Ottawa (July 21, 2007) — Pianist David Jalbert and violinist Jasper Wood share more than the stage at Chamberfest this year. As soloists, they are each winners of both the Canada Council’s Sylva Gelber award and the Virginia Parker Prize.

Jalbert’s 2007 Virginia Parker Prize – worth $25,000 – comes just a few days before his concert with Jasper Wood at Chamberfest on July 23. Established by the late Virginia Parker Moore, the prize is designed to give young talent a leg-up in their careers. It is awarded to classical performers under age 32 who demonstrate outstanding talent and musicianship.

As the Toronto Star puts it, “Jalbert dazzles with skill, style and taste ... with all the finesse and exuberance a listener could want.”

David Jalbert also won the Canada Council’s Sylva Gelber award in 2002. This was followed by his first solo disc (the works of Corigliano and Rzewski released by Endeavour Classics in 2004) and a highly acclaimed recording of Fauré’s Complete Nocturnes in 2006.

For his part, Jasper Wood won the Sylva Gelber award in 1996, and scooped the Virginia Parker Award in 2004. Since making his first orchestral debut at age 13 with Symphony of Nova Scotia, he has been praised for his “thrilling virtuosity” (The Strad) and his “sweet tunefulness edged in melancholy” (Washington Post). He has released seven CD recordings for solo violin or violin and piano duo.

At Chamberfest the two play a varied programme of works by Beethoven, Ysaÿe and Shostakovich. They will also premiere a piece by Dinuk Wijeratne, based on the tabla music and ragas of India. Their concert is at 5:00 pm in The Church of St. John the Evangelist, Ottawa.

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For programme and ticketing information see: www.chamberfest.com

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Karen St. Aubin, (613) 234-8008 Ex. 244; or email events@chamberfest.com