Two rising stars are playing three violin masterpieces on multi-million dollar instruments in Qualicum Beach March 24.
The internationally renowned Chooi brothers, Nikki and Timmy, will perform at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre with the Victoria Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m.
In April 2012 Nikki made a guest appearance with the VSO at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre playing a 1729 Guaneri del Gesu violin. The $4.2 million dollar instrument has been played by some of the world’s most famous violinists and was on lone to him from the Canada Council of the Arts Instrument Bank.
But that Guarneri del Gesu doesn’t even compare to the instrument Nikki’s parents rented for him from Long & McQuade when he was four years old.
Today, the 25 year-old plays the $5 million dollar Stradivarius while he pursues his Masters Degree at New York City’s prestigious Juilliard School where he is on a full scholarship.
His younger brother Timmy, who is also on a full scholarship at the Curtis Institute of Music, now has the pricey Guarneri that Nikki had impressed so many audiences with.
On March 24 the Chooi brothers will be performing the Bach Double Concerto and music of Ravel, Sarasate and Schubert under the baton of conductor Timothy Vernon.
Vernon, who is also Art Director of the Pacific Opera, will conduct the orchestra in Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite.
The evening concludes with Schubert’s Symphony No. 4 Tragic.
Tickets for the concert are $30 for adults and $10 for students and are available at Mulberry Bush Bookstores in Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
Win a pair of tickets to the show, e-mail contest@pqbnews.com. The draw will be made March 18 at noon.