By James Reaney, The London Free Press
A duo ready to play anything and everything from Vivaldi to Oscar Peterson joins forces with Orchestra London this weekend.
“The music we perform reflects our individual histories, but also what happens when you put two distinct artists together,” pianist Chris Donnelly said in media material.
“This program is our common ground. What makes this collaboration special is that two artists, with vastly different musical histories, can still share the stage together, connect with each other, and (presumably) connect with audiences. Hence, the wide variety of musical styles.”
Juno-nominated Canadian pianist Donnelly is a master of jazz and classical music. His Wolak/Donnelly Duo mate is acclaimed clarinet player Kornel Wolak, who was born in Poland.
“I notice that after working with Chris for the past two years, I have gained a more relaxed or spontaneous approach to the classical compositions we play and I know that Chris says the exact opposite,” Wolak said. “His approach has become more systematic. It is a great learning curve for both of us. Most important is that our audiences seem to truly enjoy our concerts.”
Sunday [November 17th] afternoon’s program at Centennial Hall is to include Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Canadian icon Peterson’s Hymn to Freedom, works by Vivaldi, Rossini andmore.
The Wolak/Donnelly Duo’s 2013 album Common Ground is on Alma Records.