INTRODUCING
Arkel Chamber Concerts, for thirteen years now a gem of the Toronto classical music scene, presents some of the world's best chamber music in three intimate, unforgettable concerts each season. Co-founders Marie Bérard, Concertmaster of the COC Orchestra, and Winona Zelenka, a lead cellist of the TSO, began their journey as Trio Arkel, and now as Arkel Chamber Concerts have further expanded to present programs of ever more imagination and depth, exploring the world of chamber music from the timeless masterpieces of the classical and romantic periods through to exciting present-day compositions. Guest artists include beloved and internationally acclaimed virtuosos of the classical music world.
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Marie Bérard
Violin
Marie Bérard, violin, is best known as the Concertmaster of the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra. She is also a sought-after chamber musician, soloist recording artist and teacher. She is on the faculty of the Glenn Gould School in Toronto and member of the acclaimed ARC ensemble; she also holds the position of Associate Concertmaster of the Mainly Mozart festival orchestra in San Diego, California. Marie is highly regarded as an interpreter of contemporary music; she has recorded concerti by Schnittke and Kucharzyk, and recently performed major works as soloist with Esprit Orchestra, such as “Offertorium” by Sofia Gubaidulina and “Dedication” by Valentin Silvestrov.
Photo by Chung Ling Lo
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Winona Zelenka
Cello
Winona Zelenka, cello, is Assistant Principal cellist of the Toronto Symphony; she has also served as Acting Principal Cellist of that orchestra for five seasons, and for the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. She is a dedicated recitalist, chamber musician and recording artist; her set of Bach Suites released on Marquis Classics in 2009 was nominated for a Juno award, and her second CD, Connections- of French works for cello and piano with Connie Shih, was critically acclaimed. Her performances on video of Bach and Cassado have garnered thousands of views on Youtube.
Photo by Chung Ling Lo