The Department of Music is proud to announce the returning visit of past Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster and master violinist, Martin Riseley.
Playing with Department of Music Associate Chair and Professor Janet Scott Hoyt, the New Zealand native Riseley will present three sonatas by Johannes Brahms at the Department of Music's Music at Convocation Hall series Friday, January 22 at 8pm.
A violinist at an early age, Riseley began studying music at the age of six and performed his first solo concert at the age of ten. He studied at the Canterbury School of Music and the Julliard School before being appointed as a teaching fellow in the Pre-College Division of Juilliard while in New York. Riseley was Concertmaster of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra from 1994 until 2009. During this time, he was very active as a soloist and chamber musician with many concerts being featured on CBC radio. Riseley also served as Interim Associate Concertmaster of the National Arts Center Orchestra for the 2002-2003 season, and was guest concertmaster of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra during 2003.
In the days following the performance, Riseley and Scott Hoyt will also record the three sonatas as what Scott Hoyt deems a "labour of love."
"I have pondered and played these three works for 40 years," says Scott Hoyt. "They are among the highest regarded works for violin and piano in existence - they are demanding in every way: emotionally, intellectually and technically. These works are complex but speak with an emotional honesty that goes straight to the heart. Performing musicians and their audiences never tire of hearing them."
A long time friend of Riseley, Scott Hoyt - a highly sought-after collaborative pianist who has taught with the U of A Department of Music since 1998 - is overjoyed with the opportunity to play with Riseley again.
"Martin is a supremely gifted violinist," explained Scott-Hoyt. "I've played with him since he arrived in Edmonton as a young man just out of Juilliard. I even played for his audition with the Orchestra! He has matured into an artist of great stature and I am thrilled to have him as a partner in this endeavor."
See Riseley and Scott Hoyt Friday, January 22 at 8pm
Three Sonatas by Johannes Brahms
Music Convocation Hall, Arts and Convocation Hall
Tickets available in advance or at the door: Students $10 | Seniors $15 | Adults $20
Three Sonatas by Johannes Brahms
Music Convocation Hall, Arts and Convocation Hall
Tickets available in advance or at the door: Students $10 | Seniors $15 | Adults $20