MARCH 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lexington, VA -- Acclaimed Canadian virtuoso Jasper Wood returns to Lexington for an exciting performance with his longtime partner, David Riley. This accomplished duo is celebrating over twenty years of collaboration as performing, touring and recording artists. The recital will take place in Washington and Lee’s Wilson Hall at 8pm on Saturday March 8th. It is free and open to the public.

The concert will include the premiere of “Travelogue,” a new work by WLU’s Professor of Music, Terry Vosbein. “Travelogue documents my twelve month voyage around America, composed as I drove from Key West To Vancouver, from Santa Fe to Maine, with many points in between,” according to the composer, who spent the 2012-13 academic year composing ‘on the road.' Also featured on the program will be sonatas by Claude Debussy, Eugène Ysaÿe and Matthew Fuerst.

Violinist Jasper Wood and pianist David Riley are happy to be celebrating over twenty years of collaboration as performing, touring and recording artists. Together the duo has recorded six CDs. They received the 2004 East Coast Music Award ‘Best Classical Recording’ for a CD of works for violin and piano of Igor Stravinsky. And their recitals continue to garner rave reviews.

Wood has established himself as one of Canada’s top violinists. His “thrilling virtuosity” (The Strad) and “open luminous tones, seamless lines and impeccable technique” (Toronto Star) have charmed the ears and captured the hearts of music lovers everywhere. An avid supporter of new music, Wood has dedicated much of his recording time to include world premieres and to promote music that he feels deserves attention.

Riley has received rave reviews throughout the U.S. and Canada, including “Absolutely exquisite technique” (New York Concert Review), “A soloist’s dream, star quality, gifted and sensitive” (Billings Gazette). He has extensive experience as a recitalist, frequently performing at many of North America’s most prestigious venues. He has been featured on dozens of radio broadcasts throughout North America, including NPR’s Performance Today and Morning Edition, CBC National Radio, and WQXR and WNYC in New York City. Recent awards include the 2008 Canadian Independent Music Awards “Favourite Classical CD” and “Best Music” at the 2007 Silver Wave Film Festival for performances of Beethoven, Ives and Kroll on CBC Television.

A reception follows the performance, offering the audience a chance to meet and greet the performers.


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