World-renowned cello octet to perform in Fallbrook

FALLBROOK — As part of the Fallbrook Music Society’s new Virtuoso Series, music director/conductor Elias Arizcurén will lead Amsterdam-based Cello Octet Conjunto Ibérico in a rare Southern California appearance on Sunday, February 18, at 3:00 p.m. in the Bob Burton Center for the Performing Arts, 2400 South Stage Coach Lane. The group has appeared all over Europe as well as in Asia, Israel, Canada, Russia, Mexico and Brazil. The Fallbrook appearance is part of the octet’s 2007 United States coast-to-coast tour.

Cello Octet Conjunto Ibérico is a full-time ensemble, a unique formation in the world of classical music. The visual impact of eight cellists with their instruments is impressive and the personalities of the instruments and the players are apparent as they play. “This concert will offer the audience a wide range of musical experiences,” says Brenda Montiel, president of the Music Society. “Spanish music appeals to the imagination and the Cello Octet journeys to the very heart of this music.”

A conductor’s preview at 2:30 p.m. is open to all ticket holders. Tickets to Conjunto Ibérico are presently on sale. To purchase tickets, call the Fallbrook Music Society at (760) 451-8644 or go online to http://www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org.

Since Arizcurén founded the octet in 1989, the group has had a prominent place in international music. It has had much recognition and praise, not only for its high quality performances but also for the initiatives that Arizcurén undertakes for his ensemble. Prior to Conjunto Ibérico, composers seldom felt the need to write pieces for eight cellists; for this reason alone, a performance by the octet is well worth a visit.

The octet will be joined by the superb soprano Pilar Jurado, who has also performed worldwide, drawing praise for her vibrant, charismatic voice. She will enchant listeners with her earthy voice and emotional range. Jurado won the 1998 Ojo Critico Prize, given to the most promising artist of her generation. This performance is supported, in part, with funds provided by the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF), the California Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.