Violinist Aisslinn Nosky is a player who leads by example.
Literally.
As guest artist, she takes the stage with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra serving as both soloist and conductor – at the same time. A practice that goes back to the time of Haydn, Mozart and even earlier.
“The roots of it are in the 18th and 17th century,” says Nosky, noting both aforementioned composers also served as concertmasters in some of their orchestras.
Though the term currently refers to the first violinist in an orchestra, historically a concertmaster was truly a “master of the concert, the boss,” explains Nosky.
“The role in the past was not only to play the violin but to direct and manage traffic flow,” she says.
A dynamic and convincing leader, Nosky directs the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra in music of Telemann, Boulogne and Boccherini. The concert also features a premiere of a new work by cellist and composer Cris Derksen.
“Cris remains one of my absolute favourite composers and musicians working today,” says Nosky. “She’s also very cool and fun so we always have a really good time when we collaborate. It’s really special to get to have her here.”
Derksen, Nosky and the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra perform on Wednesday, April 12 at the Crescent Arts Centre/Crescent Fort Rouge United Church (525 Wardlaw Ave.)
Two performances: a matinee at 1 p.m. and evening concert at 7:30.
For tickets and more details, visit: www.themco.ca