Kornel Wolak, clarinet and Chris Donnelly, piano
Armed with a clarinet, a piano and their personable stage presence, Kornel Wolak and Chris Donnelly present a remarkable blend of classical and jazz music rarely heard in live performance. 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, Chris and Kornel captivate audiences with virtuosity, familiar melodies and a profound passion for music and performing.
Kornel Wolak and Chris Donnelly
Highly praised on two continents for his glorious tone, precise technical control and musical imagination, clarinettist Kornel Wolak is well on his way to a major career as a soloist and chamber musician in both classical and cross-over repertoire.
Kornel Wolak – Photo: Robert M. DiVito
As a member of the renowned Quartetto Gelato from 2007 to 2009, Wolak performed on its 2009 recording, Musica Latina. As a soloist, he has performed with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Sinfonietta, Poland’s Poznan Philharmonic Orchestra’s opening 60th season gala concert, the Polish Radio Chamber Orchestra, and Charleston (North Carolina) Symphony Orchestra, amongst others. As a chamber musician, he has appeared with the Wieniawski String Quartet, the Glenn Gould String Quartet, the Tokai Quartet and the Lodos Wind Quintet. Highlights of the 2011-12 Season are residencies in Ecuador and Brazil.
Born in Bialystok, Poland in 1979, Kornel was a scholarship student at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where he earned his performance certificate and, two years later, his Master of Music degree.
“Control and a smooth, elegant expressivity are what make Wolak shine”
-The Toronto Star
Chris Donnelly represents a new generation of jazz pianists, composers and improvisers dedicated to creating programs that are engaging, entertaining and educating. He is continually praised for his virtuosic performances, musicality, versatility and ability to captivate audiences.
Chris Donnelly – Photo: Anita Zvonar
In September 2008, Chris released his Juno-nominated, debut album with Alma Records called ‘Solo,’ featuring a blend of original material and arrangements of jazz standards. This also earned him nominations for ‘Best Recording of the Year’ and ‘Best Keyboardist of the Year’ from the 2009 National Jazz Awards. In March 2011, Chris released an album of original music inspired by the works of graphic artist M.C. Escher entitled ‘Metamorphosis’.
Chris Donnelly holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Toronto and upon completing his Masters of Music in Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto, he was a
warded The Tecumseh Sherman Rogers Graduating Award for students ‘deemed to have the greatest potential to make an important contribution to the field of music.’ Chris is currently a professor at the University of Toronto.
“…this guy [Chris Donnelly] sure knows his way around the piano. And his virtuoso playing blows the mind… In a way, he resembles a young Duke Ellington, but without the swing.”
-World Music Central
Chris Donnelly is represented by Richard Paul Concert Artists, Toronto.
www.greatconcerts.com
www.chrisdonnellymusic.com
Kornel Wolak is represented by Summer International, Toronto
www.kornelwolak.com
www.sumarts.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_1SUfqvIM0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_7izFcKduI
Download Program [PDF]
Download Press Release [PDF]
Performance Schedule
Saturday, February 16/13 Spruce Grove AB
Presented by Horizon Stagelighters in Horizon Stage Performing Arts Centre at 7:30PM
Tuesday, February 19/13 Yorkton SK
Presented by Yorkton Arts Council in Anne Portnuff Theatre in Yorkton Regional Highschool at 8:00PM
Thursday, February 21/13 Kindersley SK
Presented by Kindersley & District Arts Council in St. Paul’s United Church at 7:30PM
Friday, February 22/13 Melfort SK
Presented by Melfort Arts Council in CJVR Performing Arts Theatre at 7:30PM
Saturday, February 23/13 Tisdale SK
Presented by Tisdale Arts Council in Maurice Taylor Performing Arts Theatre at 7:30PM
Sunday, February 24/13 Estevan SK
Presented by Estevan Arts Council in St. Paul’s United Church at 2:30PM
Monday, February 25/13 Weyburn SK
Presented by Weyburn Concert Series in Weyburn Comprehensive High School at 7:30PM
Tuesday, February 26/13 Shaunavon SK
Presented by Shaunavon Arts Council in Shaunavon Public School at 7:30PM
Wednesday, February 27/13 Assiniboia SK
Presented by Assiniboia & District Arts Council in Prince of Wales Cultural & Recreation Centre at 7:30PM
Friday, March 15/13 Saskatoon SK
Presented by Lyell Gustin Recital Series in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 7:30PM
Saturday, March 16/13 Swift Current SK
Presented by Swift Current Allied Arts Council is Living Skies Casino Theatre at 8:00PM
Sunday, March 17/13 Regina SK
Presented by Regina Musical Club in Riddell Centre, University of Regina at 2:00PM
Tuesday, March 19/13 Brandon MB
Presented by ProSeries, Brandon University School of Music in Lorne Watson Recital Hall at 8:00PM
Sunday, April 7/13 Winnipeg MB
Presented by Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg in Winnipeg Art Gallery at 2:00PM
Monday, April 8/13 Snow Lake MB
Presented by Ravna Concerts in Ravna House at 7:00PM
Performance dates and venues are subject to change. Schools shows, workshops & master classes may be scheduled in addition to these concerts. Please contact the local presenter to confirm performance details.