Toronto - Critically acclaimed and best selling new-Classical ensemble Quartetto Gelato have been dazzling audiences and critics for over a decade with their exotic blend of musical virtuosity, artistic passion and charismatic presence.   The past year has been an emotional one for the group; with the tragic death of co-founder Cynthia Steljes within a month of the national premiere of their first televised concert special on PBS TV this past January.

A Concert in Wine Country has become a tribute to Cynthia, with a flood of requests from PBS viewers for repeat broadcasts and the demand for the program to be made available on DVD, which have both become a reality.   Shot beautifully in HD and 5.1 surround sound, A Concert in Wine Country captures Quartetto Gelato performing one of their last concerts with Cynthia, at an outdoor concert amphitheatre in the heart of the beautiful Niagara Wine Region.   Already seen on CBC TV in Canada and over 80 US cities, it will be broadcast again on PBS HD nationally throughout 2008.

Quartetto Gelato continue to perform with new members Shalom Bard and Carina Reeves, selling out all of their recent concerts, and will be appearing across the USA and Canada throughout the fall of 2007 and spring 2008. 

For more information about Quartetto Gelato visit http://quartettogelato.ca/

For over a decade, this dazzling ensemble has enchanted audiences and critics worldwide with their exotic blend of musical virtuosity, artistic passion and charismatic presence. Quartetto Gelato established themselves as dominant forces on the emerging "new classical" scene early in their career by winning the coveted title of NPR Performance Today's Debut Artist of the Year in 1996. Today, Quartetto Gelato continues its reign as an international sensation with repeat sold-out performances throughout the globe.

Unfortunately, 2006 finished off on a sad note for both the quartet and fans alike. In spite of a valiant attempt at overcoming a form of rare cancer, oboist and founding member of Quartetto Gelato Cynthia Steljes lost her battle with malignant Mesothelioma in late December 2006. Cynthia was a special soul whose contributions to the arts and to the lives of all who knew her were too many to count. She will be missed by all and words cannot begin to describe the blessing that we feel to have had her in our lives - no matter how briefly.

Ironically, even in her final days, Cynthia made certain that Quartetto Gelato would go on, when she was diagnosed with the cancer, Cynthia actually hand picked her own substitute/successor: virtuoso clarinetist Shalom Bard. Shalom remains true to the high standards demanded by Quartetto Gelato of its members.

As Quartetto Gelato looks forward toward 2007 and beyond, they look back at Cynthia's impact on this industry with tremendous awe and a special respect. Strength and determination such as that displayed by Cynthia Steljes gives us all a moment to reflect on the greatness that has touched our lives and that beckons us forward into the new realms of possibility and determination. Cynthia was about joy and light and "sweet toughness" and it is to that memory that Quartetto Gelato will be dedicating this next season. With joy and pride, they invite you all to watch Quartetto Gelato's PBS special (featuring Cynthia Steljes at her most buoyant) and to revel in the wonderful artistry and energy of this amazing woman!

DVD / CD Pledge Premiums and Concert Tickets Available
'Favourite Flavours' CD
'A Concert In Wine Country' DVD
5 Catalog Combo-pack

Date	City	Venue
Sept 18, 2008	Toronto, ON	Bach N Rock - Radio AM 740
October 11, 2008	Lexington, MI	Lexington Music Theatre
October 25, 2008	Indianapolis, IN	Pike Performing Arts Centre
October 26, 2008	Indianapolis, IN	Pike Performing Arts Centre
November 27, 2008	Milton, ON	Southside Community Church
December 11, 2008	North Ranch, NJ	Theatre at RVCC
December 12, 2008	Elizabethtown, PA	Leffler Chapel & Perf. Centre
December 18, 2008	Aiken, SC	Washington Centre for Per.

Romanian Caravan, Meditango, Besame Mucho, Tombeau de Couperin (Prelude, Minuet, Rigaudon), Al Di La, Konzerstuck Opus 79 Finale, La Danza, Danny Boy.

High Resolution Promo Photo
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Thomas Davison
Director, APT Presentations
American Public Television/APT Worldwide
55 Summer St.
Boston, MA 02110
Tel. 617-338-4455 ext. 160
Fax 617-338-5369
tom_davison@aptonline.org
www.APTonline.org