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Cellist Colin Carr returns to Winnipeg for a night of masterful Music.
This Friday, April 25th at 7:30 p.m., the Desautels Concert Hall will host an unforgettable evening with world-renowned cellist Colin Carr, as presented by the Agassiz Chamber Music Festival. Carr, celebrated for his expressive playing, will perform a program featuring the works of Bach, Rachmaninoff, and César Franck. The concert is a fundraising event to support the International Cello Festival of Canada, set to take place in Winnipeg later this year, from October 28th to November 1st. This highly anticipated festival will bring together some of the world’s finest cellists, including Alban Gerhardt, Brian Chang, and Denise Djokic.
A Tribute to Nicola Schaefer
In addition to showcasing Carr’s exceptional talent, the concert will also serve as a tribute to Nicola Schaefer, a dedicated board member and steadfast supporter of the Agassiz Festival. Schaefer has been a key figure in the community, and this concert will honor her contributions to Winnipeg's vibrant arts scene.
A Rare Opportunity with Colin Carr
The concert promises to be a rare opportunity to hear one of the foremost cellists in the world perform three of the most iconic pieces in the cello repertoire. Carr will be joined by pianist Kyungwha Chu, whose dynamic partnership with the cellist promises an evening of extraordinary music-making. The performance will feature Bach’s Cello Suite No. 2, Rachmaninoff’s Cello Sonata, and Franck’s Cello Sonata.
Carr's Musical Journey and Deep Connection to Winnipeg
Carr, who is based in New York, spoke about his deep connection to Winnipeg. "Winnipeg is the city in Canada that I’ve played the most," he said. "It’s full of wonderful friends and a very vibrant musical community." His many visits to the city have been facilitated by invitations from longtime friend Paul Marleyn, and former student Minna Rose Chung, now a cello professor at the University of Manitoba. Carr has also performed with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra on several occasions.
Bach: Clarity, and Depth
Carr’s performance of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 2 is especially poignant. Reflecting on his approach to playing Bach, Carr explained, "Clarity and depth" are his mantras."I think it applies to everything we do in music," he continued. "We can’t play music without clarity of vision, and we need the depth to execute that vision. If you don’t have depth, nobody’s going to be that interested."
Rachmaninoff and Franck: A Journey of Emotions
The concert will also feature Rachmaninoff’s Cello Sonata, a piece that showcases the emotional depth of the cello. A piece described as passionate, lyrical, heartbreaking, and beautiful. Performing with pianist Kyungwha Chu, Carr acknowledged her impressive skill and how she brings out the best in the music. "She’s such a good listener," he said. "She eats up the notes. Even though she’s playing a difficult piano part, she still manages to be fully present with the cello."
Finally, Carr will perform César Franck’s Cello Sonata, a work he admires for its "craft" and "cyclical form," where themes are repeated and developed throughout. Carr particularly enjoys the piece’s emotional and compositional depth, noting that both Rachmaninoff and Franck are "shamelessly romantic" in their musical expression.
Looking Forward to Friday's Concert
Carr is excited to return to Winnipeg and looks forward to reuniting with old friends and performing the romantic program. “This program really is a journey of the soul,” Carr said, referring to the concert’s title. "It’s a program where there’s no holding back."
Tickets for the concert, titled Journey of the Soul, are available for purchase. Don't miss this rare chance to experience the artistry of Colin Carr in one of the most vibrant musical communities in Canada.
For more details, visit the Agassiz Festival website.