Great Artists set for debuts and returns to Aurora Cultural Centre

November 12, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Brock Weir

People have often dubbed the Aurora Cultural Centre as a “jewel in the crown” for Aurora – and if you happen to subscribe to this view, that beauty has a jewel in the crown all its own.

That jewel is the Great Artist Piano Series, which will continue for its fourth season this January.

The Aurora Cultural Centre announced their 2015 lineup last week, which will kick off January 25 with the Henderson-Kolk Duo.

“Since forming in 2004 after meeting during their studies at the University of Toronto, they have established themselves as one of Canada’s premier classical guitar duos,” says the Centre. “They have performed throughout North America and made their international debut at the Mediterranean Guitar Festival in Cervo, Italy in 2006.

“Both Drew Henderson and Michael Kolk have active solo careers, combined with teaching, collaborations and adjudication duties.”

Their visit to the Aurora Cultural Centre will be a first, but the concert that follows on Friday, March 6, is a return engagement for renowned violinist Moshe Hammer, as well as pianist Angela Park.

“Hammer is beloved the world over for his vitality and artistry, and is founder and leader of the Toronto-based chamber group The Amadeus Ensemble,” announced the Centre. “Based in Toronto, Mr. Hammer has travelled the concert venues of the world, performing in small chamber ensembles, and with symphony orchestras.”

Following Ms. Park’s performance, the ivories on the Centre’s piano will be tickled by Jue Wang on May 1, slated to be the final concert of the series. A multi-award-winning artist, Mr. Wang has been performing since the age of 10 and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall in London, and has extensive tours of Europe and South America in the offing. His program will include works by Gershwin, Liszt and Strauss.

Tickets are available individually by calling the Aurora Cultural Centre at 905-713-1818, as well as in a three-pack subscription series for $95 ($78 for seniors and students.)

The Great Artist Piano series is sponsored by Aurora-based Grammy Award-winning musicians Bonnie and Norbert Kraft. Ms. Kraft is president of the Aurora Cultural Centre Board of Directors.