The Valley Concert Society presents the Ladom Ensemble on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Matsqui Centennial Auditorium (32315 South Fraser Way).
The foursome plays an unusual combination of instruments that brings their own take on a range of music from classical to ethnic to modern.
Accordionist Michael Bridge performs more than 100 concerts a year as a solo artist, a chamber musician and with orchestras. He is also a serious academic, working on his doctorate at the University of Toronto.
He loves everything from jazz to Baroque, like the Bach keyboard concerto they will perform in Abbotsford.
Iranian-born Pouya Hamidi is not only the group’s pianist; he is also their primary composer and arranger. Some of his original compositions, such as Raha and Noor, reflect his Middle Eastern heritage.
Besides his talents as a musician, Hamidi is a sound engineer who worked on a Juno Award-winning recording.
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Cellist Beth Silver has been recognized as North America’s premier Klezmer-fiddle artist. She has recently acquired a cello with a remarkable history.
Built around the turn of the 18th century and restored in 1930s Hungary, it was smuggled out of Budapest duringt the Second World War. Upon the death of its owner, it sat unplayed in a closet from 1946 until Silver encountered it.
Percussionist Adam Campbell followed in the footsteps of his high school band teacher, earning a degree in percussion at the University of Toronto. Besides composing and teaching, he is a producer at a recording studio. He has also performed extensively with the TorQ Percussion Quartet.
Ladom’s diverse program will include classical favourites such as Chopin, Brahms and an excerpt from Romeo and Juliet.
The range of ethnicities extends to Balkan melodies, an East Coast medley and an Argentinian tango. Even a song by Radiohead makes an appearance. All the music has been arranged for their unique ensemble of instruments and will be performed with their trademark energy and humour.
Tickets for the concert are $28 general and $15 for students. They are available online at valleyconcertsociety.com .
Guests must present a vaccine passport and ID and wear a mask throughout. The audience will be limited to 50 per cent of capacity, and seating will be spaced. For more information, call 604-289-3377.