Tonight was the closing concert for Quartetto Gelato's residency with Chamber Music Concerts, and what a week it's been! The quartet performed for SOU music majors this afternoon, and then for a nearly full house this evening. The audience included CMC members, sponsors, students from area schools (some of whom had seen the group at programs this week and came to hear them again), and many people who were unable to get tickets to last weekend's performance.
Quartetto Gelato was in rare form this evening, and the audience jumped to their feet several times, most notably for Alexander Sevastian's incredible performance of Bach's Toccata in d minor. I could hear gasps around me during his performance — it is surprising to hear such virtuosity on the accordion. I had no idea what the instrument's potential was until I saw it in Alex's hands. He plays with impressive facility and musicality, despite his affectionate description of his instrument as a "50 pound refrigerator."
Few would have guessed it from his high-energy, humorous showmanship and beautiful performances, but Peter De Sotto, the violinist/tenor and unofficial leader of Quartetto Gelato, has been suffering with a throat infection all week. I spoke to him after the tonight's performance and he said he took a turn for the worse just before tonight's concert, and felt like he was practically crawling out on stage. His performance was wonderful despite his worsening cold — he's a true professional to be able to hide it so well — and we hope he recovers soon.
After the concert, Quartetto Gelato (minus Peter, who was going directly to bed!) headed over to the Standing Stone for post-concert pizza, beer, and a well-deserved celebration after a successful residency week. I hope you enjoyed their activities and concerts. A big thanks again to Jim Collier, our generous Residency and Season Sponsor, and Poppie Beveridge at the Schoolhouse Retreat & Cultural Center for housing the artists.
