will feature French masterworks by Debussy, Ravel, Poulenc and Pierné.
One of North America’s most distinguished performing artists, Israelievitch is equally at home in orchestral and chamber settings. He served as concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for two decades and has appeared as chamber musician with such luminaries as Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman and Yo-Yo Ma. A founding member of the Toronto Symphony Quartet, he has also performed with the Naumburg Award-winning New Arts Trio and in the Israelievitch Duo with his son, percussionist Michael Israelievitch, for the past ten years.
Left: Jacques Israelievitch
Israelievitch’s extensive discography includes the Juno-nominated Suite Hebraique with pianist John Greer; Tchaikovsky: The Ballets with the Saint Louis Symphony; Beethoven Romances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra; the chamber recordings Suite Française, Suite Enfantine and Suite Fantaisie; and Solo Suite. In 2006, he broke new ground by releasing the first complete recording of Kreutzer’s 42 Studies for solo violin, which went on to win worldwide recognition. This season brings two releases: an album of French flute chamber music with the Mirage Quintet on the Naxos label and a new CD with the New Arts Trio.
Israelievitch is an officer of the Order of Arts and Letters of France. Last year, the Toronto Musicians’ Association presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his distinguished contribution to the performing arts in Canada.
One of Canada’s foremost pianists, Petrowska Quilico is widely recognized as an innovative and adventurous artist. She has appeared in solo recitals, chamber settings and with orchestras on four continents. Best known as an interpreter of contemporary and Canadian music, her critically acclaimed discography also includes solo CDs featuring works by Chopin, Debussy and Liszt. A professor of piano performance and musicology at York for more than two decades, she frequently collaborates in live and recorded performances with her colleagues.
Right: Christina Petrowska Quilico
This recital is the first of five performances in the 2009-2010 Faculty Concert Series spotlighting faculty artists in the Department of Music at York University. Upcoming concerts will feature saxophonist Mike Murley (Nov. 17), cellist Mark Chambers (Jan. 19), pianist Michael Coghlan (Feb. 2) and jazz drummer Barry Elmes (Mar. 2).
The York University debut of Israelievitch takes place Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7:30pm in the Tribute Communities Recital Hall, Accolade East Building on York’s Keele campus. Single concert tickets are $15, a three-concert package is available for $30. Students and seniors admission is $5. For more information, visit the York University Box Office Web site or call 416-736-5888.