Origin Canada Years active 1994–present Website quartettogelato.ca | Genres New Classical Labels Linus Universal | |
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Members Peter DeSottoLiza McLellanAlexander SevastianColin Maier Albums Travels the Orient Express, Rustic Chivalry, Aria Fresca | ||
Quartetto gelato
Quartetto Gelato is a Canadian classical crossover quartet with current members Peter DeSotto, Liza McLellan, Alexander Sevastian and Colin Maier, and based in Toronto, Ontario. Their musical repertoire consists of a mix of classical masterworks and operatic arias with tangos, gypsy and folk songs from around the world. They usually play without musical scores and their performances include elements of humour and dance.
Contents
- Quartetto gelato
- Quartetto gelato s liza s dream
- History
- Awards and nominations
- Current members
- Former Musicians
- Albums
- Compilations
- Guest appearances
- Videography
- Songs
- References
Quartetto gelato s liza s dream
History
Quartetto Gelato was originally formed in 1989 in Toronto; the founding members were Cynthia Steljes, her husband Peter De Sotto, George Meanwell and Claudio Ven. They began performing as part of the emerging "new classical" scene, and in 1996 the group was named NPR Performance Today's Debut Artist of the Year.
Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk took their first two CDs with him during his NASA flight on board the space shuttle Columbia in 1997. By 2007, the ensemble had recorded six albums of music and had sold 150,000 CDs.
Quartetto Gelato has changed members over the years. Steljes left the group because of ill health and died in 2007. Oboist and multi-instrumentalist Colin Maier joined in 2009, and cellist Liza McLellan joined at about that time.
Quartetto Gelato has performed in Canada and internationally, both independently and as guests at classical concerts.
Awards and nominations
In 1995 Quartetto Gelato was nominated for a Juno Award as Instrumental Artist(s) of the Year; their album Quartetto Gelato was nominated for "Best Classical Album by a Solo or Chamber Ensemble". In 1996 the group was named "Debut Artist of the Year" by NPR Performance Today. In 1999, Quartetto Gelato's La Danza was received two nominations at the Gemini Awards: "Best Photography in a Comedy, Variety, Performing Arts Program or Series", and "Best Editing in a Comedy, Variety, Performing Arts Program or Series".
In 2005, the show Canada Day 2004: Merci Montréal, in which the group participated, was nominated for "Best Performance or Host in a Variety Program or Series'" at the Gemini Awards. Also, in 2010 Quartetto Gelato was named "Best Classical Group" at the Independent Music Awards during Canadian Music Week.
Current members
Former Musicians
Albums
Compilations
Guest appearances
Videography
Songs
Dark EyesQuartetto Gelato · 1993
Under Paris SkiesTravels the Orient Express · 2004
Chitarra RomanaQuartetto Gelato · 1993