Ever wonder what a bassoon really sounds like?
You’ve seen it at the back of the orchestra at concerts, but what would it be like to hear this wonderful instrument play a solo, especially one written by that master composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?
On Saturday, November 2nd at 8pm you will have your chance, when virtuoso bassoonist Zsofia Stefan joins the North York Concert Orchestra for a special program also featuring the early Symphony No. 2 of Beethoven, written astonishingly as this musical genius was going deaf.
Felix Mendelssohn
– Hebrides Overture
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
– Bassoon Concerto
Zsofia Stefan, bassoon
Ludwig van Beethoven
– Symphony No. 2
Zsofia Stefan is a winner of multiple international bassoon competitions. She has been celebrated at many national competitions and events in Hungary. She continued her university studies at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music as a student of György Lakatos, and was awarded a degree with honours (2007). She then went on to study the bassoon under Richard Galler for a year at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. She went on to receive a Yehudi Menuhin “Live Music Now” scholarship (2008) in Vienna. She was a bassoon teacher at the Ernő Dohnányi Music High School from 2008-2012. She is a founding member of the Corridor Bassoon Quartet which released its first album, Corridooors, in 2014. Before relocating to Canada, she was the principal bassoonist and soloist of a Hungarian leading orchestra, Concerto Budapest (2011-2020). “Exploring Enchanted Gardens”, her first solo album was released in 2018.
Living in Toronto since 2022, she has since been in high demand in Canada as a chamber musician and freelance orchestral musician, regularly performing with top ensembles including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and the Canadian Opera Company where she has also been heard as principal bassoonist numerous occasions.
Program Notes
Attending a concert featuring Mozart's Bassoon Concerto, Beethoven's Symphony No. 2, and Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture would be a delightful and dynamic journey through the Classical and early Romantic periods of music. Here's how one might describe the experience:
The concert begins with Mendelssohn's Hebrides Overture, also known as "Fingal's Cave." This piece sets the scene with its evocative portrayal of the sea. The music is sweeping and atmospheric, capturing the grandeur and mystery of the Scottish coast. The overture starts with a gentle, rolling theme that mimics the waves, then builds to moments of intensity, reflecting the powerful, unpredictable nature of the ocean. It's a vivid and expressive work that transports the audience to a windswept, rugged landscape.
Next, the program shifts to Mozart's Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major, K. 191, showcasing a soloist on the bassoon. The concerto is bright, playful, and elegant, with Mozart's signature charm. The first movement is lively and joyful, featuring witty exchanges between the bassoon and the orchestra. The second movement slows down to a lyrical, almost operatic aria-like melody, highlighting the bassoon’s warm and expressive tone. The final movement is a spirited rondo, brimming with lighthearted energy, which allows the soloist to demonstrate both technical skill and a sense of fun.
The concert concludes with Beethoven's Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36. Though composed during a challenging period in Beethoven's life, this symphony is filled with optimism, humor, and vivacity. The first movement is bold and confident, with a sense of grandeur. The second movement is more tender and lyrical, offering a contrasting moment of calm. The third movement, a scherzo, is playful and brisk, leading into a jubilant and energetic finale. Beethoven's Symphony No. 2 radiates a sense of joy and exuberance, leaving the audience uplifted.
Overall, this concert would be a captivating blend of vivid imagery, lyrical beauty, and vibrant energy, offering a showcase of the versatility and expressiveness of orchestral music.
North York Concert Orchestra, now in our 50th season, is a semi-professional orchestra of capable, committed musicians dedicated to bringing affordable, live classical music to our North York community.
Many of our musicians are music professionals – most, though, have occupations far removed from music. We come from a multitude of ethnic backgrounds. While many of us were not born in Canada, the international language of music brings us together – we strive to share the love of music with you, our audience, and to enrich your lives.
While we focus our endeavours on our public concert series, we do not forget those less able to attend our concerts. Many of our musicians volunteer to collaborate in small ensembles, bringing chamber music to community centres, schools and seniors’ residences.
Our annual youth concerto competition is a showcase for young emerging artists, giving them a rare opportunity to perform with a full-size orchestra.
NYCO attracts a diverse and talented membership of over fifty musicians whose ages span over six decades. We are complemented by a volunteer concert production team. A professional music director and professional string section leaders provide the guidance, training and inspiration for us to achieve excellence.
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