Janoska Ensemble will perform Friday
Published 3:00 am Thursday, March 16, 2017
The Troy Arts Council will present the Janoska Ensemble in concert at 7 p.m. Friday at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy University. General admission tickets are $20 and $5 for students with an ID. Tickets will be available at the door.
The Janoska Ensemble began its first United States multi-tour in early March with stops to include Troy, New York City, Miami and San Antonio.
As the word spread that the Janoska Ensemble is coming to Troy, people want to know more about this brotherhood with talent embedded in their blood.
John Jinright, TAC presenter chair, said many artists say music is in their blood, figuratively speaking, but the claim by the members of the Janoska Ensemble, just might be true.
The ensemble is made up of three brothers, Ondrej, violinist; Frantisek, pianist; and Roman, violinist; and their brother-in-law, Julius Darvas, double bassist.
“The Janoskas are the sixth generation of a highly musical family so there is plenty of evidence that music is in their DNA,” Jinright said.
The Janoska Ensemble has developed a style of music all its own. A style known as the Janoska Style that includes instrumental traditions passed down in the family from father to son.
This group is really different and exciting, Jinright said. They do something no other classical group is doing -improvisation
“They are all virtuosi and the audience will be amazed at their skill,” he said. “And, they improvise – a skill that used to be a part of classical music but now exists largely in the jazz world. Every concert is different and spontaneous.”
Jinright said it would be hard to imagine dueling violins playing a jazz variation or a Strauss waltz that includes Balkan folk music or a rumba that is reminiscent of Mozart. But, with the Janoska Ensemble, it happens.
“Back in Mozart’s day, most ‘classical’ musicians weren’t afraid to improvise,” Jinright said. “These days you mainly hear improvisation in bluegrass and jazz groups. I’m excited because this group plays with so much heart and soul. Expect to hear some pop, jazz, and folk music mixed in with the classical style.
“And all members of Janoska have a great sense of humor. Expect to hear something unexpected and fun. It will be a great concert. Everyone is invited.”