"Madrid" with the Vancouver Island Symphony and Daniel Bolshoy

The Vancouver Island Symphony presents

Madrid - Passion
Guest Artists: Daniel Bolshoy, Guitar
Melanie Adams, Mezzo-Soprano
Conductor: Pierre Simard
Saturday, January 25, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Port Theatre, Nanaimo
Tickets: 250-754-8550 www.porttheatre.com
Pre-concert talk

Flamenco, Gypsy and Andalusian folk music conjure up images of sunshine, passion and intrigue. On Saturday, January 25, at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo, the Vancouver Island Symphony, directed by Pierre Simard, presents “Madrid” - a journey to sunny Spain and warmer climes without having to leave town. This power-packed concert of rhythmic Spanish music also features the fabulously talented and gorgeous classical guitarist Daniel Bolshoy.

Rapture and seduction - Fans of Spanish music will be treated to the live, spine-tingling, full-symphonic surround-sound of Turina’s rapturous ‘Bullfighter’s Prayer’; Rodrigo’s highly popular ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’, performed with electrifying brilliance by Bolshoy; the fire of Gypsy dance and song of de Falla’s dramatic ghost story ‘Love, The Magician’, featuring mezzo-soprano Melanie Adams; and ‘Suite no. 1’ from the fun-filled and seductive ballet ‘The Three-Cornered Hat.’

Daniel Bolshoy and Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez – “This is the biggest hit of the classical guitar repertoire,” says Bolshoy of the concerto that he knows and loves so well. “It is a masterpiece. “My guitar teacher at the University of Denver was Ricardo Iznaolo. The concerto was written for Ricardo’s teacher in Spain, Regino Sainz de la Maza, who gave its premiere performance in 1940.” Daniel continued, “While Rodrigo was living in Paris in 1939 he missed his homeland and decided to write something very Spanish. He was inspired by the gardens at Palacio Real de Aranjuez and memories of his honeymoon with his wife Victoria. Not many people realize that Rodrigo was blind. Because he could not see the gardens he instead captured the feel of them, like the fragrance of magnolias, the singing of birds and the gushing of fountains.”

The Spanish guitar experience – “This is very passionate music,” adds Bolshoy about the instrument and music that is synonymous with Spain. “If you have never heard guitar and classical music and you are hesitating, I say come along! This is the perfect concert for you.”

Bolshoy knows what he is talking about. Since his last performance with the VI Symphony in 2011 this popular concert guitarist and teacher has moved to Vancouver with his family, become head of the guitar departments at both UBC and the new VSO School of Music, and organized guitar festivals. He adds, “This piece is important on so many levels for any beginner or experienced guitarist in any genre of music.”

Tickets – To book seats for this musical journey to Madrid call 250-754-8550, then come and meet Bolshoy and Simard during the Pre-Concert Talk to hear the fascinating stories behind the music and the lives of the composers.

For more information visit: www.vancouverislandsymphony.com

Passport to Great Entertainment – Keeping Music LIVE!

For formal bio, photos and more about Daniel Bolshoy visit: www.danielbolshoy.com.