Archive for Uncategorized – Page 2
On Aug 19th, 2015 Wolak started researching clarinet embouchure at the Speech-Language Department at U of T.
AN EVENING OF CLARINET & STRINGS:
The Enterprise Quartet with Kornel Wolak, clarinet
Johannes Brahms
Sunday, February 15, 2015 | 8PM
Convocation Hall, University of Alberta
Free Admission
Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B Minor, Op.115 (1891)
and selections by Vivaldi, Bach, Paganini, de Abreau, and Gershwin
– Thanks to the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Edmonton Community Foundation and the Department of Music, U Alberta –
enterprisequartet.com | twitter: @enterprise4tet
KORNEL WOLAK (clarinetist) performs as featured soloist and chamber musician in a wide variety of genres. His 2014/15 season includes performances and masterclasses in Ontario and British Columbia (Canada), New York, Ecuador, and his home country of Poland. With pianist Chris Donnelly, Kornel formed the Wolak Donnelly Duo, known for audience talks, diverse repertoire – including works from Mozart to Gershwin, and school and community outreach. The Duo is especially proud to have performed for Canadian audiences from coast to coast.
As soloist, Mr. Wolak performed the Canadian premiere of John Adams’ “Gnarly Buttons” Clarinet Concerto broadcast on CBC Radio 2, and Marc Neikrug’s “Though Roses” at Glenn Gould Studio. Other solo appearances have included performances with the Toronto Sinfonietta, Quebec Symphony Orchestra, Poznan Philharmonic Orchestra, Niagara-on-the Lake Festival Orchestra, Polish Radio Chamber Orchestra “Amadeus”, and Charleston Symphony Orchestra. As chamber musician, Mr. Wolak has appeared with the Wieniawski String Quartet, Glenn Gould String Quartet, Lodos Wind Quintet, Silver Birch String Quartet, and Borealis String Quartet. He was also a member of the renowned Quartetto Gelato.
In December 2014, Kornel earned his Doctorate Degree from the Paderewski Music Academy in Poznan, Poland. He appears as guest clinician lecturing on variety of topics related to clarinet repertoire, performances practice, reed making and technique. Mr. Wolak is also extremely devoted to music education; he established Music Mind Canada (MMC), an initiative that creates educational programs for schools and interested groups. MMC has performed throughout North America. Kornel Wolak is a regular fixture on the airwaves in Canada, the United States, and Poland. He is also a “Fryderyk” nominee, Poland’s highest recording award.
Upcoming events include a recording of M. Weinberg’s Chamber Symphony No. 4 (solo clarinet and string orchestra) for Polish Radio Label, a tour of the Western United States as part of the Wolak-Donnelly Duo, a solo recital tour in Poland, and several lectures and masterclasses.
by Tony Potter Staff Writer, January 31, 2015
Hibbing Daily Tribune, Virginia
Pianist Chris Donnelly and Clarinetist Kornel Wolak perform in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre in November 2011.
VIRGINIA — A duo armed with a clarinet, a piano and their personable stage presence is coming to Virginia High School’s Goodman Auditorium.
“Expect the unexpected,” said Chris Donnelly. “We come from two different traditions of music. I’m a jazz pianist and Kornel (Wolak) is a classical clarinetist. We try to find common ground between the two, and put a different spin on them.”
Although the pairing may seem a bit unusual, those who attend the Mesaba Concert Association (MCA) performance at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, will hear some familiar sounds.
“Our music is very recognizable,” said Donnelly. “We’re sure to include lots of recognizable melodies. If you go to a concert and don’t recognize any of the music, it’s hard to get into it.”
From revered classical pieces, such as Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto” in A Major to Gershwin’s famous “Rhapsody in Blue” and Oscar Peterson’s classic “Hymn to Freedom,” the duo strives to captivate audiences with virtuosity, familiar melodies and a profound passion for music and performing.
“We always play the same program … or so we think,” Donnelly said. “Even after all these years, I never know what’s going to happen. Kornel will often be making up a story as we go, and I’ll find myself laughing along.
The duo has been performing together since 2011. They met when they each applied at a touring network, which helps budding musicians book shows.
“It’s really not that exciting of a story,” Donnelly said. “They told us ‘we’re not sure solo jazz piano or solo classical clarinet would sell, but we bet we could put you together to make something that will.’ That’s what planted the seed and got us together.”
Wolak and Donnelly now travel worldwide looking for new venues to perform at and new audiences to win over.
“Why do musicians go anywhere?” he asked. “You take your art to wherever you can go and share it with whoever you can and see what happens. Every audience is different so we enjoy the challenge of making our performances reflect each community we go to.”
They’re just happy to be performing for others.
“We enjoy interacting with people — whether it be with music, conversation or the Q and A will hold at the end of each show,” Donnelly said. “We’re there for the audience, and I’m sure everyone will have a good time.”
•••
If you go …
What: Clarinetist Kornel Wolak and Pianist Chris Donnelly in concert, presented by Mesaba Concert Association (MCA)
• When: 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1
• Where: Goodman Auditorium, Virginia High School
• Admission: Free for MCA members. Guest tickets available for $20.
