The Best of Beethoven

We invite you to a unique concert dedicated to the genius of classical music - Ludwig van Beethoven!

Immerse yourself in the world of grandeur and emotion created by one of the most outstanding composers of all time. Vitality Quartet will present "The Best of Beethoven," his most famous works, from powerful symphonies to tender sonatas.

This evening will be a real celebration for music lovers! You can enjoy a live performance of masterpieces that have inspired and touched hearts for over two hundred years.
Do not miss the opportunity to be part of this unforgettable event.

 Performance playlist

• Adagio sostenuto from Piano Sonata No. 14 "Moonlight Sonata"
• Ode to joy from Symphony No. 9
• Adagio from Piano Sonata No. 8 "Pathetique"
• Allegro assai from String Quartet No. 13
• Romance No. 2
• Allegro from Sonata No. 5 for Violin and Piano
• Allegretto from Symphony No. 7
• Allegro con brio from Symphony No. 5

Performance duration: 65 min

Dress code: Casual attire permitted

Get to know the musicians who will be playing for you in this program:

Amir Bissen - Violin

Amir Bissen was born into a renowned musical family and began playing the violin at the age of four at the Central Music School in Almaty. By the age of seven, he had his first public performance with the Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra and gained recognition through competitions, as well as TV and radio broadcasts.

At twelve, Amir relocated to England to study at the prestigious Purcell School of Music. He achieved significant success, becoming the youngest winner in the instrumental category at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, where he earned the Gold Medal and the title of 'International Instrumentalist of the Year.' He later recorded his debut CD and performed in a concert series across the UK.

Amir made his debut at the Royal Festival Hall with the Philharmonia Orchestra, playing the Bruch Violin Concerto on a Guarneri del Gesù violin, which the legendary Paganini had once played. He is a graduate of the Royal College of Music and has travelled the world, participating in prestigious festivals and masterclasses with violinists like Ida Haendel and Ivry Gitlis.

After studying with Professor Zakhar Bron in Switzerland, Amir created an online teaching resource series based on Bron's methods while teaching at the Central Music School and the Kazakh National Conservatory.

Currently, Amir resides in Winnipeg, where he founded the Vitality Quartet. He aims to organize performances throughout Manitoba and establish a Violin Academy focused on the rich teaching traditions of the Soviet Violin School.

Hasmik Avdalyan - Violin

Hasmik Avdalyan is a talented violinist from Armenia. She holds Postgraduate and Master's degrees from the Royal Academy of Music in London, UK and Yerevan State Conservatory in Armenia. Hasmik has succeeded in various prestigious competitions and has performed at numerous musical festivals worldwide. She has had the privilege of working with renowned violinists such as Maxim Vengerov, Silvia Rosenberg, and Lewis Kaplan, among others.
In addition to her performances, Hasmik is deeply dedicated to education. With years of experience as a violin and music teacher, she has also served as the Head of Music at the Haileybury Almaty International School, where she has inspired many students to explore the world of music.
Currently, Hasmik collaborates as a substitute violinist with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) and the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra (MCO). She also teaches at the Winnipeg Conservatory of Music and Groove Academy, where she finds joy in accompanying her students on the piano. Offstage, she enjoys watching movies and spending time with friends and her children.

Paul Baek - Viola

Canadian violinist and violist Paul Baek began his musical journey at age four, inspired by Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. He graduated with honours in Violin Performance from Western University and has shared his talents with orchestras across Southern Ontario. A versatile musician, Paul is skilled in various musical styles, including fiddle, bluegrass, country, opera, choral, pop, and jazz. He has also performed in numerous musical productions, including The Sound of Music, The Last Five Years, Bright Star, and West Side Story. Alongside his performing career, Paul has been a dedicated teacher since 2021, nurturing young musicians. Now residing in Winnipeg, he continues to expand his musical horizons, recently participating in the Rosamunde string program with WSO musicians. Outside of music, Paul enjoys theological and philosophical readings, engaging conversations, Korean cuisine, technology, scenic car rides with podcasts, and lively karaoke sessions.

Gabriella Oliveira - Cello

Gabriella Oliveira is a talented cellist from Brazil with a passion for music since an early age. She studied in Los Angeles under the tutelage of the renowned Polish cellist Marek Szpakiewicz. An accomplished chamber musician, Gabriella has earned several honours as a cellist in various chamber ensembles. She has also performed as a soloist with orchestras in Brazil, Colombia, and the United States.
Gabriella has had the privilege of participating in masterclasses and collaborating with renowned musicians such as Midori Goto, Martin Chalifour, Marin Alsop, Nelson Freire, Giancarlo Guerrero, Antonio Meneses, and Johannes Moser. Additionally, she has performed in major concert venues throughout South America.
Currently based in Winnipeg, Gabriella enjoys performing with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra as a substitute player and is passionate about advocating for music education in South America. Alongside her duo partner, Colombian pianist Hector Pinzon, she teaches and plays recitals for children in underrepresented communities. Offstage, Gabriella finds solace in psychology books, culinary adventures, and singing along to 80s jams.

Fan-En Chiang - Piano

Taiwanese-Canadian pianist, composer, and educator Fan-En Chiang is a multi-talented artist whose achievements have earned him recognition on national and international stages. A top-prize winner in prestigious competitions, Fan-En secured 2nd prize at the Canadian Music Competition, 1st prize at the Manitoba Registered Music Teachers' Association Provincial Scholarship Competition, and was awarded both the Aikins Memorial Trophy (2020) and the Lieutenant Governor's Trophy at the Winnipeg Music Festival.
Fan-En has captivated audiences as a guest artist with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, performing in diverse programs such as Community Celebration, Halloween Spooktacular, and Manitoba Remembers: A COVID Elegy. His artistry was also highlighted as a Virtuosi Young Artist in the celebrated Virtuosi In-Camera Sessions: Ideas from Home.
In 2024, Fan-En completed his Master’s degree in Piano Performance at the University of Manitoba under the guidance of Dr. David Moroz. He also holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition from the same institution, where he studied with esteemed composers Örjan Sandred, Gordon Fitzell, and David Litke. As a composer, Fan-En draws inspiration from an eclectic mix of Western art music, Japanese film scores, and video game soundtracks, creating a unique and modern artistic voice.
In addition to his performance and compositional pursuits, Fan-En is a dedicated educator, teaching piano and music theory to a thriving studio of over 30 students. With over five years of teaching experience, he is passionate about sharing the joy of music-making and fostering a love for the arts in his community.