Submitted by Duo Concertante
Duo Concertante will bring their entangled passion in life and music together for a Valentine’s Day performance at the Capitol Theatre on Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Violinist Nancy Dahn was a professor at Memorial University in Newfoundland when she heard Timothy Steeves’ audition tape for the position of piano professor in 1995. His sensitive musicianship and command of the instrument struck a chord immediately and Nancy knew she’d found her perfect chamber music partner.
She reached out to him in Germany as he was preparing to leave and take up his new position at MUN, to invite him to perform the momentous Kreutzer Sonata with her, and they spent the next few months in intense rehearsals learning the famously difficult work. There were obstacles, but in spite of other commitments, the bond between them had been established.
Over 20 years later, they are still happily married with two beautiful children, and grateful for a deep connection that led to a career of international performances, award-winning recordings, recognized scholarship, an international calibre music festival and a legacy of successful students and devoted followers.
The Nelson Overture Concerts Society concert will feature a program of love and beauty, opening with Beethoven’s beloved Spring Sonata. Also on the program are two recent commissions by Canadian composers. Kelly Marie Murphy’s Dance Me to Your Beauty with a Burning Violin, commissioned by the CBC, is a virtuosic duet inspired by the poetry of Leonard Cohen.
The romance continues with Dawn Avery’s Iotsistokwaron:ion / Love in the Time of COVID. Translated as “the stars” in the Kaniènkéha Mohawk language, Iotsistokwaron:ion was inspired by pandemic isolation and the idea that despite our circumstances, we are forever together under the shared stars. The program will close with Brahms’ Violin Sonata no. 3 in D minor. Bring your date — for love is in the air!
Tickets are available at the Capitol Theatre in person, by phone, or online at www.capitoltheatre.ca. Admission is free for students aged 18 and under. Individual tickets: $32. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
