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Kindle the spirit with strings of fire

PHOTO BY JULIA WESELY The Janoska Ensemble will fuse classical music, jazz, tango, rap in a Williamsport Community Concert Association program Wednesday.

WILLIAMSPORT — Four young Slovakians are bringing enough heat to ignite the stage with music on the Janoska Ensemble’s first American tour.

They will appear Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Arts Center, 220 West Fourth St., in a Williamsport Community Concert Association program.

These rising international stars – Ondrej (violinist), Frantisek (pianist) and Roman Janoska (violinist), with their brother-in-law Julius Darvas (double bassist) – dazzle with their virtuosity.

The quartet’s arrangements and improvisations meld the best of classical music, jazz, tango and even rap in a blazing fusion of sound that both raises the pulse and blows the mind.

“Artistic license is very important to us in all the pieces we play,” Roman said. “It allows us to continuously create new versions, and that is what constitutes Janoska Style.”

Adds Julius, “We arrange and compose music ourselves and on our own terms. None of our concerts are ever the same. They are a string of spontaneous reactions.”

Janoska’s ability to inflame the space between classical and modern music creates a bonfire of sound that has brought audiences to their feet from Amsterdam, Munich and Vienna to Hong Kong, Taipei and Seoul, from Sydney to New York during performances with the likes of the Vienna Philharmonic, the Roby Lakatos Ensemble, Julian Rachlin, Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau and B.B. King.

Grammy-winning Hollywood composer Lalo Schifrin raves, “As one of the most original groups of highly talented musicians, the Janoska Ensemble is unique in its interpretation of classical music, jazz, Latin and other genres. The four musicians’ inspiration is inexhaustible, and they deserve all our attention and enthusiasm.”

The Salzburger Nachrichten writes, “They play with stupendous musicality, racing along with virtuosity virtually off the cuff, and the arrangements alone are stunningly refined.”

And Julian Rachlin says, “As an ensemble they are a whiff of fresh air, combining their outstanding, individual talents with their family ties. They have become successful in performing … in their unique ‘Janoska style,’ which is creating a new hybrid genre.”

Tickets are available by calling the box office at 570-326-2424 or 800-432-9382 or visiting caclive.com.

IFYOUGO

â-  WHO: The Janoska Ensemble

â-  WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday

â-  WHERE: Community Arts Center

TICKETS: 570-326-2424, 800-432-9382, caclive.com

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